Your big day is coming up—you’ve found a venue, settled on a menu, and now you’re getting ready to shop for dresses. But before you visit a bridal shop, you want to know that the bridesmaid dresses you pick will complement your wedding dress without stealing the show. Follow the guide below to find the right color and style for your bridal party.

How to Pick Complementary Bridesmaid Dresses

First, you’ll want to factor in the style of your wedding dress. If you’re going to be dressed in old-world elegance, you don’t want the bridesmaids in modern fits. For a more modern approach, avoid flashy embellishments and classic fabrics like lace. A wedding dress adorned with beading or intricate embroidery calls for bridesmaid dresses with pleats.

You can also incorporate elements of your dress into the bridesmaids’ getup. For example, if you’re wearing a lace dress, consider picking dresses that have a lace top or minor lace details. A smooth satin pick calls for simple supporting dresses in muted colors. If you’re confused or uncertain about the best dresses to complement yours, your bridal shop consultant can also guide you through the process.

Mistakes to Avoid

You want to avoid blending in or being overshadowed by the bridesmaid dresses. As such, you should never choose the same fabric for your wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ attire. Drastically modern cuts, bright colors, or flashy prints can all draw attention away from you. You should also avoid choosing the same neckline, and don’t replicate attention-grabbing features from your wedding gown on the other dresses.

If you’re ready to make your wedding day dreams a reality, schedule an appointment at Memories Bridal & Prom Formal. Based in Middletown, OH, this bridal shop serves Dayton, Cincinnati, and the Tri-State area. With over 500 dress styles available, they’re sure to carry the silhouette you have in mind. To view some of the designs they carry, visit their website, and call (513) 727-8770 to reserve their bridal suite.