Plenty of mismatched bridesmaids walked down the aisles across the world last year – and it looks like this year will be very similar when it comes to this lovely trend. We’re here to tell you how to pull it off perfectly with 7 easy fashion tips.
Here’s a scenario – you found an absolutely stunning bridesmaid dress in the sales… it’s so beautiful, you’d wear it yourself if you didn’t already have a bridal gown. The problem? There are only two left, one of them five sizes too big, and you have four bridesmaids. What to do?
Here’s another scenario – you stumbled upon a fantastic dress on eBay, but it’s from a few seasons ago, and you’re going grey trying to find two more. What to do?
Or, how about this – you found a rack full of perfect dresses. They’re gorgeous, the right colour, and all the sizes under the sun. What’s the but? You just can’t afford three of it. What to do?
Above from top: Navy and white bridesmaid dresses on Ruffled | Dresses by AtelierSignature on Etsy
You get creative and come up with an even better solution, that’s what. That solution is – mismatch! You can get fantastic results with a little bit of clever planning, and we’re here to tell you all about it.
Problem – you only have one dress
Solution – instead of looking for perfect matches, pick one thing about it and match to that. It could be the length, the style of the neckline, the fabric, or something in the design (for example, lace sleeves).
Problem – you can’t find anything that matches your wedding colours
Solution – don’t match the exact hue, go for similar colours. Is your wedding green and gold? Go for several shades of green. Your bridesmaids will wear different dresses in different shades of green and will still look like you meant it that way. Win.
Above from top: Mismatched urban bridesmaids from tulleandchantilly.com | Dresses by AtelierSignature on Etsy | Mismatched bridesmaids with brown belts from layersoflovelyblog.com
Problem – you’re ok with the whole mismatching thing, but still want the girls to look a little similar
Solution – accessories to the rescue. There’s an added bonus here – it’s usually really inexpensive (unless only Tiffany’s brooches will do). Ideas: same colour pashmina wraps (about €5 each on eBay), little cardigans, belts and sashes, elbow length gloves, ropes of pearls, identical purses…
Problem – you like the look of separates
Solution – that’s great! Have them wear one identical thing. For example – you buy them all the same top or the same skirt, and they choose the rest in an agreed colour.
Above from top: Pastel mismatched bridesmaids from Yvonne & Richard’s real wedding by Michelle Prunty Photography | Pastel mismatched bridesmaids from A Bryan Photo
Problem – your bridesmaids are bloomin’ picky
Solution – let them show you the dresses they like, then find similar ones in the same or close enough colour. Different styles in a matching colour work beautifully, as does the opposite – a similar style in different colours.
Problem – mismatching the girls is going to look great, but you’d like the maid of honour to stand out a bit more
Solution – it’s perfectly ok to have your MOH wear something completely different. After all, she has a special role. Agree on what the other bridesmaids will be wearing, then decide the MOH’s outfit. It can even echo your own dress, for example if you’re wearing a lace bolero and a floor-length gown, get something similar for your MOH.
Above from top: Spring mismatched bridesmaid dresses by AtelierSignature on Etsy | Mismatched summer bridesmaids from thebridelink.com
Problem – you don’t mind, really, you just want the girls to be happy and feel good (ok, so this isn’t really a problem)
Solution – let them freestyle (within your budget if you’re paying for it, of course – and establish some rules), and give them all matching flowers or buy them matching shoes.
Before any dresses are bought, be sure to gather together photos of what’s chosen and see them side by side – this will give you a good idea of what it will look like on the day, and you’ll also see right away whether the matching accessories will work. All that’s left to do now is wait for your wedding photos to see how gorgeous you all looked together!
Above: Real wedding by loughranweddings.com
Main image from Aoife & Mark’s real wedding by Michelle Prunty
