Choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress color is one of the most crucial decisions in wedding planning. It sets the tone for your entire celebration, ties your color scheme together, and ensures your bridal party looks cohesive and stunning in photos. As someone who’s helped coordinate countless weddings, I’ve seen firsthand how the right color choice can transform an ordinary celebration into an extraordinary one. Let’s explore the 12 best bridesmaid dress colors that will make your wedding absolutely unforgettable.
Traditional Wedding Colors: Timeless Elegance
1. Classic Navy Blue
Navy blue remains one of the most sophisticated choices for bridesmaid dresses. This deep, rich hue flatters all skin tones and works year-round. I recently coordinated a wedding where navy dresses were paired with blush and gold accents, creating an absolutely breathtaking combination.
Tips for styling Navy Blue:
– Pair with metallic gold or silver accessories
– Works well with both indoor and outdoor venues
– Perfect for formal evening weddings
– Complements white and ivory bridal gowns beautifully
2. Burgundy
This rich, wine-inspired shade adds drama and romance to any wedding palette. It’s particularly stunning for fall and winter weddings but can work year-round when styled appropriately.
Best combinations for Burgundy:
– Gold and cream accents
– Forest green and ivory
– Blush pink and gray
– Navy and metallic gold
3. Blush Pink
Soft, romantic, and universally flattering, blush pink has become a modern classic. This gentle hue creates a dreamy, romantic atmosphere and photographs beautifully.
Styling tips for Blush Pink:
Season | Complementary Colors | Recommended Accessories |
---|---|---|
Spring | Sage Green | Pearl jewelry |
Summer | Light Gray | Rose gold accessories |
Fall | Burgundy | Gold jewelry |
Winter | Navy | Crystal accessories |
4. Forest Green
Forest green offers a perfect balance of tradition and natural beauty. This rich shade works especially well for garden weddings and outdoor celebrations.
Modern & Trendy Colors: Contemporary Charm
5. Dusty Blue
This muted, sophisticated shade has gained immense popularity for its versatility and romantic appeal. It’s perfect for creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere.
6. Sage Green
Sage green has exploded in popularity, and for good reason. This gentle, natural hue works beautifully for garden weddings and rustic celebrations.
Sage Green Styling Guide:
Wedding Style | Flower Pairings | Decor Elements |
---|---|---|
Garden | White roses | Natural greenery |
Rustic | Wildflowers | Wooden accents |
Modern | Eucalyptus | Metal elements |
Bohemian | Pampas grass | Macramé details |
7. Terracotta
This warm, earthy tone has become increasingly popular for boho and desert-themed weddings. It’s particularly stunning for fall celebrations.
8. Lavender
A fresh take on purple, lavender offers a soft, romantic feel while maintaining a modern edge. It’s especially beautiful for spring and summer weddings.
Seasonal Colors: Perfect for Every Time of Year
9. Summer Coral
Bright, cheerful, and perfect for warm-weather celebrations, coral adds a vibrant pop of color to your wedding palette.
Summer Wedding Color Combinations:
– Coral + Mint + White
– Coral + Navy + Gold
– Coral + Blush + Cream
– Coral + Sage + Ivory
10. Winter Ice Blue
Create a magical winter wonderland with this ethereal shade. Ice blue captures the essence of winter while maintaining elegance and sophistication.
11. Fall Rust
This rich autumnal shade perfectly captures the warmth of fall foliage. It’s ideal for rustic and outdoor autumn weddings.
12. Spring Mint
Fresh and invigorating, mint green embodies the spirit of spring renewal. It pairs beautifully with both pastels and deeper tones.
Essential Tips for Choosing Your Bridesmaid Dress Color
1. Consider Your Wedding Season
– Spring: Light pastels and fresh greens
– Summer: Bright, vibrant hues
– Fall: Rich, warm tones
– Winter: Deep jewel tones or icy pastels
2. Think About Your Venue
– Beach: Light, airy colors
– Ballroom: Rich, formal hues
– Garden: Natural, soft shades
– Rustic barn: Warm, earthy tones
3. Factor in Photography
Remember that some colors photograph better than others. Always do a test photo of your chosen shade in different lighting conditions.
Conclusion
Selecting the perfect bridesmaid dress color is a beautiful journey that requires careful consideration of various factors. Whether you choose a traditional shade or opt for something more contemporary, the key is to select a color that aligns with your vision while making your bridesmaids feel confident and beautiful.
Key Takeaways
- Consider your wedding season and venue when selecting colors
- Think about how colors will photograph in different lighting conditions
- Factor in your bridesmaids’ skin tones and preferences
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match complementary shades
- Test your chosen color in various lighting conditions before finalizing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix different bridesmaid dress colors?
Yes! Mix-and-match colors can create a beautiful, modern look. Just ensure the shades complement each other and maintain a cohesive palette.
How do I ensure the color looks good on all my bridesmaids?
Consider choosing a color family rather than a specific shade, allowing bridesmaids to select tones that complement their skin tone while maintaining harmony.
Should bridesmaid dresses match the wedding’s color scheme exactly?
Not necessarily. They should complement your overall color palette but don’t need to be an exact match.
What colors photograph best?
Jewel tones and medium-to-deep pastels typically photograph well. Very light pastels can sometimes appear washed out in photos.
Can I use seasonal colors for an off-season wedding?
Absolutely! While seasonal colors work well in their respective seasons, there are no strict rules. Choose colors that match your vision.
How many different colors should I include in my wedding palette?
A good rule of thumb is to stick to 2-3 main colors with 1-2 accent colors for balance and harmony.
What colors work best for an evening wedding?
Deep, rich colors like navy, burgundy, or emerald green work beautifully for evening celebrations.
Should my bridesmaids’ shoes match their dresses?
Not necessarily. Neutral shoes or metallic tones often work well and allow for more versatility.
How do I coordinate bridesmaid dress colors with groomsmen attire?
Choose complementary colors or use accessories like ties and pocket squares to create cohesion.
Can black be used for bridesmaid dresses?
Yes! Black can be elegant and sophisticated, especially for formal or evening weddings. Just ensure it fits your overall wedding style.