How to Coordinate Mismatched Bridesmaids: A Guide to Color, Texture, & Style

In the world of weddings, the term ‘mismatched bridesmaids’ used to raise eyebrows. But those days are gone! Now, it’s all about personalization and creativity, turning traditional matching bridesmaid dresses into a harmonious yet varied visual feast. 

If you’re planning a wedding and love the idea of mismatched bridesmaids but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. We’reMoore & Co Event Stylists, and we’ve planned stylish weddings in Maryland and beyond. Here’s how you can coordinate mismatched bridesmaids brilliantly by playing with color, texture, patterns, styles, and shades…. with some of our brides as an example!

A white bridal gown hangs in the center, flanked by six mismatched bridesmaid dresses in shades of gold and rose gold with varying textures and levels of sparkle.

Mismatched Bridesmaids Tip #1: Same Color, Different Textures

Choosing one color but varying the textures is a subtle yet stunning way to achieve a mismatched look. This approach allows each bridesmaid to shine in her unique way while maintaining a cohesive appearance across the bridal party.

Tips for mastering this look:

  • Fabric Selection: Decide on a base color and let your bridesmaids choose from fabrics like chiffon, lace, satin, or velvet. For example, if you choose navy blue, one bridesmaid could wear a delicate chiffon gown while another could opt for a rich velvet dress.
  • Keep Accessories Simple: Since the textures are different, it’s wise to unify the look through simple, similar accessories. Think minimal jewelry and identical bouquets or hairpieces.
  • Consider the Season: Texture plays a big role in comfort, so consider the season of your wedding. Velvet might be more appropriate for a winter wedding, while chiffon is perfect for summer festivities.  
  • Keep the length consistent: To ensure a cohesive look among your bridesmaids, it’s important to maintain consistency in dress length. Having one bridesmaid in a short dress while others wear long gowns can disrupt the visual harmony and draw unnecessary attention to the outlier.  Aim for a uniform length, whether it’s floor-length, knee-length, or tea-length, to create a polished and coordinated appearance for your bridal party.

Mismatched Bridesmaids Tip #2: Same Color, Different Patterns and Styles

Incorporating different patterns and styles in the same color scheme is perfect for a bold and lively bridal party look. This option offers a lot of room for personality and is particularly great for eclectic or boho-themed weddings.

Tips for mastering this look:

  • Pattern Play: Choose a primary color and let your bridesmaids select different patterns in that hue. For instance, if your chosen color is blush pink, variations could range from floral and stripes to polka dots.
  • Style Variations: Encourage your bridesmaids to pick styles that flatter their body shapes. A-line, empire, and mermaid cuts can all look cohesive if they’re in the same color family.
  • Balance is Key: If patterns are busy, balance them out with solid colors or simpler patterns. This prevents the overall look from becoming overwhelming and keeps the aesthetic pleasing to the eye.
 A wedding party, including a bride in a white dress and several bridesmaids in long, light pink dresses, stands at the entrance of a building with a cylindrical structure on the right.

Image courtesy of Luke and Cat Photography.

Mismatched Bridesmaids Tip #3: Same Color, Different Shades

Opting for different shades of the same color is perhaps the easiest way to coordinate mismatched bridesmaids. It’s visually appealing and effortlessly chic, creating a beautiful gradient effect.

Tips for mastering this look:

  • Color Palette: Choose a base color and select shades that range from light to dark. For example, a palette of blues can have sky blue, royal blue, and navy.
  • Dress Styles: To enhance the gradient effect, consider arranging the bridesmaids in order from lightest to darkest based on their standing order near the bride.
  • Unified Elements: To keep the look cohesive, have all bridesmaids wear the same style of shoes or similar hairstyles. This continuity will help in tying the different shades together beautifully.
A group of bridesmaids and two flower girls, all in varying shades of pink and gold dresses, smiling and holding bouquets.

Image courtesy of Suzanne Jakes Photography.

Final thoughts on cohesive mismatched bridal parties

Mismatched bridesmaids are all about celebrating individuality while creating a unified aesthetic. Whether you mix textures, patterns, styles, or shades, the key is to maintain elements that tie the looks together, such as color intensity, accessory style, or bouquet design. With these tips, each of your bridesmaids will feel comfortable and confident, and your wedding photos will look stunningly coordinated. Happy planning!

Looking for a wedding event stylist and planner in Maryland?

 At Moore & Co Events, we offer customizable packages to fit your vision and budget. Our experienced wedding planning team specializes in making your dream wedding a reality, ensuring every detail is perfect, from floral arrangements to place settings. Whether it’s a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, we provide exceptional service to make your day unforgettable. With our network of vendors and attention to detail, we handle logistics so you can enjoy every moment. Let’s create a day that reflects your love story beautifully.

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Blog cover image courtesy of Sarah Murray Photography & Nate Bittinger.