What are bridesmaids wearing in 2026?
As your trusted insiders in the wedding world – having celebrated hundreds of couples and their effortlessly stylish entourages – we’re here to tell you: there’s no one right answer. Honestly, our favourite bridal party looks are those that are less informed by trends, but rather represent a harmonious mix of the individual’s personal style, the wedding’s overall vibe, and comfort that’s conducive to hours of revelry.
But enough theory, let’s take a look at some examples. To help start your search, we’ve assembled bridal party looks from the past year that we’re, quite frankly, obsessed with. Below you’ll find an abundance of inspo for bridesmaid hairstyles, gowns, shoes, accessories and more.
As you’ll see, whimsical mismatched pastels continue to be a bridal party mainstay, with elegant neutrals and gorgeous minis also getting plenty of love. Modern wedding parties are also not shying away from striking hues and unexpected textures. Let’s not forget the bouquets. Keep your eyes peeled for minimalist single stem blooms and maximalist mismatched arrangments, both proving very popular, despite living at opposite ends of the style spectrum.
Whether you’re steering the styling ship or letting your besties take the reins, these joyful bridal party looks are bound to spark some ideas. So pour yourself something yummy and gather your people around the computer… let’s get this bridesmaid outfit moodboard started, shall we?
Bridesmaid Style – Goddesses in Green
Featured in the Real Wedding Special Vol. 10, Gigi & Trav’s bridal party proves just how chic a single colour palette can be. By the bride’s side was a parade of mismatched green bridesmaid dresses, each playing with different tones, textures and silhouettes. Tying the looks together were individually styled bouquets, adding another layer of personality while keeping the overall aesthetic beautifully cohesive.
Photography I Got You Babe
Bright & Bold Bridesmaids
Ellie and Tom’s wedding, featured in Issue 40, was a joyful explosion of colour with bridesmaids rocking mismatched styles in hot pinks, gorgeous tangerine, and sunny lemon hues. This bold bridal party embraced playful mismatched dresses that brought fresh energy and fun vibes. Perfectly styled with bold accessories, bridesmaid hairstyles to match their personalities and bouquets unique to each, these vibrant bridesmaid looks are a masterclass in standout wedding party style.
Photography Mrs White Photography
Magic Bridesmaid Mini Dresses that WOW!
Amber and Rory’s crew absolutely rocked these hot navy mini dresses – chic, cheeky, and totally on-point for bridesmaids that knows how to party in style. Paired with retro gloves, silver kitten heels and single stem roses, this bridal party look brought bold energy and modern flair, proving that leaning into your own style works wonders every time! See this whole glorious day, with styling by Thank you, Baby in 10/10 Vibes!
Photography Miranda Stokkel
Proof That Your ‘Maids Don’t Need To Match
Misha and Jordan’s nups grace the pages of Issue 41 (get it in your hot little hands here). An intimate gathering of 35, this Richmond celebration was small in size but bursting at the seams with style. Misha wore an objectively cool, vintage-inspired mini. Meanwhile, by the bride’s side was a parade of romantic tones and textures, ranging from glistening peachy pink to rich red velvet with subtle retro undertones. The cherry on top? Each bridesmaid was also equipped with a unique bouquet.
Photography Taylor Kezia
The Bride(smaids) Wore White
Have ya ever seen a classier gathering of goddesses? Molly and Jacob’s breathtaking celebration at Gabbinbar challenges any notions that bridesmaids shouldn’t wear white (please feel welcome to send to anyone in your circle who’s on the fence about it). And the understated, simple duel stem blooms? Ahhhh *chef’s kiss*.
Photography Janneke Storm
Classic & Elegant Bridal Party Looks For A Classy Country Celebration
Can we please talk about this classy bunch. Celebrating the union of Georgia and Ollie, the bridesmaids donned simple, elegant Rhonda Hemmingway Couture, while the Groomsmen wore M.J. Bale. “Getting photos taken with both bridal parties was so much fun and a chance to take in the moment,” shared the bride and groom, who tied the knot on a family farm in country NSW.
Photography Katie Harmsworth
Vibrant Springtime Vibes
When we think of a springtime garden, something reminiscent of Lily and Tom’s day, hosted in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland comes to mind. Warm in both temperature and aura, lush flora in abundance, and bridal party gowns bursting with joyful colour. Exhibit A: this sunny, tangerine and lilac trio. Again, note the mismatched bouquets. So.Here.For.It.
Photography Taylor Kezia
Short’n’Sweet Bridal Party Frocks
Remember Kaitlyn and Liam’s ‘old-meets-new’ Tassie ‘I do’s? How could you not? Recognisable by its old-meets-new aesthetic, with pops of bold red blooms against crisp white elements and Vaucluse Estate’s lush backdrop. We’d be remiss not to highlight though, this fab foursome in short’n’sweet Oddmuse frocks. Total ‘it girl’ energy – 10/10, no notes.
Photography Jon Gazzignato
A Hot Pink Bridesmaid Suit Barbie Would Envy
If we had to list everything we love about Emer and Tom’s “funky and fun” Fitzroy wed, well, we’d be here all day. But this hot pink bridesmaid suit is sure up there. If it could talk, we imagine it would say “My gal is getting married!”
Photography Liz Barnes
Black & Laidback Bridesmaids’ Looks
Married at Naughtons Hotel, Georgia and James kicked off marriage with a relaxed, fun celebration embodying old school Melbourne charm. On brand, the bride tribe wore a collection of chic black bridesmaid dresses – each demonstrating an A+ balance between classic style and wear-all-night comfort. Oh, and we’re awarding extra credit for those stunning single stem blooms.
Photography Jess Nicholls
Retro Ready-To-Party Pastels
Brittany and Joel’s Melbourne shebang has lived rent-free in our minds ever since we shared it with you earlier this year. It was a story of retro pastels, “bedazzled delights”, and nods to Joel’s Liverpool heritage. But ultimately, for these two, it was about putting on a damn good party! To help set the tone, the groomsmen coordinated in M.J. Bale, while B’s ‘maids embraced similar retro pastel tones in bold bridesmaid silhouettes paired with big heels.
Photography Kinship by Kristy
A More Sustainable Answer To Wedding Party Styling
Please, please, please don’t make us pick our favourite outfit from Ashu and Puja’s heartwarming and modern Nepalese nups hosted in Sydney. A celebration spanning four days, there was a tonne of exquisite ensembles, and we have a real soft spot for the bridesmaids’ frocks. They were actually re-worn from a prior wedding for a sustainable (and may we add, cost-effective) twist!
Photography Daisy and Pine
Fun & Fit-For-Byron Bridesmaids Frocks
“Bright, colourful, and fun!” That’s how Gabrielle and Shaun describe their nups at Byron Bay Surf Club. Fittingly, this half-a-dozen cool humans opted for a joyful array of mismatched bridesmaid dress shapes and tones. Despite their differences in style, we love that each gown is tied together by a similar luxe, glowy texture.
Photography Alexandra Moore
Eccentric & Artistic Wedding Party Vibes
Conventional dress codes felt too restrictive to Chloe and Tom, so they came up with a more artistic concept. “A theme that would allow everyone to wear what they wanted, express themselves, be unfettered, and bring the colour and vibrancy that we wanted to see on the day: ‘Fresh and juicy!’”. Needless to say, this ‘I do’ crew understood the assignment, donning a range of eccentric accessories and quirky green and pink hues – all culminating in a joyful vibrancy that hits you in the face (but like… in a good way, ya know?)
Photography Jackson Grant
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: BRIDAL PARTY STYLE
Where To Find Unique Bridesmaid Dresses In Australia
We’re truly spoiled for choice with so many incredible local options (Bec + Bridge is one of our faves). Our tip? Don’t limit your search to the usual bridesmaid dress racks. As you’ve already seen above, there’s a world of stunning frocks, sets, suits, and minis out there that might not scream “wedding party” but absolutely fit the brief. Expanding your search not only opens up your options but also ups the chances your crew will actually wear it again (a win for everyone!). On the hunt for groomsmen looks? You can find our go-to suit experts over on the directory.
How To Pull Off Mismatched Bridesmaid Bouquets
This one’s easy: team up with a top notch florist. With stacks of experience, an artistic eye and an encyclopaedic knowledge of all things flora, a good florist will take all the relevant elements (the theme of your day, location, season, bridesmaids outfits, textures, fabrics, tones, etc, etc) and coordinate a collection of blooms that are mismatched, yet completely cohesive. Here’s some legends we recommend.
How To Coordinate Your Bridal Party’s Outfits
It’s all about good communication. Be upfront about the details before diving into bridal party inspo: Who’s covering the outfits (and accessories, hair, makeup, or even accommodation)? Are your bridesmaids choosing their own looks, or would you rather take the lead? Once everyone’s aligned, build a shared moodboard featuring silhouettes, colour palettes, and textures that capture your vibe. It gives everyone a clear visual of your vision. Start by saving a few favourites from this page, then head to our Real Weddings blog for even more inspiration.
