Why Different-Coloured Bridesmaid Dresses Are So In Right Now

In this feature, we're breaking down exactly why different coloured bridesmaid dresses have their time to shine, how to make the look work for your wedding party, and why your bridal party will thank you for embracing this stylish, modern twist.

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When it comes to 2025 weddings, one trend stands out in photos, Pinterest boards, and all over TikTok: different coloured bridesmaid dresses. Matching bridesmaid dresses was so last year. In 2025 we're all about ditching traditional wedding norms and embracing inclusivity, ways to personalise, and aesthetic storytelling, and the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend is the perfect reflection of that.

In this feature, we're breaking down exactly why different coloured bridesmaid dresses have their time to shine, how to make the look work for your wedding party, and why your bridal party will thank you for embracing this stylish, modern twist.

The Rise of the Mismatched Bridesmaid Dress Trend

Weddings are becoming more Personal

21st-century weddings are becoming less about tradition and more about celebrating the couple themselves. Brides and Grooms want their weddings to reflect their personalities, values and individual style. That's where non-matching bridesmaids come in. They allow their bridal party to show their individuality and the opportunity to dress in a way that makes them feel comfortable too! Whether it's a gradient of bold spring palette or autumnal tones, having different-coloured dresses adds a wow factor and an editorial edge to your bridal party photos.

Image Captured by Kira Savage.

Inclusivity and Body Positivity

One of the biggest benefits of different coloured bridesmaid dresses is that it allows each member of your bridal party to feel confident and comfortable in an outfit that suits their skin tone, body shape, and personal style. This is especially important in bridal parties that are diverse.

Let's be real: trying to find a dress that makes everyone feel comfortable and confident, and suits their skin tone, and body shape, is almost impossible and leads to months or even years of trying to find one. By giving your bridesmaids some flexibility, whether that's in shade, fabric, or cut, you're helping them feel their best on your big day.

The Aesthetic Appeal: Why it Looks So Good

four bridesmaids and a bride stand in front of a lake holding flowers

It Feels Effortless But Looks Expensive

There's something about a mix of tones and textures that screams elevated, even when dresses come from ASOS or Zara. With the right styling, a bridal party in an array of different hues can look more luxe than one in matching designer gowns. That "thrown together but perfectly curated" vibe? That's what this trend does best.

Image Captured by Alpine Image Co.

four bridesmaids and a bride stand holding flowers

The Power of a Curated Colour Palette

One of the biggest modern wedding trends is stepping away from identical dresses and embracing a bold bridesmaid colour palette with five (or more) completely different colours.

Instead of just sticking to a gradient of one colour, many couples are opting for palettes that feature a variety of hues that reflect the mood of the day, the season or the overall wedding vibe. Think mustard, mauve, sage green, terracotta and even dusty blue. Five completely different colours, yet when styled together they create a visually rich, fashion-forward bridal party look.

This kind of bold mix brings energy and dimension to your wedding photos, while still feeling cohesive when grounded by complementary undertones or fabric textures.

Image Captured by Holland Studio.

They photograph so well

There's a reason why every wedding blog, Pinterest board, and photographer's portfolio is bursting with different coloured bridesmaid dresses, they look so editorial, playful and full of personality.

With contrasting colours and complementary textures, the overall vibe feels less traditional and more like a chic fashion shoot. It's giving cool bride energy, and we're so here for it.

The mix of tones brings natural dynamism to group shots, making every image feel intentional and stylish without being overly posed. It's a dream to shoot, a dream to wear and even better to look back on afterwards.

Bouquets that match each dress? Consider us obsessed

If you love the different coloured bridesmaid dresses route, why not take it a step further and customise each bouquet to match? And personally, this looks incredible. It's such a simple but impactful styling detail that makes your wedding photos look seriously elevated. Each arrangement can reflect and compliment the dress colour, but together they'll still feel cohesive and intentional, like a floral gradient.

It's a creative way to weave your colour palette through the whole bridal party look without everything needing to match exactly. Plus, your florist will love the opportunity to get a little playful with flower choices and textures.

It's Sustainable and Budget-Friendly Too

As we all know, wedding costs can stack up fast, and that includes what your bridal party spends, and we're not just talking about the Hen do ladies... Allowing different coloured and even differently sourced dresses gives your bridesmaids a chance to explore different brands, potentially re-wear something they already own, or find a piece they'll likely wear again. It's a more sustainable approach to bridesmaid fashion, and your family and friends will definitely appreciate the flexibility. It gives you and the bridesmaids the option to explore dress options from fashion-forward high-street brands. Think & Other Stories, ASOS, Zara and so much more!

How to Actually Pull it Off (Without Chaos)

1. Count your Bridesmaids

First things first: how many people are in your bridal party? This will help you figure out how many colours to include. As a general rule, 4-6 colours look beautifully balanced for a group of 6-8 bridesmaids. Fewer than that? Stick to 2-3 colours for a more cohesive feel. More than 8? Go big or go home with a colour wheel. Just ground it in a similar tone or fabric.

2. Pick your Colour Palette

Choose a palette that reflects your wedding vibe, season or location. Want a modern, romantic look? Go for soft tones like sage, dusty rose, mauve and champagne. Planning a spring/summer wedding? Think pastel tones like baby blue, butter yellow, baby pink and light green. Think about how the colours will photograph together, not just individually.

3. Discuss who suits what

Different colours mean you can actually dress people in shades that suit them. That friend with olive skin might glow in burnt orange, while your fair-skinned cousin shines in soft lilac. Chat with your bridesmaids, they'll appreciate being part of the decision and it's a fun process to discuss together.

4. Create a mini mood board for each colour

This is the key to great success. Once you've picked your colours, create a quick mood board for each one. Show pictures of your ideal vibe, silhouette, fabric, or anything that helps showcase your vision. This will help your bridesmaids know what to and what not to go for. You can use Pinterest, a Canva doc, or even an Instagram Saved collection to keep things easy and visual.

5. Share a style guide

Let your girls know your expectations, if you have any! Do you want floor length? Is satin preferred? Are florals okay? Giving light structure helps avoid clashing styles, and still leaves them freedom to choose a dress they love. Even adding links to example dresses or online shops you like. Bonus tip: Create mini swatch cards or send out hex codes to help your girls match tones without stress.

6. Have a check-in moment

Once everyone's got a few options, do a group check-in. It's so important to see the line-up together before the big day to make sure each dress complies with the colour palette correctly. Make a fun evening out of it! It's a great excuse for a girl's night and lets you make any last tweaks before the big day. Pro Tip: Do a trial look with each bridesmaid. We're talking hair and makeup, the full look! This gives everyone the chance to see the expected look on the day and helps visualise what works and possibly what doesn't.

Final Thoughts: A Trend that's Here to Stay

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses aren't just a passing trend, they're a great example of how weddings are evolving. They're personal, expressive, a little bit unexpected, and totally photogenic. It's about curating a day that feels like you, not ticking boxes from the traditional bridal rule book. Whether you're going bold and vibrant or soft and tonal, this look is your chance to tell a visual story that's full of personality, style and love, right down the aisle. If we've sold the idea to you, then our work here is done. For a deeper dive into this wedding trend, check out our Mismatched Pinterest board for further beautiful inspo.

Image Captured by Lauren Williams.

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