One of the most exciting and fun aspects of planning a wedding is choosing the perfect bridesmaid dresses. As a bride, you want your closest friends and family members to look stunning and feel confident on your special day.
To ensure a cohesive and visually appealing wedding, it’s essential to coordinate the bridesmaid dresses with your wedding theme. You wouldn’t want your bridal party decked out in cowgirl boots and white linen dresses, after all, if you’re throwing an English garden wedding! Coordination is key, and pulling off just the right look can be tricky sometimes, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re going for a traditional, modern, bohemian, or offbeat style, here are some best practices to help you achieve a harmonious and stylish look for your bridal party.
Understanding Your Wedding Theme
Before diving into the world of bridesmaid dress shopping, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your wedding theme. This understanding will guide you in selecting bridesmaid dresses that align with your vision. Are you envisioning a romantic garden wedding, a glamorous black-tie affair, or a whimsical beach ceremony complete with a tiki bar and volleyball?
Knowing the overall style and atmosphere you want to create will serve as the foundation for coordinating your bridesmaid dresses. Consider elements such as color palette, venue, and overall ambiance to ensure a seamless coordination.
It’s also important that once you’ve committed to your theme, don’t change it up! Second-guessing your choices is an easy way to end up with a chaotic, thrown-together mess of a wedding. You are going to have to learn to say no and stick to your vision, no matter what you see on Pinterest.
Choosing a Color Scheme
Color plays a significant role in setting the tone for your wedding. It’s essential to choose a color scheme that complements your wedding theme while considering your bridesmaids’ preferences and skin tones.
If you have a specific color palette for your wedding, select shades that harmonize with it. For example, if your wedding theme revolves around pastel hues, opt for soft and delicate shades like blush, mint, or lavender for your bridesmaid dresses. If you prefer a bolder color scheme, vibrant tones like emerald, sapphire, or burgundy can create a striking impact.
Remember to strike a balance between your wedding theme and your bridesmaids’ individual styles to ensure their comfort and happiness.
Coordinating Styles
While it’s essential to have a cohesive look, allowing some variation in bridesmaid dress styles can add interest and accommodate different body types and personal preferences. Consider choosing a dress silhouette or neckline that flatters most of your bridesmaids.
An A-line or empire waist dress, for instance, tends to be universally flattering. If you want to add more variety, you can select dresses with different sleeve lengths or skirt styles while keeping the overall color and fabric consistent.
This approach will create a visually pleasing effect and allow each bridesmaid to express her personal style. By finding the right balance between uniformity and individuality, you’ll achieve a cohesive and harmonious look for your bridal party.
Embracing Mix-and-Match
One popular trend in recent years is embracing mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses. This approach allows each bridesmaid to wear a dress that suits her body shape and personal taste while maintaining a cohesive look. To achieve a harmonious mix-and-match style, choose a unifying element such as color, fabric, or length.
You can opt for the same color palette with different shades or select dresses in different but complementary colors. Another option is to choose dresses with different patterns or textures within the same color family.
This versatile approach allows your bridesmaids to feel comfortable and confident while adding visual interest to your bridal party. With mix-and-match dresses, you can create a visually dynamic and captivating look that perfectly complements your wedding theme.
Incorporating Unique Details
To add an extra touch of charm and uniqueness to your bridesmaid dresses, consider incorporating unique details that reflect your wedding theme. This can be done through accessories, such as belts, sashes, or brooches, that tie into your overall color scheme or theme.
If you’re having a vintage-inspired wedding, adding lace or delicate embroidery to the dresses can enhance the old-world charm. For a bohemian or rustic wedding, floral prints or natural sustainable fabrics like chiffon or linen can create a relaxed and organic feel.
By paying attention to these small yet significant details, you’ll create a cohesive and personalized look that showcases your wedding theme. These unique details will elevate your bridesmaid dresses and make them truly special.
If you are stumped for (or overwhelmed with) ideas, Wedding Wire suggests logging off of the internet for a while and spending time at your favorite restaurant, book shop, bar, or even in your own home.
What are the little things about those places that you like so much, and how can you incorporate those warm feelings into your wedding? And what kinds of bridesmaids dresses do you think would look at home?
Conclusion:
Coordinating bridesmaid dresses with your wedding theme is an exciting process that allows you to infuse your unique style and vision into your bridal party.
By understanding your wedding theme, choosing a color scheme, coordinating dress styles, embracing mix-and-match, and incorporating unique details, you’ll create a visually stunning and cohesive look that perfectly complements your special day.
Remember, while coordination is important, it’s equally vital to prioritize the comfort and happiness of your bridesmaids. When everyone feels beautiful and confident, your wedding will be even more magical and memorable. Happy dress shopping!