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Photo by Chi-Chi Ari
Long gone are the days when bridesmaids walked down the aisle in matching dresses and the groomsmen escorted the guests while wearing a traditional black tux. Today, wedding party attire is often chosen as a reflection of the couple's wedding style as well as of the personalities of the people wearing it.
Throwing a boho wonderland in the woods? Bridesmaid dresses that mix-and-match with lace and wildflower floral prints will create an ethereal vibe to complete your woodland theme. Hosting a Palm Springs affair? Groomsmen in brightly colored trousers will make a complimentary statement. Having a quirky or eccentric wedding? Dress your bridesmaids and groomsmen in multiple colors.
The mismatched bridesmaid dress trend that quickly became popular in recent years has evolved into a variety of styles, from designated color palettes (think ombré or jewel tones) to variations of a central theme (a roaring 1920s bash, anyone?). And brides who do prefer a more uniform look still find a way to make a statement with their bridal party fashion by opting for patterned dresses (like stripes or florals) or those that are all texture (sequins).
Even groomsmen are picking up on stylish trends, going for a dapper look in tweed or dressing in a range of shades with a central hue. If they're really feeling playful, mix-and-match ties or bow ties and fun socks are always a favorite. A few wedding parties have even played rebel by skipping the suit jackets in favor of flaunting bright suspenders or colorful vests.
Ahead, we've rounded up our favorite wedding party looks for a little inspiration.
Complement Your Venue
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Photo by Matt Waugh
These Show Me Your Mumu bridesmaid dresses draw inspiration from vintage Hawaiian bark cloth prints. Fun and playful, they're ideal for a tropical wedding.
Go for Color
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Photo by Picture Me & U
This bridal party certainly does not shy away from a colorful palette, and they definitely know how to do it right. From saturated sages and forest greens to the groom in a brooding burgundy suit and bride in a nudey-pink gown, all of the tones remain complementary and cohesive as a whole.
Try Ethereal Lace
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Photo by Melissa Fuller Photography
Break from tradition and have your girls wear white lace for a dreamy look.
Or White Tuxes
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Photo by Melia Lucida
These green-clad grooms outfitted their squad of 'groomsmaids' in all white power suits for a strong editorial vibe.
Dress in Earthy Tones
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Photo by Arden Prucha Photography
The bridesmaids aren't the only ones who know how to pull off a mismatched look. These groomsmen wore a variety of rustic colors in shades of taupe, brown, and blue.
Have Fun With Ties
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Photo by Steve Steinhardt
Mix and match patterned ties to bring out each groomsmen's personality in an otherwise cohesive look.
Something Blue
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Photo by Roey Yohai Studios
Can't find the perfect something blue to carry on the tradition on your big day? Outfit your besties as your lucky charms instead. We absolutely adore the pale blue color scheme of these Amsale dresses.
Cozy Up
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Photo by Laura Gordon
Winter brides, rejoice! We've got the perfect accessory to keep your girls looking divine and keeping them warm. These furry stoles complete the entire ensemble.
Get Creative
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Photo by Jessi Field Photography
With different colored trousers, these guys take the rainbow look to a whole new level.
Consider Florals
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Photo by Kadeem Johnson & Dar Es Salaam Riser
Florals aren't just for girls—they look just as good on the guys either as a total look or as a button-down paired with a colorful suit. This guy totally killed the baroque-inspired vibe and seamlessly blended with bridesmaids' pastel and watercolor dresses.
Full Glitz
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Photo by Merari Photography
You can never go wrong with a little bit of shimmer, or a full look of the fairy dust either. The warmth of these gold bridesmaids dresses allows each lovely lady to shine while still maintaining her own individual sparkle in different silhouettes.
Matching Details
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Photo by Whitney Darling
These bridesmaids may not be fashioned in the same dresses, but they are all sporting similar ruffled skirts that adhere to the Spanish-inspiration of the wedding theme.
Go Classic but Modern
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Photo by Erich McVey
Party on top, business on the bottom: This monochromatic look of black trousers and ivory coats is sharp, classy, and a little bit trendy not to mention an oh-so elegant complement to the bridesmaids' jewel-toned dresses.
Add Some Drama
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Photo by IVASH
We know that black is not the first color to come to mind for wedding attire. But we would urge you to reconsider. The look radiates timeless sophistication. Bonus: An LBD is absolutely something your girls can wear again.
Don't Forget the Details
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Photo by Natalie Watson Photography
Diverse patterned linings jazz up beige suit coats, incorporating the whimsical with the traditional.
Free Reign
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Photo by Samm Blake
Your bridesmaids are a big part of your life because of the individual light that they each bring into your life. Let them reflect their personalities by giving them the complete freedom to wear whatever their hearts desire. Somehow, it all comes together in a cohesive look in the end—just like your girl squad.
Tropic Thunder
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Photo by Asia Pimental
Balmy, tropical destination weddings call for a shedding of the usual dress code pomp. Give the boys a break by letting them forgo the jackets and ties altogether for an airy and laid-back look.
Mix and Match
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Photo by Monsoleil Weddings
Prints aren't for everyone, but that doesn't mean you have to completely nix the idea for your bridal party. This blend of solid and printed Jenny Yoo dresses creates a charmingly whimsical yet rustic effect.
Shed the Ties
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Photo by Aimee Silver
If your wedding has a relaxed feel, consider letting the groomsmen go sans tie for an unquestionably cool aesthetic.
Blend In
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Photo by Lilly Red Creative
If your wedding is taking place at an outdoor venue filled with lush greenery, why not outfit the groomsmen to blend with the environment? These dapper groomsmen wore suits in shades of gray that appear almost olive green in color, a perfect choice for the ranch-style Hawaiian wedding.
White Out
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Photo by Lisa Poggi
Is there anything more glam than an all white bridal party? We think not, and we're in good company, too. This bride definitely knew how to make an entrance in a nude embellished wedding dress accompanied by a full entourage in white.
A Blushing Bridal Party
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Photo by Robin Harper
Shades of blush tones are the ultimate combination for a soft, romantic aeshetic. The mixtures of various textures, styles, and finishes add a poetic touch to these dramatic mountainous vistas.
Be Bold
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Photo by Taylor Mccutchan
This bride totally nailed the "resort-chic" vibe she was striving to achieve when she asked her ladies to choose dresses within a coral color scheme. The vibrant, punchy hues bring so much personality to these portraits.
A Mélange of Metallics
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Photo by Angie Silvy Photography
The mixed metallic textures and hues of these dresses evoke a sumptuous opulence yet still have a playful Art Deco appeal. We love the anchoring of the ensemble with the presence of a few stark, black tuxes.
Nautical
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Photo by Sylvie Gil
A coastal celebration basically begs for a nautical theme. These groomsmen nailed the preppy look with navy sport coats and white trousers.
Blended Prints
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Photo by Henry + Mac
How adorable is this bride squad in their mixed array of printed sundresses? They remind us a bit of the prairie dresses of our youth. The look is oh-so sweet yet entirely refreshing.