Unique or Alternative Bridesmaid Dresses

If you're looking for a way to spice things up for you and your bridesmaids, then look no further. Bridesmaids dresses are a unique way to show off your sense of style and creativity but also a way to showcase your beautiful best friends. By today's standards, picking a dress is no longer boring and unoriginal, and we're here to welcome all the new and upcoming trends.


One way to spice a color up is to have bridesmaids pick different shades and styles in their dress. Tell them it has to be blue and let their creativity run wild! This allows your girls to choose a shade that fits their style, as well as a neckline or silhouette of a dress that makes them feel super confident. If you want to get even more creative - have your bridal party pick different dresses together. Mismatched patterns, prints, and colors can create a beautifully intricate look for your wedding day.


Another one of our favorite trends is florals, florals, florals! Whether your floral print is small and dainty or large and detailed, we can't get over the look of a floral design next to your white dress. If you want to further spice up their look, different colored floral dresses allow your girls to rock each of their dresses in their own way and add an element of surprise as they each walk down the aisle.


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If you're intrigued on how to make white bridesmaid dresses work, how to spice up the color blue, how to make it feel feminine and fun, and/or how to add a little shimmer to your besties looks, then search no further. We're here to give you the inside scoop on all things up and coming when it comes to unique, creative, and alternative looks to bridesmaids dresses. Some of these trends are sure to surprise you and make you consider options you may never have thought of before. So, if you're looking for a fun twist to your bridal party's look, then keep on reading.


Looking for that perfect Raleigh venue for your wedding? Check out what the Merrimon-Wynne House has to offer!


UNIQUE BRIDESMAID DRESS IDEAS


White dresses

Gone are the days where brides are the only ones rocking white down the aisle. This look keeps things clean and fresh and allows you to get fun and creative with florals for a fun pop of color.



Let your besties get creative with style and cut of each of their dresses for a fun and trendy look. This style is perfect for the spring or summer bride who isn't afraid to play with some color in her bouquets or who wants a more reserved and/or clean look. We could see this style being rocked at an outdoor wedding where the white dresses get a chance to really stand out.

Embroidered dresses with pops of color

There is no better way to add a pop of color into your wedding than by having your bridesmaids wearing embroidered dresses with a pop of color. This look is super stylish at the moment and lets your besties feel flirty and sweet. Add a beautiful bouquet in the mix, and you have a beautiful floral palette for your girls to wear on your special day.



Having embroidered details on the dresses would look gorgeous in the spring or fall, depending on your pop of color choice. This look would be perfect for anyone who wants to add a fun twist on a colored dress. It even adds a beautiful texture to your day, if you choose to keep some details simple, which is a total plus.

Mismatched florals

We love the idea of having floral dresses for your girls, but when they are mismatched, it adds a completely different element. Having a line of your girls dressed in varying floral patterns, colors, and styles are sure to look dreamy and gorgeous for any Spring wedding or bride who isn't afraid to play with some pattern.



This look is super elegant, and when every bridesmaid gets to choose her own style and color within your scheme, each girl is sure to look unique and feel comfortable. We can already picture how beautiful your pictures will turn out with your girls dressed in mismatched florals.

Ocean blue hues

If you're looking for a way to turn the color blue into something unique and interesting for your special day, then look no further! Break up the "typical" blue look by adding in prints and patterns, or a mixture of shades. Let your imagination run wild when it comes to the look and style of these dresses.



For more of the relaxed style, choose more flowy styles, and if you're looking for more of a structured or tailored look, then choose form-fitting dresses that show off your bridesmaids perfectly. These ocean blue hues are ideal for a beach babe who wants to add some texture to her special day. This look works for the beach bride who wants the sun, sand, and ocean to be a big part of her special day.

Ivory Elegance

For more of an effortless look, choose styles with ivory and elegant decals. Neutral tone gowns allow for a gorgeous and simple look for your special day. Whether you choose long or short styles, each of these designs showcases a laid back and elegant look. This style is best suited for a bride who either want to have a very sophisticated and elegant look to their wedding, but it would also suit a bride who wants a more simple and feminine look. We could see this style in the spring and summer months for brides who are looking to keep things light and fresh, as well.


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Shades of grey

The color grey doesn't always have to feel boring. Create a unique and trendy look by letting your bridesmaids pick any shade and style of dress they want, with only one condition - it has to be grey. If you're looking to amplify this trend even further, then let them know they can add beading or a pattern.



We could see this look for our fall and winter brides who want to keep things simple, with a touch of adventure. With a simple grey palette such as this one, you can get a bit more creative with your florals and arrangements.

Bold and beautiful

There is no better way to spice up your bridesmaids' looks then by picking a bold and beautiful design. Paired with a simple green bouquet and/or arrangement, a bold dress design is sure to make a statement for your special day. To create an even more unique look, choose the same bold design, and let your bridesmaids choose from an array of styles.


The combination of maxi, midi, and shorter dresses created a unique and fun look for your girls to rock on the day of. This alternative style of dress is best suited for brides who are looking for a wow-factor for their girls to rock on her special day. This idea would be best suited for any season of the year. Bohemian glamour

For a spring or summer time bride who wants a laidback and bohemian look to her wedding, there's no better place to get creative than bridesmaid dresses. Flowy dresses with lace accents are a sure way to get the bohemian look you've been dreaming about. Choose from an array of earthy tones such as light greens or pinks and add some simple arrangements with matching floral crowns for each of your ladies. This creates a look that brings the whole bohemian style together.Rustic color combinations

Rustic chic weddings seem to be in full swing! Tailor your bridesmaids to this theme by creating a rustic color palette for them to choose from. Colors can range anywhere from burnt orange, marigold, maroon, and creme. A combination of these dresses would create the perfect rustic look. This color palette would look gorgeous in the autumn months and is perfect for a bride who is looking for an original style that is tailored to her rustic theme. Pair these dresses with a bouquet filled with greenery, and you will have your completed look.

Classic Navy

There is nothing more crisp and clean looking than bridesmaids clad in navy. This look is the embodiment of elegance and sophistication, and there is a multitude of styles to choose from. Mix and match different styles or stick to one style for all of your girls for a more cohesive look. This idea is perfect for a winter bride who wants to keep things classic for her big day. If you like the classic look, but want another unique element added to the dresses, then create an arrangement full of greenery and a pop of color.


Related: How to Plan a Wedding in Six Months

Menswear-inspired

Are you looking for something edgy, comfortable, and chic? Choose a menswear-inspired look for your besties. There's nothing more comfortable than wearing pants, especially if your girls are looking to dance all night long. Why not choose an alternative to dresses and let your bridesmaids wear a women's power suit or a jumpsuit? Go for a more traditional color and have them clad in black, or go for something a little softer with a grey or color. This style would be best suited for a bride planning her wedding in the colder months and who wants her girls to look sexy and chic.

Garden inspired pastels

For the bride who is planning on having over-the-top florals for her garden wedding, there is no better way to dress your bridesmaids than putting them in garden-inspired pastels. We love the look of light pastel blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and pinks against the white of a bride's dress for a dreamy outdoor wedding look. These dresses would be perfect for the springtime and would be on point for brides looking to have their ceremony in the outdoors. These dresses, paired with large floral bouquets, would make for the perfect extravagant garden wedding.


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Paisley

Paisley prints are the perfect way to invoke an element of charm into your wedding. For the bride who wants a more down-to-earth look for her wedding, especially if she grew up in the outdoors, we would suggest incorporating paisley prints into her bridal party's dresses. We love the idea of choosing different colors with the pattern and how original the idea is.


We could see this look in the summertime, in the outdoors, or at an old rustic barn. This is a perfect summer bridal dress for your inner southern belle to come out! You could certainly make this pattern tie into the rest of your gorgeous details throughout your ceremony and reception.

Vintage

Add a sense of tradition to your bridesmaid's dresses. This could even play as your 'something old.' Have your girls select dresses that feel vintage or may even be vintage. A vintage-style could be anywhere from lace to embroider to a pattern. Whichever you choose for your day, we are sure it will be a beautiful touch. There is something special that makes a flower crown feel stunning and vintage in itself, so if you choose to go for a more simple look, add a crown to your girls. This is a perfect style for brides who are looking to tie the knot in a historical venue or barn-style space.



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Sparkling

Your bridesmaids should certainly shine, and with a sparkly dress, it brings the saying to life. We have seen this trend where all of the ladies will be in something shimmery, or maybe just the maid of honor is in something that shines to allow your guests to know who may be who.


Your bridesmaids will love this style no matter what. Tying the knot around the holidays or maybe even on New Years Eve? This is the perfect trend for you.


Related: How to Plan a Wedding in 6 Months

Industrial

We don’t think a white and grey pattern like marble will ever go out of style! This look can add a perfect amount of edginess to your day. Another color that will tie in all of your details would be a copper shade bridesmaids dress. This is a trend we can get behind! Talk about industrial vibes dreams come true. This is a perfect style for anyone who may be getting married in a warehouse-style venue with lots of exposed beams and brick accents.


Related: A Monogrammed Wedding by Rebecca Rose and Graham

Earth Tones

There is something so beautiful about a soft, muted, earthy tone bridesmaids dress. If you're feeling the brighter colors for your wedding day, look no further, as these tones are perfect for you. Whether you're tying the knot in the fall or winter, the muted tones can be a great addition to your design. Pair them with a perfect grey or navy suit with brown leather accents. It combines a color palette you will fall in love with.

Woodland

A textured, organic venue calls for a natural vibe for the bridesmaid's dresses. With nature as your backdrop, you could certainly go simple with your color palette, or you could go bold. With a pattern style, the bridesmaid's dresses will stand out against the greenery or barn style ceremony, resulting in picture-perfect moments.


Related: How to Plan a Flawless Engagement Photo Shoot

Soft pinks and blues

This color combination will be a fan favorite for as long as time can be, and we understand why! It is a palette that is beautifully simple in so many ways. You could keep your girls in pastel pink toned dresses while the guys wear a blue suit, or if you're feeling bold, switch it up and have the girls in blue and the guys in pink. A salmon color jacket sure does look sharp. This combo is perfect for your wedding at any time of the year, so you certainly cannot go wrong.


Related: Old New Borrowed Blue


IN CONCLUSION


No matter what dress you choose to have your girls rock on your wedding day, they will be there supporting you and your partner as you tie the knot. Whether it's popping a bottle of champagne as you begin hair and makeup, gifting your girls their bridesmaid's robes and jewelry, or taking all of the candid photos in the bridal suite, it sure will be a day you remember. Treat your bridal party well with some gifts to thank your bridesmaids and groomsmen for all their support.


You get to start and end your day with your best gals, and there is something so sweet about that. We hope this helps guide you towards your dream color palette and inspires you towards the perfect bridesmaids dresses for your girls!


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