Once upon a time, wedding traditions were strict: brides wore white, bridesmaids wore one identical colour and style (no matter how flattering or not), and if the bride wanted Cadbury’s purple, then purple it was. Sorry, Linda, in size 18—you’d just have to smile through it in that clingy sheath dress that suited size 10 Karen so much better.
But thank goodness, wedding style has evolved. Today’s brides are rewriting the rulebook—and we’re so here for it.
From one shade to all the shades
Gone are the days of “everyone must match exactly”. Modern weddings celebrate personality, comfort, and flair. Whether it’s mismatched dresses, statement suits, or sparkling sequin jumpsuits, brides and bridesmaids now have choices—and that includes choosing the right shade for every skin tone.
White might still rule the aisle, but brides are now stepping out in champagne, blush, black, or even tuxedo-style trousers with chunky boots. (And if you’re rocking Converse under that hemline? We salute you.)
Finding the right colour for everyone
Here’s where it gets fun. Picking a colour palette that flatters all your besties might sound tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a cheat sheet of what works best across skin tones:
| Skin Tone | Go-To Colours | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fair / cool | Blush pinks, soft sage, icy blues | Pale yellows, pastels that wash out |
| Medium / olive | Emerald, copper, plum, navy | Neons, dull greys |
| Dark / warm | Gold, burnt orange, magenta | Beige, pale peach |
Pro tip: Instead of one shade, choose a palette. Let each bridesmaid pick a tone that suits her within that colour family. Result? Cohesion and confidence.
What about bold? Why not!
Neutral palettes are lovely—but don’t be afraid of bold colours. Golds, bronzes, deep greens, and even black are fast becoming wedding staples. They look luxe in photos and suit so many skin tones.
Still unsure? Test your colour ideas against swatches or digitally mock up your bridal party looks.
Say yes to comfort—and style
And let’s talk shoes. Long gone are the stilettos you ditch by dinner. Brides and bridesmaids alike are swapping heels for flats, boots, or barefoot-on-the-beach vibes. Wide-leg trousers with flip-flops? Yes, queen.
Whether you’re opting for something glam or a bit grungy, remember: the only rule is that you feel like yourself.
Choosing a venue that matches your style
Just like your wardrobe, your venue should reflect your personality as a couple. Dreaming of a small, rustic barn with fairy lights and mismatched chairs? Go for it. Or maybe you’re all about a luxe hotel affair, complete with a dance floor and dramatic décor.
- Need ideas? Check out:
- Giardini Lambrosa – for fairytale garden weddings
- Villa Arrigo – for that Maltese wedding elegance
Budgeting for the look
We all know weddings aren’t cheap. So where does the money go first?
✔️ Your dress?
✔️ Bridesmaids’ outfits?
✔️ Shoes, jewellery, makeup?
✔️ The groom’s suit upgrade?
Whatever your priorities, balance style with sensibility. Choose dresses that can be reworn, opt for local designers (hello, sustainable fashion), or even go rental for a big impact on a budget.
Need help with budgeting?
Final thoughts
Weddings are about love, joy, and showing up as your full, fabulous self—not about squeezing into a dress just because it’s “the theme”.
So choose the right shade, the right shape, and the right vibe for you and your tribe. When your bridesmaids feel confident, your photos shine—and your memories do, too. Oh, and one last thing: don’t be afraid of colour. Your wedding isn’t beige. It’s a celebration.
