All the ladies in the place with style + grace! And…different body types, unique style choices, a range of budgets, and individual personalities. There’s a reason mismatched bridesmaids dresses are practically taking over as the norm. We get it! There is hardly a perfect “Sisterhood of the Traveling Dress” that fits all your girls in both shape + style. It’s helpful for your bridesmaids to choose a dress that fits them in every way and (spoiler!) it’s helpful for you, too. By taking the pressure off finding something that everyone will love, you put the power in their hands. At the end of the day, everyone will look + feel their best—and that’s something to celebrate on the dance floor.
How to Pull off Mismatched Bridesmaids
flowers: Shindig Chic // photo: Jamie Lee English // planner: Details, Darling
So, how do you accomplish a stylishly mismatched lineup and NOT a hodgepodged disaster? The line is THIN, ladies. But here are a few tips to get you well on your way to that Vogue-worthy bridesmaids shot!
- USE PAINT SWATCHES. A fun and sure-fire way to achieve the colors you’re looking for is to show AND tell. Take a trip to your local hardware store and pick out the colors you’re envisioning! Then, make it fun and deliver the swatches to your ladies in a cute package when you ask them to join your bride tribe!
- GIVE SPECIFIC DETAILS. Do you care about the length of the dress? What about fabric—should they avoid tulle or velvet? Are patterns okay? Give them some ideas of what you do + don’t prefer.
- SHARE THE OVERALL VIBE. Is it a boho-chic wedding? Black-tie formal? Make sure they know the overall vibe to help inform the final dress decision.
- SEND EXAMPLES. Visuals are ALWAYS helpful…which is where we come in! Below we’ve got 20+ examples of how to do mismatched bridesmaids dresses the right way. Find your faves and share them with your girls!
Without further ado, let’s hear it for the ladies!
One-Color Wonders
photo: Lilly Red Creative // dresses: Spell
from this Byron Bay Boho Wedding
photo: Haley Rynn Ringo Photography from this Southwestern-Boho Wedding
photo: Lauren Apel Photo // dresses: Free People, Show Me Your Mumu and Free People
from this Moody Wildflower Wedding
flowers: Shindig Chic // photo: Chris and Ruth // planner: Sweet Emilia Jane
photo: Palos Studio // planning + design: Harmony Creative Studio // flowers: Poppy Hill Flowers // bridesmaids dresses: Show Me Your Mumu
photo: Magnolia + Ember // venue: Union Station Nashville
photo: Jenny Smith & Co // planning: Kea Thien // venue: The Ruby Street // florals: Courtney Walden
Colors that Compliment
photo: Jieru Photography // dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
from this Jewel-Toned Autumn Inspiration
photo: Alexandria Monette // planning + design: Fawn Events // florals: Joy of Blooms
photo: Marnie Cornell // dresses: Nordstrom
from this Scandinavian-Inspired Wedding
photo: Gabriel Conover Photography // dresses: Free People, Nordstrom, Reformation, Bebe // florals: Lazaro Floral // hair: Jessica Cerna // makeup: Van Nguyen
Pattern Play
photo: Emily Magers Photography from this Pastel-Hued Wedding
photo: Zibetti Photo & Film // dresses: Natalie Wynn Design
from this Midnight Magic Inspiration
photo: Kami Olavarria
photo: Jenny Smith & Co // planner: Deanna Nash Events // florals: Winston & Main
photo: Lauren Scotti // dresses: GWSxMumu Blush Meadow collection
see more of our bridesmaids dress collection here
Totally Tonal
flowers: Shindig Chic // photo: Ariele Chapman
photo: brittrenephoto from this Pink Palm Springs Wedding
photo: Peyton Byford Photography // design: BASH CO + EVENTS // dresses: Free People, Revolve, ASOS and Socialite
from this Festival-Inspired Wedding
photo: Jenny Smith & Co // planner: Lucky Day Events Co. // florals: Bottles + Blooms
So, which mismatched bridesmaids look is your favorite? For even more ideas, check out our bridesmaid style Pinterest board!