I love red as an accent colour for weddings. It looks classic, elegant, and modern at the same time, and looks great on bridesmaids of all shapes and sizes and with all skin tones.
Bridesmaids Dresses
Many times I've stated that bridesmaids shouldn't be dressed in the most vibrant hue of the colour palette, but I think red bridesmaids dresses are an exception and are amongst the prettiest I've seen. Dresses in all styles and fabrics look great in all shades of red. Also, vibrant shades of red look great against all skin tones, and I'm sure bridesmaids would love wearing the dress again.
Ties and Vests
When dressing the groomsmen in red, it is best to keep the tie and the vest the same colour. The only vest colour a red tie should be paired with is black or a very dark charcoal or grey. Against a white dress shirt, a red tie is already going to pop, and a white or light coloured vest only draws the eye more to the floating tie and away from the man's face. Black, grey, or the same hue of red will soften the look.
Ties and Vests
When dressing the groomsmen in red, it is best to keep the tie and the vest the same colour. The only vest colour a red tie should be paired with is black or a very dark charcoal or grey. Against a white dress shirt, a red tie is already going to pop, and a white or light coloured vest only draws the eye more to the floating tie and away from the man's face. Black, grey, or the same hue of red will soften the look.
Coordinating Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Wearing Red
While all hues and shades of red look fantastic in dress form, in vest/tie form, the darkest hues look the most classic. However, if you are set on having your bridesmaids in a bright red colour and want your groomsmen to match, finding the same shade of hue for all fabrics is the key to creating a cohesive picture.
When working with different fabrics and different distributers, red can be a difficult colour to coordinate, since there are so many variants on the shade. When pairing red bridesmaids dresses with groomsmen's attire, consider the colour of the bridesmaids dresses: is it closer to purple, orange, or somewhere in the middle? Compare the bridesmaids dresses below. My perception is that the ones closer to the top have more purple in them, and working on way down, we gradually move closer to the colour orange. They are paired with a coordinating tie and vest.
When working with different fabrics and different distributers, red can be a difficult colour to coordinate, since there are so many variants on the shade. When pairing red bridesmaids dresses with groomsmen's attire, consider the colour of the bridesmaids dresses: is it closer to purple, orange, or somewhere in the middle? Compare the bridesmaids dresses below. My perception is that the ones closer to the top have more purple in them, and working on way down, we gradually move closer to the colour orange. They are paired with a coordinating tie and vest.
Alfred Angelo, Satin, "Claret"
Men's Wearhouse, "Primetime Wine"*********
Watters & Watters, Dupioni Silk, "Ruby"
Freeman Formals, "Crimson"********
Jamines, Taffeta, "New Red"
After Six, Rapture, "Flame"********
After Six, Taffeta, "Royal Red"
After Six, Iridescent Taffeta, "Royal Red"********
Alexia, Satin/Chiffon, "Sierra"
Moores, Deluxe Satin, "Red"********
Getting the hues right
To see how two different shades of red go together, let's pair a bridesmaids dress that has a purplish hue with a vest that has an orange hue:
It's quite noticeable that the dress has more purple hues than the vest and tie. Add a few extra bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the difference is even more noticeable.
Now, let's pair two colours that are the same shade but not the same hue:
Even though the vest is a shade darker than the dress, because they are the same hue of red (one isn't more towards purple or orange), they still create a unified look.
It's important that, when choosing the shades for the bridesmaids dresses and for the men's attire, real-life swatches are seen. I did this this colour coordinating relying on my computer screen, but if I were actually planning a wedding, I would go to each retailer and ask for samples.
Many hues of red are also closer to pink than purple or orange, so consider that as a factor as well!
More on designing a red wedding in later posts!
Many hues of red are also closer to pink than purple or orange, so consider that as a factor as well!
More on designing a red wedding in later posts!
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