How to Use Any Color for Fall Bridesmaid Dresses

There are traditionally a lot of rules that go with weddings and planning them--from old, new, borrowed, blue rule to the fact that, as a guest, you’re not allowed to wear black. While these rules and regulations might have been hard and fast at your grandmother’s wedding, the times have changed and one rule seems to be on the rise as mandatory--the rule that you can do whatever you want. It is, afterall, your wedding. One rule that a lot of us ladies seem to be holding onto, however, is the rule that there are specific colors that go with the specific season we’ll be wed during. However, we’re here to let you know that just because your favorite shade of pink is blush, doesn’t mean you have to wait until springtime to marry the love of your life. Here we’ll help you through the journey of overcoming the wedding color myth, specifically when it comes to fall bridesmaid dresses and avoiding lighter hues.

Mix Up Shades

One option to get the traditionalists off your back on your big day is to mix up different shades of your favorite color. Have some bridesmaids wear a lighter shade and others wear a deeper shade of the same color. You could also go for a more ombre feel by having your bridesmaids wear multiple shades of the same color (instead of just two). This could get a little tricky if you’re trying to stick to strictly ombre. Keep on top of your bridesmaids’ color choices to make sure there aren’t any duplicates of the same shade. If you’re feel more lax about it, let there be doubles and just let your squad go for whatever shade of the same color they want.

If you’re the kind of bride that wants her maid of honor to be known, you could opt for having her wear the lighter or darker shade while the rest of your crew wears the opposite shade of the same color. That way, she stands out as your MVP and you still get your lighter hue in the mix.

Textures and Patterns

An alternative to throwing around various hues of the same color is to add different textures and patterns to the mix of ‘maids. Have some of your gang wear sparkles to add some elegance and fun to the mix or have some wear more neutral shades like grays to offset the lighter shades. Sparkles and darker neutrals are perfect for any season. If you’re on the end of the spectrum where you want darker shades for warmer months, opt for the opposite and have some dark hues mixed with lighter neutrals.

One fun twist that lots of brides are going for these days is throwing floral dresses into the mix. You could go for a floral dress with a dark background and lighter flowers or you can go for the opposite. You can have your whole crew go floral or you can opt for your maid of honor to be the one in floral while everyone else wears matching hues (light and/or dark). Florals are not just for summer and spring any more, including when it comes to your bridesmaids’ frocks.

Bouquet Colors

You can coordinate and mismatch colors and patterns all day, but pulling off defying the color rules comes down to your bouquet. If you’re getting married in the fall or winter months and you’re defying tradition by going with lighter-colored dresses, sneak in some darker petals into your bouquet or flower crowns. It will look amazing in contrast to your lighter dresses. Plus, it makes everything come together in a chic, sophisticated, and clever way. You can do the the opposite in the warmer months when you’re opting for deeper-colored dresses.

Blame it on the Boys

A fun contrast to take into consideration is what the groomsmen are wearing. Navy suits next to lighter bridesmaid dresses or light gray suits next to deeper hues make for intriguing and eye-catching pictures that you’ll love for all the years to come. If you're not into that contrast, you can make the contrast between bridesmaids. Rather than going with different hues of the same color, you can do contrasting and complementary colors between your ladies to create depth within the party.

There’s a lot to take into account when it comes to your wedding, but picking out your bridesmaid dresses should not be one of your stresses. If you’re looking to opt for colors that aren’t technically “in season,” try mixing up shades of one hue, playing with patterns, being skillful with your bouquets, or simply choose to complement the groomsmen’s suits with opposing shades that will make your ladies and gents stick out in a glamorous way.