As I started planning my wedding, I quickly realized how important it was to find a way to style my bridesmaids that would complement my gown without overshadowing it. After all, my bridesmaids are some of the most important people in my life, and I wanted them to feel beautiful and confident standing by my side. At the same time, I hoped to create a cohesive, elegant look for my wedding day photos—one that centered around my gown while letting each bridesmaid shine in her own right.
In my journey to find the perfect balance, I came across some key insights and tips on how to style bridesmaids so that they look amazing without competing with the bride. Here are some strategies that worked for me, which I hope will help you as you style your own bridal party!
1. Begin by Defining Your Gown’s Style and Theme
The first step to styling your bridesmaids is understanding the vision and theme of your own bridal look. My wedding gown had a vintage-inspired lace overlay, a fitted bodice, and a slight blush tint—delicate, romantic, and a bit whimsical. Before I chose anything for my bridesmaids, I thought about what would complement these unique features of my dress.
If you have a classic, traditional gown, you might lean toward simple, elegant bridesmaid dresses. For a more bohemian look, flowy fabrics and earthy tones might work best. By staying true to the theme of your gown, you’ll create a harmonious look that ties everyone together beautifully.
2. Embrace a Subtle Color Palette
I initially thought about matching my bridesmaids’ dresses with the soft blush color of my gown, but I didn’t want to create a monotone effect. Instead, I went for a complementary palette of muted shades like dusty rose, soft taupe, and champagne. These colors played off my gown’s blush undertone without blending in too much, creating a soft, cohesive effect.
If you want to ensure your bridesmaids don’t compete with your dress, consider choosing complementary colors rather than matching tones. For example:
- White or Ivory Gown: Consider soft pastels, neutral shades, or rich jewel tones like emerald green or deep navy.
- Blush Gown: Look for shades of rose, mauve, or champagne.
- Champagne Gown: Soft metallics, rose gold, or light sage greens can work beautifully.
When you choose colors that complement your dress without being identical, it creates a sense of unity while ensuring your gown stands out.
3. Opt for Coordinated, Not Matching, Styles
Another trend I’ve come to love is mixing and matching dress styles. Each of my bridesmaids has her own personality and style preferences, and I wanted them to feel comfortable and confident. Rather than putting everyone in the exact same dress, I opted for different styles in the same color family. Some had off-the-shoulder necklines, while others chose a more classic V-neck or an elegant halter. This added a sense of individuality and let each bridesmaid’s personality shine through.
To keep everything cohesive, I gave them a few guidelines—like fabric type and general length. This way, they had freedom to choose something flattering and comfortable, but the dresses still felt coordinated.
Mixing dress styles allows each bridesmaid to showcase her unique style without creating a cookie-cutter look. And since they’re all still working within a unified theme, the bride’s gown naturally remains the focal point.
4. Use Texture to Add Depth, Not Distraction
Texture is one of the easiest ways to create a beautiful contrast without clashing. Since my gown was lace-heavy, I wanted my bridesmaids to avoid lace but still add some visual interest. We chose silky, chiffon-like fabrics that added softness and movement to their dresses without pulling focus from the detailed lacework on my gown.
If your dress has intricate beading, embroidery, or lace, consider opting for solid, smoother textures for the bridesmaids to allow your gown’s detail to stand out. Conversely, if your gown is sleek and modern with minimal embellishment, you could add subtle textural details to the bridesmaids’ dresses, like light beading or satin finishes, to create depth in the overall look.
5. Keep the Accessories Simple
I’ll admit, I love a bit of sparkle, but I knew too many accessories could detract from the elegance of my gown. For my bridesmaids, I chose minimal, coordinated jewelry—small stud earrings, delicate bracelets, and simple nude heels. The goal was to create a look that was polished and elegant, without outshining the overall bridal look.
Accessories can be tricky because they add personality, but if they’re too bold, they can steal the show. A good rule of thumb is to pick one statement piece if desired (like a beautiful pair of earrings) and keep the rest simple. Also, coordinating their accessories in terms of metals (all gold or all silver) can help tie their looks together without being distracting.

6. Consider the Bouquet as a Subtle Unifier
The bridesmaid bouquets also play a big role in the overall look. I wanted my bouquet to be a bit fuller and feature a unique mix of flowers and colors. For the bridesmaids, we opted for smaller, simpler arrangements in the same color family, using many of the same flowers as mine but with a bit more greenery to differentiate them. This made my bouquet stand out as the bridal one but still connected their look to mine.
A bride’s bouquet is often fuller, bolder, or has a few unique flowers to distinguish it from the bridesmaids’ flowers. By giving them bouquets that echo your floral design without matching exactly, you create visual harmony while making it clear who the bride is in every photo.
7. Let Their Hair and Makeup Reflect Their Personal Style—Within Reason
One of my favorite parts of getting ready was seeing how each of my bridesmaids chose to style their hair and makeup. I wanted them to feel like themselves, so I gave them a bit of freedom. Some chose soft waves, others opted for chic updos. For makeup, I asked them to go with a natural look but to feel free to choose shades that suited their individual skin tones and preferences.
A unified look doesn’t mean everyone has to have the exact same hair and makeup. By allowing a bit of personal expression here, you ensure your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident without distracting from the overall look. If there are specific guidelines you want (like no bold lips or overly dramatic eye makeup), communicate them clearly in advance so that everyone is on the same page.
8. Trust Your Vision, and Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate
Styling bridesmaids in a way that complements rather than competes with the bride’s gown requires a bit of planning, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re like me and get easily excited about all the options, consider asking a trusted friend or family member to help you refine the final look. This can ensure you’re staying true to your vision without feeling overwhelmed by all the choices.
Trusting my own vision was key; I realized I knew deep down what I wanted my bridesmaids to look like, and I just needed to communicate it clearly. Once I shared my ideas, my bridal party was more than happy to follow my guidance, which made the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
Conclusion: Creating a Cohesive Look That Honors Each Bridesmaid and Centers the Bride
Styling my bridesmaids in a way that complemented my gown without competing with it was a labor of love. I wanted each of them to feel radiant and beautiful while maintaining a unified look that framed my bridal gown as the centerpiece. By focusing on complementary colors, mixing dress styles, keeping accessories simple, and allowing personal touches, we achieved a look that felt effortless, elegant, and true to my wedding day vision.
Ultimately, your bridesmaids are there to support you and share in the joy of your big day. By creating a style that lets each of them shine in their own way, you’ll not only enhance the beauty of your own look, but you’ll also show your appreciation for their friendship and support.