Copper vs Burnt Orange: Bridesmaid Dress Color Comparison

Copper is a rich, warm shade that blends deep orange with subtle brown and gives a metallic luster. The slight earthy feel radiated from this color makes it a versatile choice for weddings. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic, bohemian, or glamorous theme, copper is your go-to.

The Origin of Copper in Fashion

Inspired by the natural metal, copper is known for its radiant, warm glow. Copper’s significance in mythology is unparalleled, as Venus, the Roman Goddess of love and beauty, was associated with it. The early 20th century saw the rise of metallic tones in haute couture, with Copper being a popular choice. The rise of metallics in wedding palettes has brought copper into the spotlight as a unique and trendy bridesmaid dress color.

Burnt orange is a medium-dark shade of orange with rich brown undertones. This classic blend of vibrant and muted hues evokes the warmth of autumn leaves and the glow of sunsets. The ability of burnt orange to complement natural landscapes makes it an ideal fit for outdoor weddings. It represents comfort and goes well with neutral pairings like cream and beige or cool tones like teal and olive green.

The Origin of Burnt Orange in Fashion

Burnt orange has strong roots in vintage and folklore fashion. It paved its way into the fashion industry during the late 1970s, replacing the psychedelic color palette. The hue has made a strong comeback in recent years, particularly in wedding palettes where couples seek to blend modern aesthetics with vintage charm.

Trend is not a still pond; rather a roiling river. It's essential that one chooses something that transcends the cyclic flow of fashion. This is where copper and burnt orange take center stage.

Copper blends effortlessly with metallic accents and can be considered a refined choice for its elegant outlook. The bold look presented by Burnt Orange is not to miss out on either. For an autumnal-palette outdoor wedding, try a burnt orange satin bridesmaid dress.  

Remember girlies, accessorizing is key! Show off that vintage bandanna and experiment with your personal style.

Anything that you can pull off with confidence is a great combo! But if you are still looking for ideas, we recommend pairing this versatile hue with neutrals like beige or with warm tones like gold or brown.

Beige

The subtle elegance of beige with a spark of copper brings out the YOU in you. There’s no better way to bring out the richness in copper than to pair it with soft tones like beige. If you are olive skin toned and think nothing suits you perfectly, this combo is for you.

Sage Green

A copper bridesmaid dress paired with dusty sage enhances femininity by bringing out that natural softness.  This combination offers a more balanced look and is great for minimalist-themed weddings. Copper dresses paired with sage green bouquets or accessories create a harmonious blend of earthy tones.

Gold

Warm metallic gold enhances copper’s luxurious sheen, giving a vibe of opulence. The shimmer of gold adds a regal touch, making it ideal for glamorous weddings. If you are opting for a satin copper dress, pairing it up with gold shoes and jewelry will further complement your look.

Burnt Orange is super versatile and can be paired with either cool or warm toned hues. If you want a neutral-palette-sorta-vibe, try pairing it up with burnt sienna or sorrel brown.

Olive Green

If you are looking for a nature inspired color palette, try pairing a Burnt Orange Bridesmaid dress with olive green accessories. The earthy vibes of green combine with the rustic tones, making it a great fit for open air events. This wedding season is all about strapless dresses and accessorizing with olive green could create that flirty look.

Cream

The soft shade of cream brings a sort of subtle elegance to burnt orange, toning down its boldness. Slip dresses are In this season and the flow of a burnt orange dress offers an understated contrast to the richness of cream.

Mustard Yellow

For a retro vibe, try opting for mustard yellow in combination with burnt orange. This eye-catchy pairing builds a nostalgic aesthetic and is great for bohemian-themed weddings. Also, accessorize like Jackie Burkhart in That 70s Show! Play with the colors and invest in a mustard yellow silk neck scarf for a great finish.

Image Source: Pinterest

Not every dress fits every wedding — each event calls for its own vibe. Here is a breakdown of color schemes catering to different event themes.

Romantic Weddings

Something floral like Blake Lively wore in It Ends with Us would surely fit a romantic theme. Opt for copper with soft pastels like blush pink or champagne to create a dreamy look. Add pearl jewelry and hairpins to be that sweetheart maid of honor!

Boho Weddings

Don a burnt orange bridesmaid dress to coordinate with that pampas grass in the background.

Every detail is important, so embrace the rustic touch against a macramé backdrop. Braid your hair, add a floral crown, wear leather sandals and get those cottagecore shots for your Instagram!

Glamorous Weddings

Only the flashiness of a copper bridesmaid dress with metallic accessories can match the extravagance of a glamorous wedding. Instead of dousing yourself in sparkles, go with bronze eyeshadow and nude lips. Detailing with pearls is a must!

If you are drawn to the warmth of Copper and Burnt Orange but are searching for something slightly different, here are some options for you:

Terracotta

No girl it's not your average Minecraft block but something far fancier than that! Experience the warmth of this earthy red-orange hue by pairing it with neutrals or muted green for a classy look.

Ochre

A left-over of the high chroma 70s fashion, ochre may be the right choice for you this wedding season! It symbolizes eternity and fertility and is ideal for infusing vibrancy to the wedding palette. Pair it with deep blue for a sophisticated contrast.

Mahogany

Mahogany is similar to burgundy and chestnut and can be considered an alternative to copper. Pair it up with jewel tones like emerald or sapphire this fall wedding season!

Cinnamon

Add spice to your wedding with this dusty shade of burnt orange. Cinnamon bridesmaid dress, with its reddish undertones, is great for autumn weddings. It also pairs beautifully with muted gold, cream, or deep greens.

The latest market trends indicate that warm tones like copper and burnt orange are making waves in the bridal industry. Here are some trendy styles to opt for:

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

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This new trend is taking over the internet which definitely allows everyone to express their individual style. While it gives room for individuality, it doesn't mean handing over full creative control. Creating a vision board with mood-specific palettes and fabric swatches helps your bridal party stay coordinated while expressing their unique flair.

Floral Bridesmaid Dresses

Those floral dresses are making a comeback again and we surely recommend you this for a spring wedding. Opting for a flowy fabric like chiffon or satin would add a romantic vibe to the event. Square necklines with burnt orange botanical print is definitely a must try!

Folklore Dresses

Fan of Jane from 27 Dresses? So are we! Go for something lacy like that light blue dress in Jane’s closet or opt for a copper-colored ruffle maxi dress. Those radiant, Celtic bridesmaid dresses are also making a round on Pinterest and it's high time you fulfil your medieval dream!

Still unsure whether copper or burnt orange is the best choice? Consider this Bridesmaid  Dress Guide for further inspo:

1. Skin Tones

While we strongly prefer letting each bridesmaid choose their own dress, there is still a need for coordination. Copper is a great choice for both neutral and warm skin tones. On the other hand, as opposed to bright orange, burnt orange goes well with deeper skin tones.

2. Venue and Lighting

Let's be honest, venue and lighting are the key! Copper thrives in evening weddings with candle-lit lighting. Burnt Orange is a great fit under natural daylight, where its earthy warmth is highlighted. For outdoor weddings in gardens or vineyards, we recommend opting for the latter.

3. Seasonality

Copper is, without a doubt, fall or winter shade and pairs beautifully with seasonal elements. If you are tying the knot in late summer or early fall, try pairing a burnt orange bridesmaid dress with muted yellow accessories.

4. Personal Preference

It all falls down to one thing: Personal Preference. Bridesmaids are of all shapes and tones (as all of us) and nobody knows your style unlike yourself. Choose a color that suits you. If you love something decent, go for copper. But if you want something bold, it-girl type, burnt orange is the right fit.

Let us be clear: There’s no wrong choice! Be it the elegant glow of copper or the bold charm of burnt orange, it's always your dressing sense which carries the show.

Study your body, search for your style, and be confident in who you are!