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Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Nashville | Madeleine Tate
It’s crazy how much bridesmaid dress styles and trends have changed over time. One bigger than ever right now is the mix & match bridesmaid dress trend.
Mixing and matching bridesmaid dresses isn’t an outrageous new concept. Pastel rainbow bridal parties were huge in the ‘70s. Fashion-forward brides in the 2000s embraced the concept yet again, mastering the art of combining different colors, prints, and silhouettes in chiffon, sequin, and satin bridesmaid dresses.
Yet, as the trend continues, some brides find it tricky to create a cohesive wedding party in mixed and matched looks.
The good news is:
It’s not!
And there are many ways — including some very easy ways — to get in on the trend.
Here’s how to mix and match bridesmaid dresses to create a wedding party that will look stunning in person and in photos for decades to come:
Different Dresses, Same Color
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Mobile | Kate Greer Martin
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, every bridesmaid can wear that same color in a different silhouette.
Once you choose your wedding color scheme and fabric, let each bridesmaid pick a style that she finds comfortable and flattering to 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, fabric, and hem consistency. The one thing you never want to mix and match is hem lengths, so stick to all full-length gowns or all midi dresses.
Bonus tip if you want a bit of harmony:
Choose dresses with the same design elements, such as ruffles, hem length, or draped details.
Discover the perfect fabrics for your girls in our post: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Bridesmaid Dress Fabrics
Same Dresses, Two or Three Coordinating Colors
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids | Krista K
Do you have your heart set on one specific silhouette? Are you in love with a particular floor-length A-line gown or a 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 wedding party to be Pinterest Perfect, choose colors with the same tone and vibe.
For example, you could 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 Madison | Lisa Blanche
Maybe you’re thinking about lace bridesmaids’ dresses for the big day. Perhaps you’re dreaming of sparkling sequins or beaded dresses. Or maybe you’re going for a more easy, breezy, effortless look with chiffon bridesmaid dresses with a soft, romantic vibe.
No matter what fabric you love, mixing and matching dresses with the same texture is easy!
Like with colors, you can put your wedding 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 | Leslie Hollingsworth
Designers are really good at putting cohesive collections together.
Nowadays, most designers offer various colors, patterns, and textures in the same silhouette. So, to get more creative with your mixing and matching, have all 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 bridesmaid can enjoy a completely different look.
Different Dresses, Different Colors, Different Patterns, Different Textures
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham | Olivia B.
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 simple.
Mixing silhouettes, colors, patterns, textures, and prints is key. 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, mix 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 fabrics like satin and sequins. If you love that glitzy sparkle and slick shine, make sure at least two girls wear gowns in that fabric.
View our favorite bridesmaid dresses by type!
Rustic | Casual | Long-Sleeve | Pastel | Boho | Beachy | Whimsical
How To Choose the Perfect Bridesmaid Dresses
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Oklahoma City | Madison Ifland
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, deciding on the next one is easier.
It might be a special dress perfect for your maid of honor or a fun accessory you're excited to incorporate.
It could even be as simple as a color.
Found the perfect shade of pink or sage?
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, it can feel overwhelming at first.
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.
Shop all of our bridesmaid dresses now!
If you’re excited about mixing and matching different styles or colors, visit your local Bella showroom today!
One of our stylists will be happy to talk it out and help you find the perfect dresses. We can match you with color swatches and help you find your ideal bridal party look.
We’ll make your mixed-and-matched wedding party truly chic!
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