Bridesmaid Dress Style Tips: How to Coordinate with the Bridal Gown

Once the bride chooses her gown and begins choosing certain décor elements for the ceremony, the next monumental order of business is to choose the perfect bridesmaid dresses. Aside from the shape and style of the dresses, there are many other important elements that need to be considered when choosing these essential wardrobe pieces. The color is especially important because it needs to coordinate with the bride’s gown as well as the color scheme of the ceremony. Read on for some important bridesmaid dress style tips and find out how to properly coordinate with the bridal gown.

Focus on Fabric

Choosing the fabric for your bridesmaids’ dresses is just as important as choosing the color when it comes to coordinating looks. Ideally, you should have all or a large portion of your bridesmaids’ dresses made up of the same fabric you chose for your own gown. Whether it’s lace, chiffon, tulle or satin, nothing says cohesion like making all of the dresses with the same fabrics.

If you don’t want to have the entire dress made of the same fabric as your gown, at least incorporate the fabric into a large portion of the dress so that it looks cohesive.

Coordinating Colors

There are so many elements to consider when choosing the color for your bridesmaids’ dresses. In addition to your gown, you have to take into consideration the season, the color scheme of the ceremony, the theme of the ceremony and even the skin tone of your bridesmaids. While some brides may want to get the gown and bridesmaids’ dresses made in the same color, the most elegant rule is to get them in a different color that either coordinates directly or contrasts in a perfect way.

If your wedding is on the beach, for example, consider pale, natural or muted tones like peach or pink blush for the bridesmaids. On the other hand, if your gown is fun and you want to add a pop of color to the bridal party, go for bold shades of red or rich shades like navy and plum. For a formal aesthetic, consider gray, silver or gold bridesmaid dresses to turn up the elegance and sophistication.

Accents and Accessories

Using accents and accessories is a great way to put a unifying finishing touch on each look. Matching clutches, shoes and accessories like pearl necklaces can tie the looks together perfectly. You can also opt for matching headpieces like floral crowns with matching flowers, embellished barrettes of the same variety, or even use something like a fancy tiara.

Take One for the Team

While some brides want to make all their own decisions, it can be helpful to get your bridesmaids involved in the process of choosing their dresses. You may want to get their input on everything from color to fabric choices, or you may want to choose all the details and have them pick their own styles. Whatever the case, being open and making sure everyone is on the same page will help your bridesmaids stay coordinated and feeling comfortable on the big day.