You’ve locked down the venue, you’ve found your dream gown, and now it’s time to style your best friends. It’s a huge part of the planning process because these photos last forever. But you have one question before you start browsing swatches. Does the maid of honor wear the same dress as bridesmaids?
It’s a valid question. You want your main girl to feel special, but you also want a cohesive look for the big day. Let’s figure this out together.
It’s Totally Up to You
Here’s the short answer: she doesn’t have to, but she certainly can. Traditional etiquette used to say everyone should match perfectly, but modern weddings are all about breaking the rules. You’re the bride, so you get to decide the vibe.
If you want a uniform look, that’s great. If you want her to shine a little brighter because she’s doing all that extra work for you, that’s cool too. It really comes down to your personal taste and the aesthetic you want for your wedding party.
Team Matchy-Matchy
There’s something satisfying about a perfectly matching bridal party. It looks clean, classic, and organized. When everyone wears the same color and cut, your photos will look incredibly cohesive. Plus, it makes shopping a lot easier. You pick one dress, and everybody orders it. Done and done.
This route also keeps things fair. Nobody fights over who got the “better” dress because they’re all in the same boat. It puts the focus squarely on you since you’re the only one in white.
Shake Things Up a Little
If you’re leaning toward letting her shine, you have plenty of fun options. You can keep the same color but choose a different neckline, or pick a dress with a bit of sparkle while the others stay matte. Playing with the silhouette is another easy trick. For example, you can have it so your bridesmaid dresses are one length, and your MOH dress is shorter or longer so it stands out. Alternatively, you could put her in a floral print that features the solid color the other girls are wearing.
These subtle design shifts make your maid of honor look special without clashing with the rest of the group.
Does the maid of honor wear the same dress as bridesmaids? They can if you want them to! Or they can wear something different. It’s your choice.
At the end of the day, your wedding photos will look amazing because your favorite people are in them. Whether you go for identical gowns or mix it up with textures and lengths, just trust your gut.
