You have the ring, the date, and the venue. Now, you are staring at a sea of Pantone swatches, wondering how on earth there are 12 different versions of “blush.” Planning a wedding involves making a million tiny decisions, one of which is picking the color your best friends will wear standing next to you. You want them to look beautiful, feel comfortable, and complement your overall vision without stealing the show.
It is a delicate balancing act. Color theory is real, and it can be your best friend or your worst enemy when you’re styling your bridal party. Finding that sweet spot between your personal taste and what actually looks good on your squad requires a bit of strategy. We are here to help you navigate the wheel of hues, shades, tints, and tones so you can tick this big task off your to-do list. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress color for your theme.
Let the Venue and Season Be Your Guide
Context is everything in fashion. For example, a color that looks stunning in a rustic barn might feel completely out of place in a gilded ballroom. So before you fall in love with a specific swatch, consider the environment where the photos will happen.
For spring and summer nuptials, soft pastels and airy hues usually reign supreme. Think of colors like sage, dusty peach, periwinkle, or a soft romance pink. These shades reflect the natural light and blooming florals typical of the season. Conversely, fall and winter weddings call for richer, more saturated tones. Deep jewel tones such as emerald, midnight blue, aubergine, and claret create a sense of warmth and luxury against a starker backdrop.
Additionally, look at the existing colors in your venue. If the carpet in your banquet hall has a busy pattern of deep reds and golds, putting your girls in a clashing hot pink is likely not the move. You want the dresses to harmonize with the surroundings, the table linens, the floral arrangements, and the architectural details.
Decode Skin Tones and Undertones
Your bridesmaids probably have a diverse range of complexions, even if the differences are subtle. This is where things get tricky. A shade that makes one friend glow might make another look washed out. If you have a bridal party with varied skin tones, you need a color that acts as a universal flatterer.
Generally, jewel tones are safe bets. Colors like deep navy, emerald green, rich burgundy, and charcoal gray tend to look fantastic on all skin tones, from the palest to the darkest. On the other hand, mustard yellows, any kind of neon, and pale nudes are notoriously difficult to pull off for everyone.
If your heart is set on a difficult color, consider the specific undertone of the fabric. A cool-toned pink might work better than a warm, peachy pink for certain groups. Holding swatches up to your bridesmaids’ faces in natural light is the best way to test this.
Learn How Texture Changes the Game
Color does not exist in a vacuum; surface texture affects how we perceive it. The exact same dye lot will look completely different on satin than it does on chiffon, velvet, or crepe.
For instance, satin and silk reflect light, which tends to make colors look lighter, brighter, and punchier. Conversely, matte fabrics like chiffon or crepe absorb light. This makes the color appear deeper, richer, more muted, and slightly darker.
Therefore, if you are mixing fabrics, be aware that the colors won’t match perfectly, even if they have the same name. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, mixing textures can add depth and visual interest to your lineup. Just make sure you do it intentionally rather than accidentally.
Consider Going With a Mismatched Palette
Gone are the days when every bridesmaid had to look like a carbon copy of the next. The mismatched trend is here to stay, and it solves a lot of problems.
Here are a few ways to execute this look without it looking messy:
- Same color, different styles: Pick one specific color and let each bridesmaid choose the neckline and silhouette that suit her body type.
- Tonal gradient: Choose a color family, such as blue, and let your girls wear different shades of it.
- The sunset palette: Pick distinct but complementary colors that share the same intensity, such as terracotta, rust, gold, and sage green.
Coordinate With the Groom and Groomsmen
Your bridal party is a set. The bridesmaids’ dresses need to make sense next to the groomsmen’s attire. If the guys are wearing black tuxedos, almost any color works. However, if they are in gray, tan, navy, or brown suits, you need to check for clashing undertones.
For example, a gray suit can look strange next to certain beige or champagne dresses. Likewise, a navy suit looks sharp with pinks and greens but might blend in too much with dark blue dresses.
Pro Tip
After doing some basic color coordination, you can tie the look together by having the groomsmen wear ties or pocket squares that match the bridesmaid dresses.
Trust the Experts
Ultimately, seeing the dresses in person beats staring at a screen. Fabric swatches are helpful, but seeing the full drape of a gown makes the decision much clearer.
At Alexandra’s Boutique, we carry a massive selection of designer bridesmaid dresses in-store to suit every theme. We stock top labels, including Christina Wu Celebrations, Morilee, Allure, Bari Jay, Daymor, and many more. With sizes ranging from 0 to 30+ and hundreds of color options, you will find the perfect fit for your entire squad.
Ready to Find Your Palette?
Choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress color for your theme is a great step toward building a cohesive, beautiful wedding look. Once you nail down the shade, everything else, from the flowers to the linens, falls into place.
Don’t let the pressure of the decision weigh you down. Gather your girls, bring your inspiration board, and let us help you style the perfect bridal party. Whether you are looking for the timeless elegance of a darker sheath dress or the romantic flow of a pastel A-line gown, our consultants can guide you to the right choice.
Book a bridesmaid appointment at Alexandra’s Boutique today!