Bridesmaid dresses carry your palette into nearly every photo. Choose colors that flatter different skin tones, suit the season and are fair to the people paying for them.
Palettes by season
| Season | Popular choices |
|---|---|
| Spring | Blush, lilac, sage, butter yellow, powder blue |
| Summer | Coral, sky blue, lavender, soft pink |
| Fall | Terracotta, rust, burgundy, mustard, emerald |
| Winter | Navy, deep green, plum, silver, champagne |
Matching or mix-and-match?
Matching dresses look classic and polished. Same color, different styles lets everyone choose a flattering cut. A palette of shades — say, three tones of green — looks curated and works well with different budgets.
Fair on everyone
Bridesmaids traditionally buy their own dresses, so share a price range early, offer options at more than one price point, and consider letting people wear something they already own in the right color.
Don’t forget
Shoes and alterations add to the cost, so give a clear ordering deadline and send everyone the same information at the same time.
General information, not legal, medical or financial advice. Confirm details with your vendors, venue, officiant and local authorities.
Questions people ask
What bridesmaid colors suit everyone?
Mid-tones like sage, dusty blue, mauve, terracotta and soft navy tend to flatter most skin tones.
Who pays for bridesmaid dresses?
Traditionally the bridesmaids do, which is why sharing a budget range early matters.
How far in advance should bridesmaid dresses be ordered?
Four to six months before the wedding, to allow for shipping and alterations.
