Mismatched bridesmaid dresses aren't going anywhere! And we couldn’t be happier that the days of bridal parties looking like identical twins are seemingly a thing of the past. Finally, more and more couples are realizing that not all styles, colors and cuts leave everyone looking or feeling their best, and the “look” of bridal parties are constantly changing. If you’re embracing a mismatched bridal party for your big day, there are still ways to still keep the bridal party looks cohesive and complementary. Scroll through for the only three tips you need when mismatching your bridal party.

Keep a Color Family

One of the easiest ways to embrace individuality while still having a uniform look or feel to your bridal parties is by keeping all apparel within a color family. By selecting a color and then playing with shades, textures and patterns, everyone will be able to find something that suits and flatters them, while still looking the part.

If you’d like to expand beyond one color family, opt for shades and hues that complement one another, without being too matchy-matchy. Think of greys with pinks, silvers with blues, gold and silver and possibly even patterns that incorporate both. The closer you stick to a theme or family, the more unified you look will be.

Unifying Element

It may seem small, but keeping just one element the same throughout your bridal party looks can help to tie them all together. Something as simple as matching earrings, socks or cufflinks are fun and easy ways to tie everyone together. (They also make great photo details!) It’s also not too much to ask bridesmaids to consider similar hairstyles, beauty looks or jewelry so that they can be themselves, while embracing the styles of a unified bridal party. To make it extra special, consider gifting these details and items to your bridal party.

Think Big Picture

Try not to get too caught up on individual looks and styles, and think big picture. (Easier said than done, we know.) Think of how each piece will come together to look in your wedding photos or when everyone is lined up together at the end of the aisle. Make vision boards, cut out color samples, and mix and match until it's the bridal party aesthetic of your dreams.

Sometimes thinking across party lines, so to speak, can go a long way. There are plenty of simple yet thoughtful ways to have your groomsmen complement your bridesmaids and vice versa. Perhaps your groomsmen’s shoelaces can match your bridesmaids' dresses, instead of just their boutonnieres matching their bouquets. Even having your bridesmaids match their mani/pedis to their partner’s ties and pocket squares can be a fun simple detail that many might not necessarily notice, but it’s fun either way.

This article was written by Erin Celletti for Brides.com.
Photo: Matt Andrews Photography