The Bridal Guide to Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

Although identical bridesmaid dresses are still a popular choice for bridal parties, the rise in mismatched bridesmaid dresses reveals a lot about our modern day brides. With an eye for creativity and an appreciation for diversity, these brides have embraced the appeal of unique style and color combinations, as well as the drive to provide flattering looks for each of their bridesmaids. Wondering how to do mismatched bridesmaid dresses the right way? It’s all about coordinating bridesmaid dresses in a way that mixes and matches complementary colors and styles to create a unified vision that suits your wedding theme. Did that last sentence feel a little intimidating? Don’t worry! Avery Austin is here to break it all down for you and give you some mix and match bridesmaid dress inspiration. To start, let’s dive into some of the perks to coordinating mismatched bridesmaid dresses, then we’ll explore some popular ways to approach this trend. Prefer to jump right to the topic that interests you most? Just click on a heading below to skip ahead to the information you want first:

The Perks to Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
How to Do Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
How to Avoid Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses Gone Wrong

The Perks to Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

When you choose to coordinate mismatched bridesmaid dresses, you’re not just hopping on a popular bridal trend. You’re really about to mix and match bridesmaid dresses to suit your unique wedding theme and each special member of your bridal party. Here’s what you really gain by taking the leap into mismatched bridesmaid dresses:

• Creative Expression: Consider yourself an artist because piecing together a gorgeous array of colors, prints, textures, and styles in a new way is so creative and empowering! There are seemingly limitless combinations just waiting to be pieced together in new, fun ways, so in a way, coordinating mismatched bridesmaid dresses is like creating your own work of art.
  
• Gorgeous Photography: Remember that work of art we just talked about? Imagine how amazing it will be when photographed! You can easily see the impact with a simple image search on mismatched bridesmaid dresses…there are so many stunning arrays of color and style combinations, and they can be so incredibly pleasing to the eyes! The photographic possibilities are definitely something to keep in mind when you plan to mix and match bridesmaid dresses.
• Happy Bridal Party: This is especially important when you know these special people have got your back through your whole bridal journey! Finding unique color and style combinations that flatter each bridesmaid AND still coordinates with the other bridesmaid dresses is incredibly satisfying on so many levels. Not only does it feel great to know that each bridesmaid is going to feel comfortable and beautiful on the wedding day, but having the satisfaction of knowing you pulled it all together into one gorgeous, cohesive look is the cherry on top! But you’re not the only one who’s going to be happy about the process. Your bridal party will be so psyched about having gowns that suit them.

The whole idea of mismatched bridesmaid dresses just sounds exciting, right? And it’s not a difficult process to coordinate the mismatched bridesmaid dresses either, especially with the tips below!

How to Do Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

Start by deciding on the one or two design details of your mismatched bridesmaid dresses that will tie them all together. Is there a unifying detail you had in mind? It could be the style, color, or fabric, for example. Once you know what you want to keep the same to coordinate all of the bridesmaid dresses, then you’ll have a better idea of what can be “mismatched” or personalized by each of your bridesmaids. Let’s take a look at some common mismatched bridesmaid dress approaches to help you decide what works best for your wedding day vision.

Same Style, Limitless Color Possibilities
With this approach to mismatched bridesmaid dresses, your whole bridal party will be wearing the same exact dress style, but the bridesmaids will be in different colors. Generally, the matching style is the design detail that ties the whole look together, but the way you coordinate the colors of the mismatched bridesmaid dresses can also create a unique, cohesive look that’s picture perfect! Here are some ways you can explore the almost limitless color possibilities:

• Complementary Color Pairings: Remember the color wheel? Complementary colors are the ones that are on the opposite side of each other on the wheel. By choosing one color on each side of the wheel for your mismatched bridesmaid dresses, you’ll have a two tone array of beautiful complementary colors. Pro Tip: Try to keep things balanced. Having an equal number of each shade creates the most visually pleasing result. The exception to this rule of thumb? Having your Maid of Honor wear one color to stand out against the rest of the bridesmaids wearing the other color.
• Tonal Hues: This strategy for coordinating mismatched bridesmaid dresses is all about creating a beautiful ombre effect with one color. For example, perhaps the color you’ve chosen for your bridal party is blue. Imagine a range of blue shades from pale sky blue to dark navy or midnight blue, going from the palest to the darkest hue when lined up for photos. Absolutely stunning! This approach to a color mix and match for bridesmaid dresses can be done with any color just as long as your bridal party members each chose a different hue from the spectrum.
• Bright or Dark Hues: Instead of telling your bridesmaid the color, you could tell them to only choose a bright color or a dark color. Imagine how fun an array of vibrant and colorful mismatched bridesmaid dresses would be on a beautiful sunny day or how elegant an arrangement of mismatched bridesmaid dresses in muted hues would be, especially for a fall or winter celebration.

For even more tips on bridesmaid dress color coordination, check out Avery Austin’s blog about mixing or matching bridesmaid dress colors.

Same Color, Endless Fashion Fun
This approach to mismatched bridesmaid dresses makes the color the unifying element but allows a variety of styles across the bridal party. This is especially a favorite for bridesmaids of different body types who likely will find different dress silhouettes and features flattering. Here are a few ways you could mix and match bridesmaid dresses by style:

• Silhouettes: From flattering a-line to curve-hugging mermaid, dress silhouettes look great on different body types, so it’s no surprise that some of your bridesmaids might prefer one type of silhouette over others. Chat with your bridal party and find out who prefers sheath, mermaid, a-line, etc., then visualize how the different silhouettes might look together when your bridal party is assembled for photos. Play with the balance by shifting everyone around and work together to coordinate the mismatched bridesmaid dresses in a way that is both flattering for them and stunning in the pictures. Want to learn more about dress silhouettes? Check out Avery Austin’s guide to wedding dress silhouettes (bridesmaid dresses are available in the same shapes!).
• Necklines: No, not every bridesmaid is going to be happy about strapless gowns! Giving your bridal party a chance to choose a neckline that makes them comfortable can make a world of difference in their comfort. While some might choose the classic strapless neckline, others might prefer one-shoulder, off-the-shoulder, v-neck, and more! If you have concerns about modesty for your ceremony, be sure to set the guidelines regarding any sexier neckline options right from the start. To learn more about different types of necklines, see Avery Austin’s guide to different wedding dress neckline types (bridesmaid dresses feature these necklines too!) so you can be prepared to approve or decline certain types of necklines based on your wedding vibe.
• Sleeves and Straps: Some bridesmaids might prefer a little more coverage and support while others might find certain types of straps or sleeves too tight or restrictive for their body shapes. Helping your bridal party mix and match their bridesmaid dresses by strap or sleeve type can go a long way to achieving both comfort and superb style variety. Sleeves can vary by length and shape (puff, tulip, flutter), and straps can vary by thickness and placement (halter, off-the-shoulder, etc.). Since wedding dress sleeve and strap styles come in the same variety as that of bridesmaid gowns, you can check out Avery Austin’s guide to wedding dress sleeve types and the guide to wedding dress strap types to explore all of the possibilities.

Other Creative Ways to Coordinate Mismatched Dresses
While color and style are the main ways to mix and match bridesmaid dresses, that’s not the only way to dive into this bridal party trend! Here are a few more creative ways to coordinate mismatched bridesmaid dresses.

• Consider the Fabric: Whether you choose to keep all of your bridesmaids in the same fabric as your unifying detail or you want a variety of fabrics as the part that gets mixed, the visual effect of different bridal fabrics cannot be understated. From velvet and satin to lace and chiffon, each fabric strikes a different vibe, and the different ways they can be mixed and matched for your bridesmaid dresses offers a unique opportunity for the creative bride. Although the following guide is geared toward wedding dress fabrics, we recommend taking a look at Avery Austin’s wedding dress fabric guide if you’d like to learn more about common bridal fabrics that can also be used in bridesmaid dresses. If you have a good idea of the weight and drape of each type of fabric, it makes it easier to coordinate your mismatched bridesmaid dresses in a way that is both comfortable and visually showstopping!
• Mix Textures and Embellishments: From ruching and pleats to sequins and embroidery, there are so many textures and embellishments to explore! Consider how a dash of sparkle from beading here and a gorgeous cascade of ruffles there might be able to come together to create a gorgeous work of mismatched bridesmaid dress art! The key to success here is to put these different textures and embellishments together visually to make sure they all work together well. That might mean putting together a digital visual or printed off collage with the dress styles or, if you’re able to do so, gathering the dress samples together in person. Avery Austin’s Try at Home Program can help with the latter! You can choose up to three different styles to have your bridesmaids try on at home, so you really can compare those textures and embellishments in person.
• Explore the Powers of Prints: Colorful prints can be used strategically when coordinating mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Your Maid of Honor could wear a print bridesmaid gown, then the rest of the bridal party could choose a coordinating bridesmaid dress with a solid color from the print. Your whole bridal party could be mixed bridesmaid dresses with a variety of one type of print (floral, animal, watercolor, etc.). There are so many ways you could mix and match bridesmaid dresses with prints, so have fun exploring the possibilities!
• Remember the Hemlines: It’s easy to get hyperfocused on colors, silhouettes, and necklines, but let’s not forget how various hemline lengths will look together. If you’re open to mismatched bridesmaid dresses of different lengths, try to keep the overall look balanced. This can help prevent any awkwardness that might come from realizing during your photo shoot that there’s one lonely bridesmaid that stands out oddly in a short dress when everyone else chose long styles (or vice versa). It’s also an opportunity to create some visual fun with a range of lengths across the mismatched bridesmaid dresses!

How to Avoid Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses Gone Wrong

Now that you know how to do mismatched bridesmaid dresses in a variety of ways, you’re probably so excited to get started! Before you do though, let’s go over a few general tips that might help you avoid a “mismatched bridesmaid dresses gone wrong” scenario. It’s very easy to get carried away and lose sight of your dream wedding day vision, so consider the advice below before diving into this fun and creative trend.

• Limit the Variations: To keep things consistent and visually connected, it’s best not to go too crazy with too many changes. Make sure that the mismatched bridesmaid dresses still have several things in common to create a cohesive look. For example, you might allow your bridesmaids to choose their preferred neckline or silhouette but ask that they stick with your chosen color or dress length. A good rule of thumb is to decide on one or two features that bridesmaids can personalize while the rest is coordinated.
• Choose One Bridal Shop or Designer: A good way to make sure that a chosen color or fabric looks the same across all of your mismatched bridesmaid dresses is to have them purchased from the same retailer or made by the same designer. This is especially important with color, since not every designer names their color options the same way—ever put multiple “navy” dresses by different designers together on a rack? It’s amazing how much shade variation you can find! Wondering where to buy mismatched bridesmaid dresses to avoid all the color name drama? Check out Avery Austin’s collection of bridesmaid dresses. You can easily find a variety of styles in your chosen color or fabric, then mix and match bridesmaid dresses from there!
• Be Involved: For the most cohesive results, it’s best to get involved with each of your bridesmaids as they choose their gowns. Giving your bridesmaids a free pass to just go shop on their own can quickly backfire, even if you’ve already given some basic feature or color guidelines. As with the navy blue example above, if they all shop different designers for your chosen color, then you’ll end up with varying light and dark shades, all with the same color name, and that shade variation might not fit with your initial bridal party vision. Some ways to get involved include shopping together as a whole group or going out with each bridesmaid, being specific about the designer, fabric, color, necklines, etc., or asking that they check in with you for approval before a purchase is made. However it works best for you and your bridal party, just try to avoid the “hands-off” approach when it comes to choosing mismatched bridesmaid dresses.
• Check in with Your Bridal Party: They’ll be the ones wearing the gowns, so be sure to get your bridal party’s input. Each person usually has a good idea of what styles and colors look best on their own body, so it’s best to tap into that expert knowledge and take it into consideration when choosing your mismatched bridesmaid dresses. At the end of the day, the choice is 100% up to the bride, but taking the bridal party’s feedback into account can go a long way to ensuring a comfortable and confident team of bridesmaids who are sure to have your back too!
• Don’t Trust Screen Colors: Since colors always look different on screens, and even in different lighting, it’s crucial to get a swatch of whichever colors you’re considering for your mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Know what’s even better than a swatch though? Seeing a sample gown in your chosen color! Rather than holding up a tiny piece of fabric, you can get the full effect of the color when you see it in dress form. Whether you have the swatch or sample on hand, make sure you take a look at how the color looks in different lighting (indoor and outdoor). You could even snap a few photos of the swatch or sample in each lighting to see if the color photographs well too. These little “tests” will give you the best idea of how the color(s) of your mismatched bridesmaids will look on your big day and in your memorable photo collection later.
• Bask in the Power of Accessories: This is especially important if your mismatched bridesmaid dresses will feature a lot of variety in colors, styles, lengths, and silhouettes. Having matching accessories can be the key to coordinating every look. From special hairpieces or capes to matching jewelry or clutches, coordinating accessories can take many forms to suit the theme of your wedding. And of course, don’t forget the flowers! Those bouquets can really pull everything together in the end.
• Give Convertible Dresses a Try: Since this gown style can be adjusted for a variety of necklines, sleeve options, and silhouettes, it’s a great option for mismatched bridesmaid dresses. Choosing the same convertible dress guarantees the same fabric and offers consistent color options. From there, the whole bridal party can work together to style each other in ways that are flattering and comfortable for each bridesmaid!

Knowing how to do mismatched bridesmaid dresses is just the start. The real fun comes from creating your own unique bridal party look by coordinating your mismatched bridesmaid dresses, especially with the help of your ‘maids. Of course, you’ll need to know where to buy mismatched bridesmaid dresses first so you can shop together. Avery Austin is the perfect place to buy mismatched bridesmaid dresses. With all styles and colors offered in one place, you can be confident that any mix and match bridesmaid dresses will come in just the right shade and look, no surprises! Even better, you can visually shop Avery Austin’s bridesmaid dresses with your bridal party for inspiration first, then order a few samples through the Try at Home Program to see your favorites in person, risk free! Get started today and let us help you bring your mismatched bridesmaid dress vision to life.