Styling a Gorgeous Mismatched Wedding Party: Tips for Fabrics, Colors & Cohesion
Tired of traditional wedding party outfits? Mismatched attire is the perfect way to showcase your loved ones' personalities while keeping your wedding stunning and cohesive. Whether you’re aiming for boho-chic, vibrant colours, or subtle elegance, this guide will help you create a perfectly coordinated mismatched look.
Quick Steps to Plan Mismatched Outfits From a Photographer's Perspective
Choose fabrics based on season and comfort.
Stick to 2-3 complementary colours or shades.
Communicate clearly with your guests.
Create a shared Pinterest mood board for inspiration.
Keep the style simple and cohesive.
Consult with your photographer for guidance.
1. Start with the fabrics
If it's summer, think of some flowy, breathable textures such as satin or linen. For winter - choose something heavier like velvet and wool. You want your people to be comfortable regardless of the season. You also want them to match the theme and location - so don't go for casual fabrics at a fancy castle wedding.
Pro Tip: Keep the fabric type consistent across all outfits. Even with mismatched colours or styles, matching textures create a polished, intentional look. Sourcing from the same supplier can also help ensure consistency.
2. Don't go too wild on colours
Yes, you can choose a rainbow palette if you have exactly 7 or multiples of 7 in your wedding party and they can each be a colour. But chances are you will have more or less than 7. However, you will never fail if you choose either different shades of the same colour or a combination of up to 3 different colours, depending on how many people are in your group. Think of your colour combo as part of the overall theme: orange & green shades for an autumn wedding or pastel shades of blue, pink and beige for a beach wedding.
Pro Tip: Use the colour wheel to check which hues complement each other.
3. Talk to them
Once you've made a sketch in your mind, start chatting to your friends. I would avoid asking questions that are too open such as: what colour you would like? As you'll probably get a different answer from each one of them. Instead, come up with two or three options and ask them which one they love best. The great thing about mismatched outfits is that they are so versatile, it becomes easier for everyone to show their personalities and wear something they will feel good in.
4. Create a shared Pinterest mood board
Let's say you all found common ground in a wildflower theme with summer fabrics. Go to Pinterest and put together a mood board of outfits you like for inspiration. Choose some red, pink and orange satin dresses like our bridesmaids below. Find some matching suits with pastel red, orange or pink. Or maybe a nude jacket with pink flowers. Show them the possibilities of how they could incorporate the theme into their clothing choices and let them start the hunt.
Encourage them to incorporate the theme while shopping and share their findings with the group.
Pro Tip: Include links to trusted suppliers or stores to make shopping easier for everyone.
5. Keep it simple & cohesive
Don't let your combos get out of control. Opt for a combination of solid colors or one repeating pattern. Ensure that all pieces share a unifying element (e.g., color tone, fabric, or accessory).
Warning: Combining three solid dresses, two patterned ones, and a mix of suits can quickly shift from mismatched elegance to mismatched mayhem!
6. Talk to your photographer
If you're not certain about any detail of your mismatched wedding party outfits, reach out to your photographer or any other vendor. We've studied colour theory and have also seen countless examples in real life and can offer guidance in relation to the bigger context. Sometimes, the best combinations might not work at all with your venue or your wedding vision.
Final thoughts
Mismatched wedding party outfits are a fun and creative way to elevate your wedding style while allowing your loved ones to feel comfortable and confident. By sticking to a clear theme, coordinating fabrics and colours, and maintaining open communication, you’ll create a stunning and cohesive look that complements your big day.
Need help or inspiration? Reach out to us for advice, or check out our website and Instagram for real examples and more tips!
