Choosing colours for a wedding party is one of the trickier parts of planning. You want everyone to look cohesive in the photos, and you want each person to feel great in what they're wearing. Some people in a wedding party may share a season, while others suit quite different colours, so it helps to know who suits what.
Colour analysis offers a practical way through it, and as a group session for the bride and her bridesmaids it can also become one of the most enjoyable parts of the lead-up to the wedding.
Every wedding party is different
Colours differ in three main ways: undertone (warm or cool), value (light or deep) and intensity, or chroma (bright or muted). People's colouring varies in the same ways. In some wedding parties, several people share a season and one shade works beautifully for them. In others, colouring is more varied. That's why Maureen looks at each group individually rather than applying one rule to everyone.
That doesn't mean everyone needs a different outfit. It just means a little knowledge goes a long way.
Choosing colours for bridesmaids
Look for versatile shades
Some colours come in versions that work for more people than others. Teals and mid blues, for example, appear in some form in most palettes, though a soft, dusty teal and a clear, bright teal suit very different people. Softer shades like sage and dusty rose are lovely on people with softer colouring but can look flat on those who suit clear, bright colours. Maureen can help you find the version of a colour that works for the whole group.
Try tones of one colour
Rather than one exact shade, many wedding parties wear variations of one colour. A lighter version might suit someone with a lighter, softer colouring, while a deeper version suits someone with deeper colouring. The overall effect is still cohesive, and everyone can look their best.
Mix and match within a palette
Another approach is to choose a family of colours that work together, then let each person wear the one that suits them. This tends to look relaxed and modern in photos.
Bring colour close to the face
For bridesmaids, a neckline, wrap or flowers held near the face can help. The colour closest to the face has the biggest effect, so that’s where getting it right matters most.
Hair and makeup on the day
Knowing each person's season makes it easier to choose makeup shades that harmonise with their colouring, which is helpful whether the wedding party is doing their own makeup or working with an artist. If anyone is planning a hair colour change before the wedding, Maureen's years as a L'Oréal Colour Specialist mean she can offer guidance on tones that are likely to suit them.
A pre-wedding group session
A group colour session is a relaxed, sociable way to spend time together before the wedding. Everyone takes a turn being draped while the others watch, and it's often the moment people see the difference with their own eyes. There's usually plenty of laughter, and a few surprises about who suits what.
It also works as a practical planning step. Once you know everyone's season, choosing dress colours, accessories and flowers becomes much easier.
Hens get-togethers
Colour analysis is a good fit for a hens get-together, particularly if you’re after something a bit different from the usual. It suits people who’d rather do something calm and memorable than a big night out, and it can also be one part of a longer day.
At home for groups
If you'd rather gather at someone's house, Colour Decode at Home brings a vanity mirror, a full 16-season drape set and professional lighting to you, so the light is as good as it can be in your space. It's available across Perth's Northern Suburbs, which can make the day feel more relaxed and private.
A thank-you idea
Looking for a thank-you gift for your bridesmaids? A gift voucher lets each person enjoy a session in their own time, and it's something they'll keep using long after the wedding.
What to expect
Each person's session involves draping, hair-colour guidance and makeup and wardrobe recommendations. Everyone receives a palette card and a colour wheel on the day, and a personalised report afterwards. Ask everyone to arrive without makeup and wear a neutral top.
Group sessions flow nicely: Maureen runs the initial consultation with everyone together before draping each person, so it's an efficient and sociable way to discover your colours. The group session page has details for two, three or more people, and the FAQ answers common questions.
Groups of two or three can choose a time on the booking page.
Ready to plan your wedding party colours?
When you're ready, you can enquire about a group session and make colour one of the easiest decisions on the list.