Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses: Why We Love Them + Where to Shop
Once upon a time, bridesmaid dresses came in one style, one shade, and one expectation, to match. But times and tastes are shifting as couples are moving towards embracing individuality.
More couples are swapping the one size fits all approach for something more relaxed, and just as stunning with mix-and-match bridesmaid looks. It can bring so much vibrancy and personality to your day, while being more sustainable and budget friendly. Plus, it gives your bridal party the freedom to feel like themselves, its a win-win all round!
Here’s why we love this new take on bridesmaids and where to shop for them from high street gems to second hand finds.
Hannah Taylor Photography
The Perks of Mix & Match Bridesmaid Dresses
Comfort for all body types
One of the biggest struggles with traditional bridesmaid dresses is finding a style that feels good for everyone. Your bridal party is made up of people with different shapes, sizes, and style preferences, and that’s exactly what makes it so beautiful. But getting it right by picking one dress to fit all can prove tricky and the truth is, it’s nearly impossible for it to really fit all!
With mix and match dresses, your bridesmaids can choose silhouettes they feel confident in, whether that’s a wrap dress, a halter neck, or something more structured. Or it may be that they have the option to choose out of an array of colour palettes, and opt for the one that reflect them best. This way, everyone feels good, and it really shines through on the day, and after all the day should feel joyous for all of you and your loved ones.
Shopping Tip: Nobody’s Child, Whistles, and Monsoon all offer flattering shapes and inclusive sizing, and most have sustainability built in.
2. Adds Even More Personality to Your Wedding Day (and Your Photos!)
Mix and match doesn’t mean mismatched! With a clear colour palette or fabric brief, you can curate such a unique and unordinary yet cohesive look that fits your vision of the day.
There are so many avenues you could go down when it comes to choosing your brief. It could be that you choose to play around with different tones within a chosen colour palette, or you might go for a mix of textures, fabrics and patterns. Whichever option you choose, the result can add such a fun personal touch. Not only will the reflection of everyone’s personalities look great on the day, but we think it looks so special in pictures too.
Shopping Tip: Check Depop, Vinted or eBay for specific shades and fabric types, ideal if you want to match tones but vary silhouettes. There are often bridesmaid bundles or listings from weddings where dresses were only worn once.
Emily & Steve Photography
3. A More Sustainable Bridesmaid Dress Option
Weddings can sometimes come with a lot of waste, but your bridal party’s outfits don’t have to. At The Walled Garden, we love to guide and inspire our couples to make thoughtful, sustainable choices throughout their planning journey. One simple yet impactful step is letting your bridesmaids choose dresses they truly love. When they’re excited to wear them again, it not only reduces textile waste but also gives those beautiful dresses a life well beyond the big day.
Even better? It encourages your bridesmaids to explore second-hand, rental, or ethical dress brands. Shopping platforms like Vinted, Depop, and eBay make it easy to find pre-loved pieces. Or, check out local charity bridal boutiques and vintage stores, which are usually full of hidden gems from brands that you may not find anywhere on the high street.
By opting for sustainable bridesmaid dress choices, you're taking a small but meaningful step toward a more eco-conscious wedding.
Local Finds: In Nottingham, Rainbows in Beeston and Treetops Hospice in Wollaton have dedicated bridal sections filled with hidden gems. Make sure to check out any charity shops in your local area, we’re sure most of them will have some stunning dresses in there!
Save the Date: The Sustainable Wedding Fair at our venue The Walled Garden at Beeston Fields on 19th October will include a preloved market, perfect for finding unique bridesmaid dresses & other wedding items in person!
4. Budget-Friendly for Everyone
If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid, you’ll know it can get pricey. From the hen do and accommodation to buying a specific dress, the costs can add up fast! That’s where a mix-and-match approach really shines, as it gives your bridal party the freedom to shop within their own budget or even rewear a dress they already own, as long as it fits the theme.
This thoughtful approach can remove some of the financial pressure and makes the experience more inclusive for everyone involved, without compromising on style or the overall vision of the day.
Shopping Tip: Facebook Marketplace is great for local pick-ups and trying things on before committing.
Rental Route: Platforms like HURR Collective and By Rotation are brilliant if your bridal party wants something luxurious but low-commitment. Their bridesmaid edits are full of elegant, on-trend pieces which you can return straight after the day!
5. Dresses Can Be Re-worn
Bridesmaid dresses are very often just worn once, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Choosing a dress your bridesmaids truly like means it’s much more likely to be worn again, to summer weddings, formal events, or even dressed down for a nice dinner. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Rose Images
Quick Guide: Where to Shop
If you’re considering going down this avenue, then here is our round up of our favourite places to look for mix and match bridesmaid dresses. Whether you think the second hand route is up your alley, or rental suits you best, there are options for everyone!
Pre-Loved & Secondhand
Vinted, Depop, eBay - These are great for finding specific colours, brands, and unique dresses at a lower price.
Charity Shops & Bridal Boutiques – In Nottingham, Rainbows in Beeston and Treetops Hospice in Wollaton both have dedicated bridal sections full of affordable finds. Take a look online at charity shops in your area for any with these style boutiques, or just go into your local charity shop and dig through their dress collections. We bet there are some gems in there!
Facebook Marketplace – This is a great option for local pick-ups and potentially being able to try things on in person.
Preloved Wedding Markets - Keep an eye out for local pre-loved wedding fairs, where people sell everything from décor to bridesmaid dresses. The Wedding Assembly are hosting a Sustainable Wedding Fair here at The Walled Garden with a pre-loved market on 19th October, a great chance to browse and buy in person!
Free tickets are available now to the Sustainable Wedding Fair!
Rental Bridesmaid Dress Options
HURR Collective – Their Bridesmaid Edit features beautiful, high-quality dresses you can rent just for the day. Perfect for those who want to wear something a little more luxe without the long-term cost.
By Rotation – Another excellent rental platform, with everything from minimalist gowns to statement dresses.
High Street & Ethical Brands
If your bridesmaids want to buy new, give them a colour or tone guide and then they have the freedom to shop from brands they know and love. Stores like Reformation, Nobody’s Child, Whistles, and Monsoon offer elegant dresses that can be worn again and again, and many of them have sustainability at their core.
Emily & Kate Photography
Choosing mix and match bridesmaid dresses isn’t just a trend, it’s a thoughtful, modern approach that puts your bridal party’s comfort, style, and values first. Whether you’re going for sustainable bridesmaid options, second-hand finds, or rental dresses, it’s a great way to create a wedding look that’s both beautiful and personal.
At The Walled Garden, we love the unordinary and seeing how each couple brings their own flair to the day. From the flowers to the fashion, these little personal choices are what make your wedding feel truly yours!