Make Your Bridal Party Shine: 9 Great Options for Bridesmaids
From dresses to shoes to accessories, our favorite ideas from real Pittsburgh brides.
In the 2015 Pittsburgh Magazine Weddings issue, we share the ins and outs of the bridal party: “The days of bridesmaids leading the bride down the aisle draped in identically matching tulle monstrosities are coming to an end.” And we stand by that assertion. To usher in the days of unique, personal dresses, we take inspiration from real Pittsburgh couples who defied the limits with their choices.
Keep It Subtle
Couple: Stephanie Henry and James Stitt.
Photos by Ann Louise Photography
Small differences in the style of a dress, such as keeping length and color consistent but mixing up each dress’ strap/sleeve, can make a huge difference for your bridal party.
Color Wheel
Couple: Patricia Borowski and Matthew Antram.
Photos by Nicole Cassano Photography
The classic pastels are still popular, but bridesmaids’ dresses no longer must be the same color. Picking light shades (and incorporating one of a darker color) that complement one another can make for an exciting mix.
Go Natural
Couple: Heather Farmer and Dante Condeluci.
Photos by Emily Jeffries, Willa J Photography
Sometimes it’s best to go with no color at all. Neutral dresses can make just as much of a statement as a bright color, and they complement different styles.
Classic Black
Couple: Ashley Rager and Michael Trautman
Photos by Ann Louise Photography
Turn everyone’s favorite little black dress style into an elegant, sophisticated look with matching, long dresses. The black creates symmetry with the groomsmen and creates a backdrop for flowers and jewelry to stand out.
Honor the Maid
Couple: Amy Simon and Ryan Capcara.
Photos by Heather Krah Photography
Some brides stick to traditional matching dresses for most of their bridal party but designate one bridesmaid to stand out in her own complementing color.
Try Two-Piece
Couple: Lauren Jacobs and Tim Hawk.
Photos by TJ and Michelle Getz with Getz Creative Photography
Some choose to forgo dresses entirely, creating a more piecey look with a skirt and blouse combo.
Accessorize
Couple: Allison Trombetta and Billy White.
Photos by Alisa Milnthorp, for Weddings by Alisa
Who says you have to stop at choosing a dress? Some brides use accessories to add a unique pop to a traditional color and style.
Fantastic Footwear
Couple: Lacy Archibeque and Brian Mucha.
Photos by The Leann Marie Collective
Couple: Lindsay Flinn and Mike Metz.
Photos by Meaghan Elliot Photography
Play up your personality by picking shoes that go beyond the classic pump. Many bridesmaids don’t ask their attendants to coordinate shoes, but choosing a unique shoe that everyone wears is unexpected and cute — whether it’s for the guys or the gals.
Floral Fun
Couple: Kerri Lynn Durica and Jason Ferko.
Photos by Meaghan Elliot Photography
Couple: Kelly McDonnell and John Michael Kubera.
Photos by David Burke Photographers
Bouquets don’t have to be something you carry down the aisle. Incorporating unusual floral arrangements into your plans can add extra excitement to your bridesmaids’ look.
