How to Coordinate Bridesmaid Dresses with Your Wedding Gown

Many brides want their bridesmaids’ dresses to somehow coordinate with their own wedding gown, and this can give a lovely theme to your wedding, especially if this coordination is also reflected in the groom and groomsmen’s outfits. So how do you coordinate a white or ivory gown with coloured bridesmaid dresses? Well, there are a few ways to achieve a matching look to suit your bridesmaids and complement your gown.

First off, it’s best to go wedding dress shopping before you even think about looking for bridesmaid dresses. Once you’ve found your perfect wedding gown you’ll have a much better idea about other aspects of your wedding style, from accessories to flowers. Knowing your wedding theme will help you to pick out all the other elements of your wedding, including bridesmaid outfits.

Next, think about the overall style and location of your wedding - is it a large, traditional event in a historical building, or are you going carefree in an outdoor marquee, or sleek and modern at a trendy bar? No doubt your wedding dress will reflect the style of your special day accordingly, and your bridesmaid dresses should too. Full-length ballgowns or A-line dresses offer a classic look for a traditional wedding while flirty knee-length summer dresses would be great at a countryside or beach event.

Your bridesmaid dresses can also echo the cut and style of your wedding dress, incorporating the style of dress or perhaps a particular detail or element such as ruching, layers, beading or lace. Pick one part of your dress such as the bodice, neckline, detailing, or the shape of the skirt and look for bridesmaid gowns that have similarities. If your wedding dress has a particular colour to it, or if you’re using a colour theme for your wedding then you can focus on finding bridesmaid dresses that match. If your gown is white or ivory then you might want to also incorporate a splash of colour to link you to your bridesmaids - either as jewellery, hair accessories, a satin sash, shoes, or the colour of your bouquet.

Lastly, think about the fabric you choose for your bridesmaid dresses. They don’t have to be exactly the same type of material but it’s a good idea to complement the weight and feel of the fabric of your wedding dress. For example a lacy vintage wedding gown would look lovely with lace-detailed tea length bridesmaid dresses, whereas a full-skirted taffeta ballgown style wedding gown would match well with traditional satin bridesmaid dresses.

As well as over 700 designer, plus size and vintage style wedding gowns at the WDFO, we also stock a small selection of prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses and can give you advice on how to coordinate your bridal outfits. Visit our social channels at;