One Shade, Many Styles: The Bridesmaid Trend 

One of the most stylish and inclusive trends is the move toward dressing bridesmaids in the same hue but in different styles - a welcome evolution in wedding fashion that combines cohesion with personal expression.

Gone are the days of identical bridesmaid gowns, where every friend is expected to wear the same style of dress regardless of body shape or personal style. Today’s brides are embracing a more modern, thoughtful approach: curating a cohesive colour palette while allowing each bridesmaid to select the most flattering shade and a silhouette that flatters her body and makes her feel confident.

The benefits of this approach are clear. No two bodies are alike - what looks stunning on one bridesmaid may feel uncomfortable or unflattering on another. Offering a mix of necklines, sleeve lengths, hemlines, and fabrics within a single colour family ensures that every member of the bridal party feels comfortable and celebrated. Bridesmaids who feel good in what they’re wearing exude confidence when walking down the aisle, and that energy translates beautifully in both real life and for the wedding photos.

Here’s a perfect example: a variety of different shades of green worn by bridesmaids attending Jenny & Bil Ahmed’s wedding ceremony which I conducted at Kelham Island Museum Wedding Venue in Sheffield. The rich palette ranged from sage to emerald, each bridesmaid selecting a unique style that reflected her personal taste while complementing the bride’s aesthetic. The result was effortlessly elegant and visually stunning - proof that individuality can still align beautifully with a unified theme.

Designers and bridal boutiques have caught on to this trend, now offering mix-and-match collections where each style is available in a wide range of shades - from soft blushes and sage greens to bolder tones like terracotta or navy. This enables bridal parties to strike the perfect balance between unity and uniqueness.

Another reason this trend has taken off is its visual appeal. Brides who select a single colour, green for example, allow each bridesmaid to interpret it in her own silhouette creating a visual harmony that feels curated. The result is often a staggered, textural look on the aisle, especially when varying fabrics like chiffon, satin, and crepe are involved. It’s fashion-forward without being forced, and that relaxed elegance resonates with modern wedding couples.

Even bridesmaid dress shopping - often a dreaded affair - becomes more enjoyable. Instead of the pressure to squeeze into a one-style-fits-all gown, bridesmaids feel empowered to wear a style which suits them. This often leads to better investment pieces that can be worn again for another function - a long-standing hope for anyone who’s ever uttered the words, “You can totally wear this again,” about a formal dress.

Ultimately, this trend reflects a broader shift happening in both fashion and weddings: a move toward personalisation, diversity, and body positivity. It’s not just about looking good - it’s about feeling good and enjoying the occasion.

So, if you’re planning a wedding and want your bridesmaids to look as radiant and confident as you do, consider embracing the beauty of “one shade, many styles.” Your bridal party- and your wedding photos - will thank you.

Sue Burton

Colour & Style Analysis Image Consultant

www.colourstyleanalysis.com