Should Bridesmaids Dresses Match Each Other?

Should bridesmaids dresses match each other? Or, better yet, should your bridesmaids dresses match each other? It’s a great question, and I hope to help you answer it!

For decades and decades, matching bridesmaid dresses seemed to be the norm. The expectation. Not only that, but the dresses were hideous. Alright, that’s a topic for another post. Back to this one. For most of the last two centuries, bridesmaid’s dresses matched. It was tradition, after all.

These days, though, times have changed. Bridesmaid’s dresses are no longer awful. They are usually gorgeous, even if the bridesmaid never wears it again (another post for another day, I know). Today, many weddings are bucking tradition and having bridesmaids wear complementary dresses to each other, similar dresses, or even, gasp, completely different dresses from each other.

So, the question is begging to be answered. Should your bridesmaids match each other?

Should Bridesmaids Dresses Match Each Other?

This post is going to try to help you decide if your bridesmaids dresses should match each other. I mean, a lot goes into this decision. If all your bridesmaids have the same style and body type, and you’re a traditional bride, matching dresses may be a great option. However, perhaps you like the look of mismatched dresses or want to accommodate different tastes. If so, mismatched may be the way to go. I’ll help you sort it out.

Let’s get into it!

SHOULD BRIDEMAIDS DRESSES MATCH EACH OTHER?

Bridesmaids dresses have a long history in our world.

Back in Ancient Roman times, people used to believe that evil spirits would ruin weddings. As a remedy to this, bridesmaids would dress up like the bride to confuse the spirits. Apparently, it was cool if the spirits came after the bridesmaids, as long as they didn’t go for the bride.

Then, in 1840, Queen Victoria changed history with her bridesmaids. She was the first notable bride to have her bridesmaids wear different dresses than she was wearing. Queen Victoria wasn’t afraid of no evil spirits. She was a queen, after all.

As mentioned above, for the rest of the 1800’s and all throughout the 1900’s, bridesmaids dresses matched each other. Cute dress or not, they all looked the same. Then, in the last two decades or so, something has changed. Brides are mixing it up. Some have their bridesmaids wear the same color or fabric, but not the same style. Others have similar color patterns, but allow bridesmaids freedom to choose what works best for their budget or body type. It’s a whole new world.

That said, below there are the four main paths for how you could style your bridesmaids. Each option will go into what’s great about it, and not so great. Pick the option that speaks the most to you.

OPTION 1: SAME DRESS, SAME COLOR

Let’s get to the first major option when it comes to bridesmaids dresses. Matchy, matchy.

Same dress, same color. For everyone.

This option is great if you find a dress that works for your wedding, and it’s in a style that looks good on all of your bridesmaids. The same goes for the color. If the color matches the wedding, and all your ladies can rock it, even better. It’s super important for all bridesmaids to try on the dress before it’s bought to make sure it works for them. Plus, the dress should be in each of their budgets as bridesmaids usually pay for their own dresses.

Additionally, having matching dresses allows for symmetry among your bridesmaids. It’s traditional, too, which may be super appealing to you.

There are a few downsides to matching bridesmaid’s dresses, though. The first is that if you have guys in your wedding party, or anyone who won’t wear a dress, the dress may become an issue. Second, it may be hard to find a dress that looks good on everyone and everyone can afford. By choosing a dress for the bridesmaids, it may be a one and done wear, something that they don’t wear again. Plus, to some, it may seem like a uniform.

OPTION 2: SAME DRESS, DIFFERENT COLORS

Alright, let’s mix things up a bit. This is a variation of having bridesmaids dresses match each other. The dresses are still the same, but the colors are varied.

Just as before, this is a great option if the dress style looks good on all the bridesmaids. It does allow for some flexibility on colors that can work with different skin tones, though. Because of this, it’s still important to see everyone try on the dresses to make sure they pick the perfect colors for them, and your wedding. Choosing this option allows you to have some variety in your wedding photos, and it does make it easier if you have men in your wedding party because things are already varied a bit.

The downside to having the same dress in different colors is that your bridesmaids are still in a dress. This option does not get around the whole “wear a dress” thing, if that’s an issue with anyone in your wedding party. And, the whole thing can seem disjointed if you’re not intentional with the colors. One way around this is to assign colors, but that can get complicated. Plus, some see this option as untraditional, feeling like you might as well have the same color and dress on everyone if you’re choosing the same dress anyway.

OPTION 3: SAME COLOR, DIFFERENT DRESSES

Third variation from matching bridesmaid’s dresses. Same color, different dress.

There are so many pros in this situation. It provides so much flexibility. All of your bridesmaids can choose dresses based on their body types, so you don’t have to worry about fit. As the bride, you can have a broad definition of the color, too. Maybe you choose blue, but your girls can choose the shade that speaks the most to them.

Additionally, you can allow more flexibility by having your bridesmaids choose dresses that are various textures, patterns, lengths, styles, or any other criteria that works for you. The only “rule” may be that the dresses are the same color. This will allow for more interesting photos, too. Plus, your bridesmaids are more likely to buy a dress they can afford and are more likely to wear it again, if they have some freedom.

The only downside, or risk, to this option is with the color itself. If you want your wedding party in a very specific color that is exactly the same for all dresses, you need to be super clear about it. In fact, everyone should order their dress from the same place if the color will be exact. The only exception to this is if the color is black, because black is so easy to match among clothing creators. Just keep all of this in mind if you’re going to be strict about the shade.

OPTION 4: DIFFERENT DRESSES AND DIFFERENT COLORS

Alright, last option. Different dresses and different colors.

This option, while non-traditional, can look amazing and cohesive if done right. A major pro is if you have a large bridal party. If everyone can choose their own dress it will make choosing dresses and coordinating so much easier. You can have criteria, of course, like everyone has to wear a certain tone or hue in the same color family. Or, everyone has to wear a certain pattern. You can also not have any rules and let your bridesmaids choose whatever works for them.

Another pro of this option is that everyone will be able to wear a dress that works for their body and budget. The variation will look great in photos, too. It’s always interesting to look at a large group in different outfits, if you ask my opinion.

The major downsides is that this option is not traditional at all. And, there is a chance that you don’t like the look of the mismatched bridesmaids dresses and find it all very non-cohesive. Think about what you like to look at, and decide for yourself if this option works for your wedding.   

SHOULD BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES MATCH EACH OTHER?

Friends, when it comes to if bridesmaids dresses should match each other, there are many schools of thought out there. And, to be honest, there is nothing wrong with any path. As long as you like the option that you’re choosing, and it works for your bridesmaids, it’s all good. So, go matchy matchy if you want. Or, throw tradition to the wind and let everyone dress themselves. Give guidelines, or not. You do you at your wedding. Happy wedding planning!

More On Bridesmaids From Hummingbird Wedding Advice 

13 Questions To Ask Your Bridesmaids (To See How Involved They Will Be)

How To Make Sure Your Bridesmaids Have A Great Experience

Why Being A Bridesmaid Is Such An Honor

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