Gone are the days when everyone wore the same dress, and we love this. Today, mismatched bridesmaid dresses are all the rage. They allow bridesmaids to show off their individuality while also bringing a fun and interesting twist to your wedding photos. With different fabrics, colors, lengths, and silhouettes, this trend gives each bridesmaid the freedom to choose a style that flatters her body and suits her personal taste, all while staying within a unified theme or color palette. Also, this trend can offer flexibility in terms of budget and preferences, making it a win for both the bride and her bridesmaids.
Mismatched bridesmaid dresses can be tricky to come together seamlessly. If done wrong, they might make your bridal party look incoherent. However, with the right approach, mismatched dresses can complement each other perfectly and tie into your wedding vision. Here, we share most popular ways to make it work and show examples of how real couples have nailed this trend and created stunning looks for their bridesmaids. Plus, we introduce you to Sumissura, a Swiss fashion brand offering an innovative online 3D Designer. It allows you to visualize each bridesmaid’s dress (or even a suit, if necessary) in real-time, customizing everything from fabric and color to neckline and skirt style. You can explore endless possibilities and adjust until you’ve designed a cohesive bridal party look reflecting your vision. Keep reading for more inspiration!
Photo: 1 – La Dichosa, 2 – ALTA Studio, 3 – Courtesy of Sumissura, 4 – Rob Tennent
Same Style, Different Colors
A balanced option for brides who want uniformity but with a splash of variety is to choose the same bridesmaid dress style but in different colors. This way, each bridesmaid maintains a cohesive look while showcasing a color that suits her best.
At Sumissura, you can easily design a dress that matches your vision, from elegant floor-length gowns to flirty cocktail dresses, and then let your bridesmaids select their favorite shade. With a wide variety of colors available, this approach adds depth to your bridal party, making each dress unique while maintaining unity through the design. Plus, each dress is made-to-measure, ensuring the perfect fit for every bridesmaid.
Same Color, Different Styles
If you prefer a more monochromatic look but want to cater to your bridesmaids’ diverse tastes and body shapes, go for the same color in different dress styles. Bridesmaids can select a design that flatters their figure and makes them feel their best, while still adhering to your color scheme.
At Sumissura, you can choose the perfect color from a range of fabrics and tones, and each bridesmaid can personalize her dress with different necklines, sleeve lengths, or skirt styles. Whether they prefer a high neckline, a strapless cut, or long sleeves, Sumissura’s customization ensures every bridesmaid feels comfortable and stylish. Big thanks to Sumissura for their impressive selection of custom plus-size bridesmaid dresses, thoughtfully designed to fit and flatter every shape beautifully.
Different Shades of the Same Color
If you have a specific color in mind for your bridesmaids’ dresses but want to avoid a too-matchy look, consider using varying shades of that color. This technique creates a beautiful gradient or ombré effect that adds depth and visual interest while keeping things cohesive. Imagine soft blush fading into a deep rose, olive blending with emerald, or pastel blues transitioning into the navy. It creatively elevates your bridal party’s style and ensures a stunningly coordinated yet unique aesthetic.
Stick to a Color Palette
Broaden your scope by selecting a curated palette of 3-5 complementary colors that fit your wedding vision. For example, a fall wedding might feature earthy tones like warm beige, forest green, chocolate brown, and clay gray or more vibrant colors like burnt orange and mustard. A spring celebration can lean into soft hues like lilac, blush, and pale yellow or stick with pastels for a light and airy feel. Want something timeless? Explore neutrals or combos like red & green or blue, orange, & yellow. Let your bridesmaids mix and match within the palette to create a fun yet cohesive look.
Mix Patterns and Solids
Patterned bridesmaid dresses are a perfect way to show off personality and add a whimsical touch to your wedding day, especially when balanced with solid gowns. Start by choosing a pattern you love or a color palette, then pick prints that tie into those shades. The secret is to keep it balanced—avoid overwhelming the look by limiting the number of patterns and pairing them with solid tones that pull from the print. This approach creates a playful, stylish vibe while keeping everything cohesive, polished, and uniquely yours!
Coordinate by Theme or Location
A creative way to style mismatched bridesmaid dresses is to coordinate them with your wedding theme or location. For instance, a beach wedding pairs beautifully with flowing fabrics in soft turquoise, white, or sandy tones, while a rustic celebration suits earthy hues. A garden wedding is perfect for floral patterns and pastel shades. For a modern venue with clean lines and neutral tones, consider adding a pop of color with vibrant bridesmaid dresses to bring warmth and energy to the space.
Photo: 1 – Danilo and Sharon, 2 – Ayeh K Photography, 3 – Kristen Kilpatrick, 4 – Rachel Santos
Mismatched bridesmaid dresses aren’t just a trend—they’re a way to showcase each bridesmaid’s style and individuality while keeping everything tied together. Letting each bridesmaid shine in her own way within a cohesive theme results in memorable looks and one-of-a-kind wedding photos that stand out. With Sumissura, the possibilities are endless. From custom colors and fabrics to bespoke styles and details, each dress is designed to fit both the occasion and the person wearing it.
Plus, their dedicated customer service team is always available to help you with style advice, whether you need help in finalizing your choices or tips on how to pull everything together. And for larger bridal party orders, they are happy to offer exclusive discounts, making it even easier to bring your dream wedding to life without breaking the bank.
Photo: Courtesy of Sumissura
