Maid to be Mismatched – Chic, modern bridesmaids

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, right? So arguably, your ceremony is the perfect opportunity to create a high impact, memorable, and unexpected first impression for your guests that will set the tone for the remainder of your celebration. And not surprisingly, that wow factor is what all my brides seem to be looking for. That’s why lately, I’ve been on the hunt for chic, modern ways to create that big impact by revitalizing some of the most hard wired but frankly, old and tired bridal style elements. Up this week is freshening the look of stodgy matchy matchy bridesmaids and giving your ladies something to cheer about! Now…. we KNOW you want your wedding photos to be utterly perfect – not a hair out of place, not a maid out of line… but if you’ll just grant us a few moments of suspended judgement, we’ll show you how un-matching elements create a seriously unexpected but gorgeous, chic, and modern look.

Ok let’s ease into the trend…

First up, CLASSIC BLACK. What could me more timeless, right? But pretty maids all in a row are soooo 90′s! Add some unexpected flair by allowing your maids to choose their own dress… I promise, you’ll be amazed with the outcome. Why this works? It’s pretty hard to go wrong with a LBD and there’s only one shade of black so they’ll automatically match. Plus, instead of trying to fit multiple body types into one style, you’re giving them the chance to pick a dress that’s actually flattering on their body (hence, prettier photos). And finally, we promise they’ll rejoice for a dress they can and will wear again. Hallelujah!

{image shot by Jonathan Ong}

Bonus points for relinquishing the need to make your maids match their shoes! And look how chic!

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If there’s anything as chic, timeless, and classic as black…it’s BLACK AND WHITE. Think the forever fashionable Coco Chanel. I love how each of these dresses are totally fab on their own but blend together for an overall unified, chic, and modern look! The simple color (or should I say , lack of color) palette completely anchors the mismatched dresses and I’m particularly smitten with how they pull in one coordinating element to completely tie it all together- Chanel inspired black tipped shoes!

{images shot by Welovepictures}

Now that we’ve got you warmed up , how about some color?

If you’re not familiar yet with my love of OMBRE let me fill you in here. I simply love the soft gradation of color fading from one shade to the next, which is so spot on for bridesmaids. Again, you may be surprised how gorgeous your photos look when you leave it up to your ladies to choose their dress but for those that are a bit more type A, look for a bridesmaid collection with lots of different shades like TwoBrids, Thread, and Joanna August.

{images: one, two shot by Jill Thomas}

Ok ready to take it to the next level? Brace yourself!

How about mixing SHORT AND LONG dresses in varying shades of the same hue! Yes, we are breaking the cardinal rule of bridesmaid dressing, but the outcome is so runway-esque, don’t you agree?

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If your dresses simply must match, shift your focus from the dress to ACCESSORIES to vary up your ladies’ looks… and what better than their shoes! Encourage them to don their sassiest pair – bright colors, textures, and fabrics will make this look stand out. Or try this with bold mismatched necklaces, which would be equally gorgeous!

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One of the biggest trends I’ve seen lately is ALL WHITE bridal parties. Even Kate Middleton’s sister Pippa donned white for her sisters’ big day. Apparently this is an old superstition about warding off evil spirits…who knew! In any case, what I don’t particularly love about this trend is that all the bridesmaids are wearing the same dull stark white dress, which (in my opinion) also takes away from the bride. If you’re going for white, I suggest mixing SHADES OF WHITE, cream, antique white, taupe, and blush …and added perk – these shades are MUCH more flattering on our skin tones than pure white! Opt for varied textures and silhouettes, and perhaps even a splash of colorful accessories to liven things up.

{images shot by Jason + Anna photography}

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For the indecisive type, RAINBOW gowns are simply stunning when executed right… In breezy, unfussy, and classic silhouettes. The loose, natural bouquets and flat sandals below give this cheerfully exuberant color palette a cool, indie vibe.

{images: one, two shot by Three Nails Photography}

Or to heck with it and go FULL MONTY! Different dresses, patterns, colors, fabrics, shoes, and even tights! When you’ve got style savvy maids, the look is modern eclectic chic!

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Another simple detail I’m spotting that adds an unexpected, chic, and modern twist to your ceremony is mismatched bridesmaids’ bouquets! Now we’ve seen this trend crop up in the past – each maid carrying a different bouquet composed of single blooms from the brides’ bouquet…. but today we’re freshening the look with bold, vibrantly hued multi-bloom bouquets… each bridesmaid carrying a distinct and utterly drop dead gorgeous arrangement. (Don’t worry, we won’t steal the brides’ spotlight!) Here’s a peek at how to create this unexpected element with decidedly mismatched bouquets we’re pairing together for a big impact down the aisle.

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How to tastefully MISMATCH bouquets

1) COLOR : Instead of a choosing a single color for the bridesmaids bouquets, choose 2 or three complementary shades of the same hue to create depth. Tones of violet, fuschia, and pops of green create richness in these vibrant beauties! Highlight each on its own in some of the girls’ bouquets for a more monochromatic look, and combine them together in others. The result is so unexpected!

2) TEXTURE : Don’t be afraid to experiment with a mix of architectural, loose, and feminine blooms. Texture makes these bouquets visually interesting and unique.

3) FASTEN : I love the idea of using the same ribbon color to fasten the bouquets which visually ties them together (no pun intended), but selecting different charms, pins, or brooches for each to accent their uniqueness!

Ok, so just a quick recap on mismatched dresses… Here are the cardinal rules to BREAK!

1) TRUST your girls…. Let them choose their own dress! You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the chic outcome.

2) PICK ONE element to tie the look together and another to make it unique.

3) DON’T stick to one color… mix it up with varying shades for a more dimensional and interesting look

4) If your bridesmaids’ dresses simply must match, find another way to add a unique accent – shoes, accessories, jewelry, tights, you name it!

5 – There are NO rules…let your imagination go!

Check back soon as we unveil more tricks and tips for impressing your guests with unique stylish touches!