Choosing bridesmaid dresses is often one of the most exciting yet challenging parts of wedding planning. You want your closest friends and family members to feel beautiful, comfortable and confident, but finding one style or colour that suits everyone’s shape, personality and preferences can feel like a tall order. With a little planning and thoughtfulness, however, it’s more than possible to find bridesmaid dresses that keep everyone smiling on the big day.

Rather than focusing solely on a particular look, it’s helpful to prioritise versatility, comfort and individual style. Your bridal party may have a range of body types, heights and fashion tastes, but celebrating that diversity can result in a more cohesive and joyful look overall.

Start with a Clear Colour Palette

One of the simplest ways to achieve a unified look without forcing everyone into the exact same dress is to start with a set colour palette. Instead of choosing one exact shade, think in terms of tones that complement your wedding theme. Soft pastels, muted neutrals, rich jewel tones or fresh earthy hues all work beautifully across a range of dress styles.

Allowing your bridesmaids to choose dresses in slightly different shades within the same palette keeps the look coordinated without making it feel rigid. It also gives everyone a little freedom to pick a colour that suits their skin tone and makes them feel radiant.

Mix and Match Styles Thoughtfully

Gone are the days when bridesmaids had to wear identical dresses. One of the most popular trends in recent years has been the mix-and-match approach, where each bridesmaid chooses a style that flatters her figure while still fitting within the overall theme. Different necklines, sleeve lengths and silhouettes can bring out the best in every individual without losing the visual harmony of the group.

To keep it cohesive, set a few guidelines—such as length, fabric type or overall style (boho, classic, romantic)—but let your bridesmaids have a say in what they feel most comfortable wearing. Dresses in the same fabric and colour family, even with different cuts, will look effortlessly stylish together in photographs.

Consider Comfort and Practicality

While it’s natural to want your bridal party to look stunning, comfort should not be overlooked. Weddings are long days filled with standing, walking, dancing and plenty of photographs. Uncomfortable dresses can leave bridesmaids distracted, self-conscious or struggling to enjoy the day.

Opt for breathable fabrics like chiffon, crepe or lightweight satin that move well and feel comfortable in various temperatures. Avoid anything too restrictive, particularly around the bust, waist or hips. If your wedding is outdoors or involves lots of moving around, consider styles that allow for easy movement and stability.

Be Mindful of Different Body Types

Every bridesmaid is unique, and it’s unlikely that one dress style will suit everyone equally well. Some may prefer a more structured look for support, while others may feel more at ease in a flowing, relaxed design. Empire waists, A-line cuts and wrap dresses tend to be universally flattering choices that suit a variety of figures.

Take time to discuss preferences with your bridal party early in the process. Be open to feedback about what styles make them feel most confident, and remember that feeling good will ultimately help them look even better on the day. A little flexibility can go a long way in creating a look that’s beautiful, comfortable and truly representative of your friendships.

Factor in Budget Considerations

Weddings can be expensive not just for the couple, but for those standing alongside them. When choosing bridesmaid dresses, be considerate of the different budgets within your group. Look for retailers that offer a range of price points, or keep an eye out for promotions and sample sales where stunning dresses can often be found for less.

Alternatively, you could set a budget limit and let bridesmaids select their own dresses within those boundaries. Some brides even choose to cover the cost of the dresses as a gift to their bridal party. It may be worthwhile visiting your local bridalwear shop with your bridal party. However you approach it, clear communication about cost expectations early on avoids awkwardness and ensures everyone feels comfortable participating.

Think About Season and Setting

The time of year and the location of your wedding will influence the best choice of bridesmaid dresses. Lightweight fabrics and sleeveless designs work well for summer weddings, especially outdoors. Richer fabrics like velvet or heavier crepes suit winter weddings beautifully and offer a bit more warmth.

For beach weddings or rustic countryside venues, softer, flowing styles tend to blend better with the relaxed atmosphere. For a formal city wedding, structured gowns in luxurious fabrics may feel more appropriate. Taking the setting into account helps the bridal party not only look coordinated but also feel suited to the occasion.

Accessories Can Pull Everything Together

If you decide on varied styles and colours, accessories can help tie everything together beautifully. Matching shoes, similar jewellery, or identical bouquets can create a sense of unity even when the dresses themselves are individual.

A simple accessory such as a matching sash, hairpiece or necklace can bring cohesion to the bridal party’s overall look without taking away from each person’s individuality. These finishing touches are often the key to making a mixed-look bridal party feel polished and intentional.

Communicate Clearly and Early

Once you’ve decided on your vision for the bridesmaid dresses, communicate it clearly to your bridal party. Share any colour swatches, fabric samples or style guidelines early on so everyone is on the same page. Setting expectations early helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures everyone has plenty of time to find a dress they love.

Open and supportive communication also helps your friends feel valued and respected in the process. After all, they’re there because they care about you—and helping them feel great in what they wear is one of the many ways you can show that care in return.

Celebrating Individuality While Honouring the Day

Ultimately, the best bridal parties are those where everyone feels confident, comfortable and part of something special. Choosing bridesmaid dresses that suit everyone isn’t about finding a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s about embracing the unique beauty of each person and weaving those differences into something stunning.

By being flexible, thoughtful and willing to listen, you can create a bridal party look that not only complements your wedding day beautifully but also honours the friendships and relationships that make it so meaningful.