Mauve vs. Dusty Rose Wedding Colors (+ How to Mix and Match)

Photo: Bella Memphis / Taylor Square

Dress: Amsale Styles in Mauve and Thistle

You’ve proposed to your bridesmaids. You’ve chosen your maid of honor. You’re currently spending every spare moment you have scrolling through social media for the best-ever bridal inspo.

You know what that means? 

You’re in full-on bride mode!

It also means that you’re about to experience the most fun part of planning the big day:

Dress shopping for the most gorgeous bridesmaid dresses of all time!

There are sooo many colors to choose from, and if you know you’re ready to have a pretty-in-pink moment, there are two shades we’re loving right now:

Mauve and dusty rose.

But is one better than the other?

Can you pair them together?

Can you mix and match them with other colors?

Whether you’re wearing a simple lace wedding dress or planning to walk down the aisle in an aesthetic organza ballgown, here’s how to mix and match mauve and dusty rose, both together and with other colors.

Dusty Rose vs. Mauve: What’s the Difference?

Photo: Kelly Hornberger

Dusty rose and mauve are similar in many ways, yet different in others.

In a way, these two colors are kind of like Khloe Kardashian. There's the 2009 Odom Khloe, and then there’s the Revenge Body and momma Khloe that’s gracing us with her fabulousness now.

We love them both, but they’re slightly different!  

(Sorry, we’re a bit distracted by the fact that our favorite queens of Calabasas are ending their show. We suppose we’ll have to find a new guilty pleasure to take its place!)

Back to colors …

Both mauve and dusty pink are pastel shades. They’re light in tone, somewhat muted, and undeniably romantic. 

The biggest distinction is that dusty rose has pink undertones, while mauve has a bit more of a lilac hue.

One of the things we love about both of these tones is that they work for any type of wedding. They’re also super-flattering on different skin tones.

Ankle-length, tea-length, or knee-length, mauve and dusty rose dresses can be paired together. Because they’re in the same color family, they’re easy to mix together or with other muted pastels for spring and summer weddings.

They’re also easy to team with autumn tones such as yellow, green, and brown.

Whether you’re considering dressing your girls in cap sleeves, short sleeves, or strapless gowns, it’s easy to find mauve and dusty rose dresses in every neckline, sleeve length, and silhouette.

Can’t decide which shade to choose? 

Gather swatches of both and have fun teaming them with different color combos until you find the one that’s perfect for your big day!

Both Mix and Match with Shades of Grey

Photo: Bella Birmingham / Katie and Alec

Dress: Dessy 1513 in Dusty Rose

Dusty rose and mauve both look amazing paired with shades of grey.

If your groomsmen are wearing light grey suits for a summer event or dark grey suits for a fall or winter wedding, either rose or mauve will be the perfect complement and contrast.

Picture a floor-length A-line gown with a simple V-neckline in a pale shade of dusty pink or mauve …

That’s surely going to be a gorgeous wedding party!

Not sure if you should style your girls in satin dresses, flowing crepe, or soft chiffon? 

Dusty rose and mauve look amazing in any and every fabric. 

Continue the theme throughout the bridal party’s ensemble and add dusty pink or mauve sashes to your flower girl dresses to make the little ones perfectly coordinated with the older girls.

Shop our collection of bridesmaid dresses!

Pair Dusty Rose Bridesmaid Dresses With Burgundy

Photo: Bella Raleigh / Krystal Kast

Dress: Hayley Paige 5900 in Dusty Rose

Dark burgundy flowers make for a stunning bouquet, and a dark bouquet makes for a jaw-dropping contrast against dusty rose. You can also create a mixed-and-matched bridal party by dressing a few of your girls in this dusty shade and a few in elegant burgundy gowns.  

Because this color combo is rather dramatic, we love the idea of choosing simple, elegant bridesmaid dresses. A sleeveless A-line dress with a high neck is sure to get oohs and aahs from your guests (and be well-received by your ‘maids!)

Going for a more glamorous look? 

Burgundy is always a popular wedding color, so you can have fun choosing from lots of fabulous dresses with beading, sequins, appliques, or embellishments.

Pleated and ruched in English net or backless with criss-cross straps in soft chiffon, dusty rose and burgundy bridesmaid dresses always go together.

We’re Loving Mauve Bridesmaid Dresses With Dusty Blue

Photo: Bella Indy / Nathaniel Edmunds

Dresses: Watters 641 in Heather, Rue in Lilac, Lucy in French Blue

Purple and blue are adjacent to one another on the color wheel, and that means they’re in perfect harmony, just like you and your spouse-to-be!

If you’re leaning towards mauve as your main wedding color, consider pairing it with dusty blue (check out our favorite dusty blue bridesmaid dresses here).

You can create an amazing mixed-and-matched wedding party by choosing a combination of one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, and halter necklines. The more variety you show, the more each bridesmaid will stand out in her own way.

Ready to take it a step further?

Mix and match your girls in velvet bridesmaid dresses, chiffon bridesmaid dresses, and lace bridesmaid dresses to create a color-coordinated bridal party that’s also rich with texture.

Mix and Match Dusty Rose With Green and Brown

Photo: Peyton Rainey Byford

Dusty rose looks ah-ma-zing paired with shades of green and brown.

For a summer wedding, choose midi dresses with spaghetti straps and a high-low hem. For a rustic fall event, opt for flattering A-line gowns with long sleeves. To keep it timelessly chic, opt for long bridesmaid dresses with simple bateau necklines or deep V-necks.

Dusty rose also looks gorgeous paired with deeper shades of rose and cinnamon hues. You can add these colors into your palette to make your fall celebration one that no one will ever forget.

Dusty rose, green, and brown is the perfect color combo if you’re getting married outdoors in a garden or a countryside setting. The natural backdrop of the landscape will naturally tie in with your color palette!

To complete this look to perfection, have your bridesmaids carry fresh green bouquets and decorate your tables and place settings in shades of tan, beige, and taupe with pretty rose linens.