How to Choose the Perfect Bridesmaids’ Dresses
Advice 28.09.2020
Apart from your own wedding dress, you’ll probably spend more time choosing your bridesmaids’ dresses than just about anything else.
And no wonder. The colour and style of the dresses help set the tone and theme of your wedding and will need to complement your flowers, invitations, decorations and your own frock. And of, course, you have to choose something that suits all your bridesmaids and makes them feel happy and confident on the day.
So here are our tips for choosing a bridesmaid dress that everybody loves.
Same Dress for Everyone
It’s traditional to have all your bridesmaids in matching dresses and it ensures your wedding looks co-ordinated and classic. But it can be tricky finding a dress that everyone loves. It’s worth avoiding dresses that are strapless, shiny or too tight and, instead, choosing a dress style that’s flattering on most shapes. Dresses with wide straps that clinch in at the waist and have an elegant and flowing skirt look gorgeous on everyone.
Same Colour, Same Fabric, Different Styles
Different styles are a huge trend right now and it means everyone gets to wear something that’s flattering for their body shape, while still matching the overall look of the wedding. Keep the colour and fabric the same but change up the details by adding sleeves, altering the neckline or swapping out the strapless and spaghetti strap options for a wider strap.
Same Colour, Different Fabric, Different Styles
If you want to go one step further, keep the colour consistent but let your bridesmaids choose whatever style and fabric they like. This is perfect for brides who want to keep the tradition of matching bridesmaids but understand that her group of friends are individuals. It also means your maids are more likely to wear the dress again after the wedding too.
Different Styles and Different Colours – But with a Theme
If you want your bridesmaids in different dresses and in different colours, be brave and go for it. But make sure the dresses are from the same colour palette. Blush pink and neutral tones always work well. Or opt for dresses in the same material to keep the overall look unified and visually stunning. Make sure the hair, make-up and bouquets all match to pull the whole look together.
Rich Jewel Colours
©JohnnyDent
The time of the year you get married, will probably influence your overall theme and the colours of your bridesmaids’ dresses. Deep jewel colours such as emerald green, dark navy blue and deep crimson all look beautiful during the autumn and winter months. And when the weather is cooler, a fur wrap, lacy shrug or cosy pashmina are a pretty addition.
Perfect in Pastels
©EvolvePhotography
During the warmer summer months pastel colours always look stunning. If pale pink or peach feels too pretty-pretty, opt for a cool aquamarine, ice blue, mint green or sunshine yellow instead. These colours suit all skin tones and always feel fresh. And they go perfectly with bouquets of spring flowers too.
Shimmer and Sparkle
©TheoMcInnes
If your wedding day is all about the party, eschew traditional fabrics like jersey, lace and velvet and choose sparkly party dresses for your bridesmaids instead. Metallic bridesmaids’ dresses in lilac, rose, silver and gold are fun and cool, and becoming increasingly popular. Finish off with a denim jacket for a festival vibe.
Something Ethereal
The pretty wood nymph look shouldn’t only be reserved for the smallest bridesmaids. Take inspiration from Midsummers Night’s Dream and dress your bridesmaids in layers of green, with wild and natural bouquets and headdresses. Dreamy.
Dressing the Bridesmen
We often see best women standing next to the groom these days. And more guy best friends are joining the bridal party to become a bridesman or man of honour. But what should they wear? You don’t want your guy friends wearing the same as the groom and his stags. And a suit the same colour as the dresses may be a little too much. So colour match the tie or waistcoat. Or choose a jacket that matches the bridesmaids’ dresses perfectly.
Cute Fairies
If your bridesmaids are tiny tots, then pretty flower headbands, sparkly sequins and frothy tulle is the order of the day. Nothing gets more ooh and aahs than little bridesmaids dressed as cute fairies. Choose something that feels comfortable and not tight or scratchy. And bring a change of clothes for them to run around in once the official photos are over.
No Bridesmaids
Or you could always opt for no bridesmaids at all. Just get your closest girlies to slip into their best party frocks and dance the night away.