Wedding colour rules have loosened up. Brides aren’t forcing one strict shade on their bridal party, and guests have more freedom to wear tones that overlap with the palette. That’s good news if you want a dress you’ll actually wear again.
Here are five colours all over weddings today, each one working just as well on a bridesmaid as on a guest. Let’s see what makes each shade so wearable.
Butter Yellow
Butter yellow has quietly taken over from blush as the warm neutral of choice for spring and summer weddings. It’s softer than sunshine yellow and sits closer to gold, so it won’t wash out paler skin tones the way a bright lemon might. The creamy undertone photographs beautifully in natural light, making it a strong pick for outdoor ceremonies.
For bridesmaids, a satin slip dress or V-neck midi in this shade gives the bridal party a polished look without being too matchy. A butter yellow bridesmaid dress in a clean silhouette can easily double as something you’d wear to a summer party later on.
Guests can go for a wrap dress or A-line midi in chiffon or linen. Pair it with tan accessories to keep things grounded, or white gold jewellery for contrast. Best suited to rustic, garden and barn weddings.
Sage Green
Sage green has been popular for a few seasons now and it’s showing no signs of fading. It’s a muted, earthy green that flatters a wide range of skin tones and pairs well with nearly every other wedding colour, from ivory to terracotta.
Bridesmaids will look great in a one-shoulder maxi or fitted midi. Guests can lean into the shade with a printed tea dress that uses sage as the base, or a block-colour suit for something more structured. Gold accessories are the natural pairing, but silver and pearl-toned jewellery will brighten up the green without competing with it.
This shade is at its best in countryside or woodland weddings, though it also suits city venues with lots of greenery.
Cornflower Blue
Cornflower blue adds more personality than the usual navy or powder blue. It’s a mid-tone, slightly dusty blue with enough warmth to stop it looking cold. You’ll see it across 2026 palettes, especially for late spring and early autumn.
A full-length cornflower gown with minimal detailing suits bridesmaids at formal venues. For guests, a pleated midi or an off-the-shoulder top with tailored trousers hits the right note. Accessorise with silver for a cooler finish, or mix in blush pink for something softer. This shade suits coastal and church weddings particularly well.
Soft Lilac
The softer, more muted version of lilac has real staying power for weddings. It sits comfortably between pink and lavender, and it won’t overpower a setting the way deeper purples can.
Bridesmaids can wear it in almost any dress style because the colour is gentle enough to let the cut take centre stage. For guests, a lilac slip skirt with a cream blouse works for semi-formal weddings, while a lilac suit is a smart pick for black-tie events. Keep accessories neutral. Nude heels and a cream clutch will let the colour do the talking, and rose gold jewellery adds warmth without pulling the look too far towards pink.
Best for spring weddings in light-filled venues like glasshouses or marquees.
Champagne
Champagne has been a wedding staple for years, but it’s now more popular as a standalone colour for bridesmaids and guests instead of just a backdrop. It’s warm, easy to accessorise and works across seasons.
For bridesmaids, a satin or crepe dress in a classic cut will look elegant without stealing attention from the bride. Stick with warmer tones that lean towards gold instead of ivory to avoid looking too close to white. Guests can wear champagne at almost any type of wedding, from a formal maxi to a tailored blazer dress for a daytime celebration. Pair it with bronze or copper accessories for a tonal finish.
One Colour, Two Dress Codes
Strict colour separation between bridesmaids and guests is fading. All five of these shades move between both roles depending on the cut, the accessories and the formality of the event. Pick a colour you actually like, invest in a well-cut dress, and style it to suit the occasion. You’ll get far more wear out of it that way.
This article is a paid guest contribution. The views and information expressed are those of the contributor and not of Homegirl London.