Photography by Jomar Wedding Photography

Gone are the days when bridesmaids of all shapes and sizes don the same dress as one another, no matter how unflattering the style may be. Brides are now allowing more and more creative freedom among their bridesmaids, who opt for cuts and styles that fit them best.

“Brides are allowing their bridesmaids to choose dresses within the same color scheme,” says René Hill of Weddings by René Hill and René Hill Originals design and tailoring studio. “A bridesmaid can choose the dress that’s best for her body type.”

When it comes to colors, there’s no one particular trend among couples who get married in Bermuda, says René, though blush tones that match the destination’s trademark pink sand beaches have been popular lately. René has also seen a November bride opt for rusts, dark browns, oranges, and yellows to match the season, and a summer bride who went bright with turquoise blue bridesmaid dresses and fuschia flowers, a combination that packed a colorful punch.

Bermuda grooms are displaying casual wedding wear, with linen suits or a linen vest and trousers, and of course the traditional Bermuda shorts with blazer and ties to match the bridesmaids are a popular mainstay.

“My advice would be to really spend time thinking about the colors you want at your ceremony and reception, and pair those with the ensembles you’re choosing,” says René. “Of course, don’t wait too long to come to a decision, as most companies will need at least four months to make your dresses. Be sure your mind is set when you order, as once the order is placed it’s difficult to make changes.”

Plan for the wedding party’s outfits to arrive one month before the wedding to allow time for alterations, René adds. Though last-minute alterations are possible—René recalls the time her shop turned around a wedding dress alteration in less than a week, and they were even able to alter two pairs of children’s trousers the day of the wedding in less than two hours—this is an exception to the rule, and you should allow plenty of time to ensure your wedding wear comes out exactly as you envisioned.

René also cautions brides that wedding dresses run larger in size, so don’t be shocked when your perfect fit ends up being a few sizes larger than your regular daily clothing.

Bermuda’s natural landscape offers a beautifully colorful backdrop, and whether you go with bright and bold ensembles to match the scenery or more subdued shades, allowing the island’s brilliant hues to shine, this destination is an undoubtedly stunning place to say “I do.”