Bride and Bridesmaids Dress Fabrics - Do They Have To Match?

I don't necessarily think the dresses have to be in the same fabric as the brides dress, but I think they should have a similar "feel." If the brides dress is super formal, the bridesmaids dresses should be as well. I see satin as being a pretty formal fabric, and chiffon as being more casual - but usually because the chiffon dress styles are more casual in cut as well.

Bump!

I totally agree with Michelle. I also think outfits should have the same overall feel and the level of formality, but that's it. Even when you look at mismatched styling, they frequently have dresses in different fabrics and they look fabulous.

I think this idea of everything under the sun having to be matchy-matchy is very 80s. Besides, I've never seen a wedding pic that made me go, OMG look at these dresses!!! The bride's gown is made of different fabric!!!

I think as long as your the same level of formality.

So for example, if my dress is charmeuse (Maggie Sottero Adorae) and these are the styles of dresses I like (not these colors, I just like these types of styles), are they along the same lines of formality as my dress?

Bump!

Bump again

I agree with all the comments. My Dress is organza and my bridesmaids dresses are chiffon. Its a summer wedding so everything is light and airy. The bridesmaids have 2 different types of chiffon dresses.

Will the styles that I posted be of different formalities than my dress? The top two are chiffon and the bottom is charmeuese, while my wedding dress is charmeuse.

(I'm not buying until late next year. I just really like dresses along the lines of these styles so was wondering if they would work).

I don't think it matters really as long as they have a similar or lesser formality. I mean, I think it would look okay if the bride is in a really formal gown and the bridesmaids aren't.. But it would look weird if it were the other way around.

Here is my dress (not the best pic) which is Satin, Net, Organza, Re-Embroidered Lace.

And, the bridesmaid dress that we chose is taffeta.

I think they will look just fine together.

You are right, Edie. Those dresses look so pretty together!

I really struggled when I looked for bridesmaid dresses. For me, the only way I could "see" them "going together" was to make sure they were the same fabric. I'm wearing satin so it would look off to me if they were in chiffon or something similar. Another part I found that I liked to "match" was the neckline. That helped me see the big picture a lot!

Uh oh. Some of the dresses that I like are chiffon

My dress was satin and my bm's were chiffon it think it looked great. Although they were different materials they complimented each other. The bm dresses were very similar to the pink Bill Levkoff dress you posted.

I don't think so it looks nice if both wear in contrast. How about wedding dress with satin on the top of it and chiffon on the bottom of it with multiple layers.

I gave my bridesmaids a color and basic length, and they all chose their own!

@Liz, I love those!! It definitely goes together with your dress. Mine is a big satin ballgown with a cathedral train so maybe it's more of the "formality" of my dress that made me think satin for the bridesmaids also. I'm also not the most fashionable person, so it was difficult to see the end result for me!

Liz, I LOVE those dresses and the color!

Thanks ladies

As long as they are all the same style or feel, that is all that counts. Cate wanted things that complemented her dress. Her dress was ivory lace with pearl/bling. The BMs were pink chiffon with just bling on their sash. She brought in the pearl to comp her via their jewelry, pearl earrings and bracelet.

Photos courtesy of Michaels Photography of Bensalem.