Planning a wedding involves countless details, but one of the most crucial is coordinating your bridesmaids’ dresses with your overall wedding color scheme. This part not only makes your wedding look better but also makes sure that the bridesmaids and groomsmen match your theme.
1. Define Your Wedding Color Scheme
Before selecting bridesmaids’ dresses, it’s essential to define your wedding color scheme. This scheme typically includes:
- Primary Colors: The main colors that will dominate your wedding decorations, attire, and floral arrangements.
- Secondary Colors: Supporting hues that complement and enhance the primary colors.
- Accent Colors: Additional colors used sparingly to add depth and contrast to your primary and secondary colors.
The general look of your wedding will depend on the colors you choose. Consider the season, venue, and personal preferences when choosing your colors. For example, a summer wedding might feature vibrant, tropical hues, while a winter wedding could incorporate rich, deep tones.
2. Selecting Bridesmaids’ Dress Colors
Once you have your color scheme established, it’s time to select the bridesmaids’ dress colors. Here are some strategies to ensure they align beautifully with your chosen palette:
a. Match the Bridesmaids’ Dresses to Primary Colors
If your primary color is a bold hue like royal blue or deep burgundy, consider choosing bridesmaids dresses in that exact color. This approach creates a cohesive and striking visual impact. However, ensure that the chosen shade complements various skin tones to ensure all your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident.
b. Use Secondary Colors for a Balanced Look
Incorporating secondary colors into the bridesmaids’ dresses can create a balanced and visually appealing look. For example, if your primary color is navy blue, you might choose a soft blush or sage green for the bridesmaids’ dresses. This method gives your color scheme more depth and volume without making the design look too busy.
c. Add Accent Colors for Unique Touches
Accent colors can be used to add unique touches to the bridesmaids’ dresses. If your wedding color scheme includes a pop of metallic or a vibrant jewel tone, consider incorporating this accent into the bridesmaids’ accessories, such as belts, sashes, or jewelry. This approach allows for a subtle yet effective integration of your color scheme.
3. Choosing the Right Dress Styles
Once the colors are decided, selecting the right dress styles is crucial. Different styles can significantly impact how the colors are perceived and how they work with your overall theme. Here’s how to choose styles that complement your color scheme:
a. Match Dress Styles to Your Wedding Theme
The style of your bridesmaids’ dresses should align with your wedding theme. For a formal, black-tie wedding, elegant floor-length gowns in classic colors work well. Conversely, a beach or garden wedding might call for more casual, flowing dresses in lighter, airy hues. Ensure that the dress styles complement the overall atmosphere and tone of your wedding.
b. Consider Dress Fabrics and Textures
How colors look can also be changed by the dresses’ fabric and feel. Satin and silk are high-end fabrics that tend to make colors look deeper and more vivid. Chiffon and crepe, on the other hand, are matte fabrics that make colors look smoother. Think about how the fabric’s texture will affect your color plan and the look of your wedding as a whole.
c. Coordinate with the Bride’s Dress
The bridesmaids’ dresses should complement, not clash with, the bride’s dress. If the color of your wedding dress is white or ivory, pick girl dresses in colors that go well with it. Avoid colors that might overshadow or conflict with the bride’s gown. For example, if the bride’s dress is a soft ivory, bridesmaids’ dresses in shades of blush or champagne can create a harmonious look.
4. Ensuring Flattering Fits for All
Coordinating bridesmaids’ dresses also involves ensuring that each dress style and color flatters different body types. Here’s how to achieve this:
a. Offer Multiple Styles in the Same Color
To accommodate different body types and personal preferences, consider offering multiple dress styles in the same color. For instance, you could choose a classic A-line dress, a fitted sheath, and a flowing maxi dress, all in your chosen color. This approach allows your bridesmaids to select a style that best suits their body shape while maintaining a cohesive look.
b. Utilize Customization Options
Some bridal shops offer customization options for bridesmaids’ dresses, allowing you to adjust the color, length, and other features to fit each bridesmaid’s preferences and body type. This can be a great way to ensure everyone feels comfortable and looks their best while remaining consistent with your color scheme.
c. Consider Color Variations
In some cases, incorporating slight variations of your chosen color can create a beautiful and dynamic effect. For example, if your primary color is a shade of blue, you might choose different hues of blue for the bridesmaids’ dresses, such as navy, royal, and powder blue. This method adds depth and visual interest while maintaining a cohesive color scheme.
5. Accessorizing the Bridesmaids
Accessories play a significant role in coordinating bridesmaids’ dresses with your wedding color scheme. Here’s how to effectively use accessories:
a. Matching Accessories to the Color Scheme
Ensure that the bridesmaids’ accessories, such as jewelry, shoes, and handbags, complement the color scheme. If the dresses are in a neutral shade, consider adding pops of your accent colors through accessories. For example, if the bridesmaids’ dresses are in a soft gray, you might choose jewelry in a bold, contrasting color like emerald or ruby.
b. Coordinating with the Bride’s Accessories
The bridesmaids’ accessories should also coordinate with the bride’s accessories. If the bride is wearing a statement necklace, consider selecting more subtle jewelry for the bridesmaids to avoid competing elements. Ensure that the overall look is balanced and cohesive.
c. Choosing Appropriate Hair and Makeup
The hairstyles and makeup for the bridesmaids should complement the overall color scheme. Consider incorporating colors from your palette into the bridesmaids’ hair accessories or makeup. For example, if your color scheme includes shades of pink, you might choose soft pink blush or lip color for the bridesmaids.
Conclusion
Coordinating the girls’ dresses with the colors of your wedding is an important part of planning a wedding that needs careful thought and attention to detail. By understanding your color scheme, selecting complementary dress styles, ensuring flattering fits for all, and thoughtfully accessorizing, you can create a cohesive and beautiful look that enhances your wedding day. Remember, the goal is to ensure that your bridesmaids feel confident and comfortable while contributing to the overall aesthetic of your special day. With thoughtful planning and coordination, your bridesmaids’ dresses will perfectly complement your wedding color scheme, creating a memorable and harmonious celebration.
