By Laura Firenze
The chorus line of perfectly matched bridesmaids is so old-fashioned. For a contemporary wedding, it looks much fresher when the bridesmaids coordinate without wearing the exact same dress. Learn how to mix and match bridesmaid dresses in a way that will look modern and cohesive at the same time.
The key to successfully mixing and matching bridesmaid dresses and accessories is to choose a few main elements that will be the same throughout. That will ensure that the bridal party looks like a group, even as each woman is able to express her individual taste. Without any sort of unifying elements, the bridesmaids will not look like a group at all, more like wedding guests. Good choices for an element to carry throughout the entire bridal party include color, shape of dress, style of dress (cocktail, preppy, beachy, etc.) or fabric. The same idea works well for the accessories -- choose unique bridesmaid jewelry with something in common, such as the type of gems.
One very popular trend these days is to mix and match convertible bridesmaid dresses. These are also called twist wrap dresses because the tops are designed so that they can be styled into a wide variety of necklines. Simply choose one color and skirt length, and let your bridesmaids make their own decision about how to wrap the dress into their favorite design. It is a very easy way to create a unified look for the entire bridal party while allowing each woman to wear a style in which she feels comfortable. This is also a great solution when the bridesmaids have very different figures; the bridesmaid with the supermodel figure can twist her dress into a halter with an open back, while the ladies who prefer more coverage can arrange their dresses to have wider straps and higher backs.
Patterned bridesmaid dresses have become more popular in recent years. Allowing each bridesmaid to mix it up and choose her own dress is great because a large group of women wearing the same pattern can be overwhelming. There will naturally be an eclectic vibe to an assorted collection of patterned dresses, so this option is best for less formal weddings. Consider it for garden weddings, those with a homespun flair, shabby chic weddings and so on. Select a general guideline, such as prints which are predominantly green or a design idea such as Liberty prints to give the group some sort of unity. Unique bridesmaid jewelry will be the perfect finishing touch.
Another variation on the mix and match bridesmaid dress theme is to choose one color family from which each woman may choose. Colors such as pink and blue tend to work very well for this because all shades of pink look good together, and the same is generally true of blue. Request that your bridesmaids select dresses with a general skirt length, such as knee length or floor length so that they all have a similar degree of formality. This concept can be used for formal weddings as well as more casual celebrations. Create bouquets for your attendants which incorporate several shades of your color family as a lovely way to further unify the group. The effect will be absolutely lovely.
Mix and match bridesmaids dresses is a trend that definitely has staying power. Bridesmaids are less and less willing to dress up like a row of Rockettes, and ultimately, they will look their best when allowed to choose a dress that suits their own taste and figure. Perhaps best of all, the mix and match approach frees brides from the age-old dilemma of trying to find a single bridesmaid dress that will look beautiful on a diverse group of women.
Laura is interested in wedding planning and wedding trends including jewelry, receptions and gifts. Unique bridesmaid jewelry is the perfect way to thank your attendants for being a part of your wedding. Order your bridesmaid gifts from silverlandjewelry.com, and receive free shipping on your jewelry order over $129.
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