Wedding How To: Mismatched Bridesmaids

There's one trend that we've been eyeing for a while now and well, we're glad this one isn't going anywhere. The mismatched bridesmaid dress option is quite possibly the greatest thing to happen to a bridal party since Ashley at J.Crew. Brides everywhere are giving each of their select friends the gift of choosing their own dress that compliments their shape and comfort level. But, for some brides-to-be, letting go of control can be a little daunting. You want your gal pals to be beautiful and comfortable on your big day, but, you also want your vision to come to life. So, we're here to help walk you through the process. Just think of us as your own personal "Molly Sims", aka fashion trendsetter and mismatched bridesmaid attire expert!

(image credits: Molly Sim's bridal party by Gia Canali Photography via People Magazine, iPhone app via Color Expert, cake inspiration board via My Personal Artist, paint chips via Design Verb, Pantone chips & fabric swatch via Pantone)

There are many ways to get that custom bridal party look. You can just dip your toes in, wade in the shallow end, or dive right in! There are pantone color apps for your phone, clippings from magazine images, inspiration boards, paint chips, and fabric swatches to help guide you along. Or just read on for our suggestions...

Option 1 - Select a dress designer & the fabric that you love then let your bridesmaids pick their style. Designers like Anna Elyse Bridesmaids specialize in creating beautiful looks like this. Your ladies will look lovely in the same fabric and color, but, with different collars, skirt styles, and necklines. And this option is also fabulous when combined with varrying shades of the same hue.

(photo credits from top to bottom: Endearing Studios, Captured Photography by Jenny, & Brittany Anderson Photography)

Option 2 - Select a color or two, find fabric swatches that match, then let your bridesmaids pick any dress that coordinates. This option requires a little more trust in your bridesmaids, but, the results can look perfectly polished and creative. The goal here, is to look as if you all went shopping together. Tell your ladies that patterns, textures and color blocking work really well with dual colors, so step out of the solid color box.

(photo credits from top to bottom: mi amore foto, Adagion Studios, & Maggie Stolzberg Photography)

Option 3 - If you've been inspired by a pattern or object, let that be your bridesmaid's guide! Choose the range of colors that catch your eye, compose an inspiration board, share it with your ladies and let their creativity take the reigns. Michelle Mospens creates beautiful boards for her stationary clients but there is no reason you can't use the same tools to inspire your bridesmaids look. Understanding how the color wheel works is very important to pull off this look. You'll want to balance all the colors with accessories and florals that won't compete; think less is more in size and hues with regards to jewelry, shoes, and bouquets.

For instance, a lovely bouquet like this will give you plenty of color inspiration for dresses...and it even might yield you lovely dresses like these!

(photo credits from top to botton: Shea Christine Photography & Kat Braman Photography)

Here are some tips for you to keep in mind:

-Be specific about length: above the knee, at the knee, tea length, or to the floor
-Order enough swatches to share with all the ladies if you can't see fabrics or dresses in person
-Think seasonal fabrics: light and airy cotton vs. heavier silks and chiffons
-Shimmery metallics fancy anything up, even a simple sundress
-Wait until all the dresses are purchased before deciding on floral bouquets

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