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It’s crazy how much bridesmaid dress styles have changed over time.
In the ‘70s, it was all about pastel rainbow bridal parties in “sherbet colors.” In the ‘80s, it was all poofy sleeves and TONS of pink.
And now, in the 2020s, the mix & match bridesmaid dress trend is in! (AKA: There’s no need to choose just one dress!)
Mixing and matching bridesmaid dresses isn’t exactly an outrageous new concept. Fashionista brides have been doing this for years! But it’s still one of the best ways to let your ladies show off their individual styles so that you can all live happily ever after.
So grab a glass of rosé and kick back — you’re about to get a crash course on mixing and matching bridesmaid dresses in five ways.
Different Dresses, Same Color
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids DC/Tanya Menoni
Want to keep things simple? The easiest way to mix and match dresses is to choose one color in one fabric from one designer. Then, have every bridesmaid wear that same color but in a different silhouette.
Once you choose your wedding color scheme and fabric, let each bridesmaid pick a style that’s comfortable for her and fits her body type.
If your voluptuous best friend prefers a high neckline, so be it. If your petite little cousin wants a strapless look, tell her to go for it.
You can mix up the sleeve lengths, necklines, and silhouettes with color and fabric consistency.
Bonus tip if you want a bit of harmony: Choose dresses with the same design elements, such as ruffles, hem length, or draped details.
Are you unsure about the color or fabric? Consult with a professional or get inspiration from Real Bella Weddings.
Same Dresses, Two or Three Coordinating Colors
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Long Island
Do you have your heart set on one specific silhouette?
Are you in love with a particular floor-length A-line gown or a certain chic, strapless sheath?
Even if you want all your bridesmaids to wear the same dress on your wedding day, you can still get creative with color.
As the bride, it’s up to you to pick whatever colors you want. But if you want your bridal party to be Pinterest Perfect, choose colors with the same tone and vibe.
For example, you might go with all pastels. Or stick to varied muted tones. You could even go crazy with bold brights!
It’s totally up to you.
The key is to look for color variations that work together.
Different Dresses, Same Texture
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Sacramento/Alexa Woodmancy
Maybe you’re thinking lace bridesmaids dresses for the big day. Perhaps you’re dreaming of sparkling sequins or beaded dresses.
It’s easy to mix and match dresses that share the same texture!
Like with colors, you can put your bridal party in different silhouettes, necklines, and sleeve lengths but keep the same texture.
Choosing dresses with the same finish is one of the easiest ways to create a cool, cohesive look.
Same Dresses, Variety of Colors, Textures, and Patterns
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids San Antonio/Kelsey & Talon Sjostrom
Designers are really good at putting cohesive collections together.
These days, most designers offer a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures in the same silhouette. So to get a bit more creative with your mixing and matching, have all of your bridesmaids wear the same dress in different fabrics and different colors.
Here’s how to pull it off:
Pick one silhouette for everyone in your bridal party to wear. Then mix it up by putting one or two bridesmaids in chiffon, one or two in sequins, etc.
Let the maid of honor stand out in a chic chiffon/sequin combo!
At the same time, look for two or three colors that work well together. That way, you’ll have color variety as well. With the mismatched bridesmaid dress approach, every single bridesmaid can enjoy a completely different look.
Different Dresses, Different Colors, Different Patterns, Different Textures
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Freehold/Nicole Klym
Brides, we already know what you’re thinking … WHAT?!?!
Don’t worry! We’re about to show you exactly how to make this work.
With these tips and tricks, it’s easy peasy.
The key here is to mix silhouettes, colors, patterns, textures, and prints.
To get started, choose two or three consistent colors so your bridesmaids can coordinate with each other.
Some always-chic color combos are:
Next, choose different dress styles in your color palette. Then, start mixing in the fun details like sequins, ruffles, and prints.
If you want to mix in a print, pick at least two for balance. The same goes for sequins. If you love that glitzy sparkle and shine, make sure at least two girls have sequin gowns or, at the minimum, sequin elements or trim.
How to Choose the Perfect Bridesmaid Dresses
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Memphis/Love Jules Photography
The mix-and-match bridesmaid look can go so very right.
So if you’re looking to be the most Insta-gorgeous wedding party of the year, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you shop for dresses:
Choose a Single Starting Point
Find one thing to base your ensemble around and use that as your inspiration.
Saying “I do!” to a single piece will help you stay focused. Once you choose one thing you love, it’s easier to decide on the next one.
It might be a special dress that’s perfect for your maid of honor or a fun accessory that you're dying to incorporate.
It could even be as simple as a color.
Found the perfect shade of blush pink? Build off that to create an ombre palette.
Be Creative, But Be Cohesive
The more you mix and match, the more important it is to keep other elements consistent.
Have all your bridesmaids wear the same jewelry, the same hairstyle, or the same hair accessory. Give them all the same bouquet. If possible, have them all wear the exact same shoes.
The more the dresses vary from ‘maid to ‘maid, the more you’ll want to tie their looks together in other ways.
Do Your Homework
Before you take all of your girls shopping for dresses, do some solo work at home. Or recruit the help of your MOH.
Bridesmaid dress shopping is one of the best parts of wedding planning! But with so many options available, making a decision can be tricky, especially if you’re sipping mimosas while shopping.
Coming in advance for a Preview Appointment at a Bella Bridesmaids showroom will help you narrow down your options. You’ll have the chance to choose some colors and styles, so everyone is on the same page when you bring the squad in later.
Looking for more wedding inspiration? Check out our Bridesmaids Buzz blog!
Conclusion
If you’re excited about mixing and matching bridal party dresses, visit your local Bella store!
One of our stylists will be happy to talk it out and help you find the perfect dresses. We can also match you with color swatches and help you narrow down your ideal wedding party look, whether that’s boho or simplistic blue bridesmaid dresses.
We’ll make your mixed-and-matched wedding party truly chic.
Also, when the wedding is over, we want to see all of your incredible Instagram pics. That includes everything from your gorgeous wedding dress to wedding guests tearing it up on the dance floor!
