Dress Colors, Hairstyles, Bridesmaids & Coordinating With Your Partner
- jmajors
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Planning your Wedding Look: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning your wedding look involves a lot more than finding the dress. At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique in Charlotte, NC, brides often ask us how to pull together a cohesive, stunning look that reflects their personality and complements the entire wedding party. Below, we’re answering four of the most common questions our expert stylists hear during appointments, covering everything from dress shades to hair, bridesmaids, and even your partner’s outfit.
Understanding Wedding Dress Colors
What’s the difference between white, ivory, and cream wedding dresses?
This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it’s an important one. The subtle differences between white, ivory, and cream can dramatically affect the overall tone of your bridal look.
White: Pure white is the brightest and most crisp option, often described as “optic white.” It’s less forgiving on most skin tones, which is why it’s actually the least commonly chosen by brides today. Fabrics like satin or silk mikado in pure white can read especially stark in person and in photos.
Ivory: The most popular choice by far. Ivory has a slightly warm, off-white tone that flatters nearly all skin tones. Modern ivory gowns often appear almost white in photos but give a much softer and more romantic look in person. Most lace and designer fabrics naturally come in ivory tones.
Cream: Richer and warmer than ivory, cream dresses have yellow or buttery undertones. They often give a vintage, romantic vibe and pair beautifully with gold-toned accessories.
💡 Stylist tip: Always try your dress in natural lighting if possible. Undertones can shift dramatically under artificial lights, so you want to see how the color plays against your skin tone and wedding decor theme.
Choosing the Right Hairstyle
What hairstyles work best with my dress and veil?
Your hairstyle should highlight the best features of your gown, frame your face beautifully, and work harmoniously with your veil (if you’re wearing one). Here’s how we guide brides at J. Major’s:
If your dress has a high neckline or detailed back: Opt for an updo or low bun to showcase the gown’s detailing. This also works beautifully for cathedral veils and drop veils.
If your dress is strapless or has a plunging neckline: A half-up, half-down style or loose waves can soften the look while still feeling formal. It pairs well with fingertip-length veils or floral accessories.
If your veil is heavily embellished or dramatic: Keep your hair more minimal. Think sleek ponytail, simple chignon, or a soft tucked twist. Let the veil do the talking.
If you’re skipping a veil: Add interest with hair accessories like pearls, vines, or vintage combs, especially if your dress has clean lines or minimalist styling.
Remember: trial runs are essential. Bring your veil and any accessories to your hair trial if you can.
Coordinating Bridesmaids' Looks
What should my bridesmaids wear?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule here, but cohesion is key. We recommend these strategies:
Start with your gown: Is it modern and structured? Romantic and lacy? Let that inform the tone of your bridesmaids’ look.
Color coordination: You can match shades exactly or choose complementary hues. Mix-and-match palettes (think champagne, dusty rose, and blush) are very on-trend and photograph beautifully.
Fabric matters: If your dress is satin or crepe, bridesmaids in chiffon may feel too casual. Try to coordinate materials across the board for harmony.
Let them shine within limits: Consider giving your girls a “style guide” rather than dictating a single dress. For example: “floor-length in any shade of sage, in chiffon or silk.” This makes everyone feel confident while keeping the look unified.
At J. Major’s, we help brides consider how their bridal look, wedding venue, and seasonal colors influence the best bridesmaid styling choices.
Coordinating with Your Partner
How do I coordinate my look with my partner’s style?
We love this question because your wedding day is about both of you. Here are a few ways to create a polished, cohesive couple look:
Match formality: If you're in a ballgown, your partner might opt for a tux or three-piece suit. If you're in a boho lace sheath, a lighter suit in linen or wool might be perfect.
Color story: Subtly tie in colors. If your bouquet includes burgundy, have your partner wear a boutonnière or tie in that tone. This doesn’t mean matching exactly; it means echoing.
Textural harmony: If your gown has soft tulle or beading, your partner might wear a textured tie or velvet jacket to complement the richness.
Coordinate details: Think about shoes, cufflinks, jewelry, and hairstyles. It’s all in the little touches.
Ultimately, it’s about looking like you belong together, not like you’re wearing costumes from different weddings.
Final Thoughts from Our Charlotte Bridal Stylists
At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, we believe bridal styling is about celebrating your story, not following rigid rules. From choosing your perfect shade of white to harmonizing your hairstyle and coordinating your look with your partner, our expert stylists are here to help every step of the way.
Ready to start your styling journey? Book a one-on-one bridal appointment at our Charlotte boutique and let us help you bring your full wedding vision to life.
Additional Tips for the Perfect Wedding Look
The Importance of Accessories
Accessories can make or break your wedding look. Consider the following:
Jewelry: Choose pieces that complement your dress without overwhelming it. Simple earrings can enhance a detailed gown, while a statement necklace might suit a simpler dress.
Shoes: Comfort is key. You’ll be on your feet all day. Choose shoes that match your style and color palette.
Veils and Headpieces: These can add a touch of elegance. Ensure they complement your dress and hairstyle.
Makeup Considerations
Your makeup should enhance your natural beauty. Here are some tips:
Trial Runs: Schedule makeup trials to find the perfect look. Bring inspiration photos to guide your makeup artist.
Long-Lasting Products: Choose products that are long-lasting and suitable for your skin type. You want to look flawless all day.
Natural Look: Aim for a look that enhances your features without being too heavy. You want to feel like yourself.
Final Touches
Before the big day, ensure everything is in place:
Dress Fitting: Schedule final fittings to ensure your dress fits perfectly.
Emergency Kit: Prepare a kit with essentials like safety pins, makeup for touch-ups, and a small sewing kit.
Relax and Enjoy: Remember, this day is about celebrating love. Take a moment to breathe and enjoy the experience.
With these tips, you can create a wedding look that is uniquely yours. Embrace the journey, and let your personality shine through every detail.
