The Ultimate Bridesmaid Dress Guide

Do bridesmaid dresses have to match wedding colours?

There’s nothing to say bridesmaid dresses have to exactly match your wedding colours. But it can help to choose dresses that compliment your general wedding palette to keep things cohesive.

For example, if your wedding palette is derived from the vivid tones of your preferred flower bouquets and decorations, your bridesmaids could explore paler or pastel varieties associated with the same colour.

If your wedding venue or table decorations include lots of green foliage and on-trend eucalyptus leaves, sage green bridesmaid dresses could work really well.

If you’re still feeling unsure, try creating a wedding mood board of things like bouquets, table settings, and invitations. Pick a shade that occurs multiple times across your board, and use this as a starting point for your bridesmaid dresses.

Can bridesmaids wear different colours or styles?

Bridesmaids can definitely wear different colours and styles. In fact, this approach to bridesmaid dresses is becoming increasingly popular. If you do decide to go down this route, it can help to make sure all dresses are picked from the same colour palette, to keep things looking cohesive. Or, you may choose to opt for one colour, but in different lengths and designs. Both approaches can work well and can result in a really beautiful-looking bridal party.

It’s also hard to go wrong with a cool leather biker or bomber jacket, which could look great with both dressy and casual midi dresses. Just remember to keep it hip-length or shorter.

Should a bridesmaid dress touch the floor?

There’s no hard and fast rule that says bridesmaids dresses have to touch the floor. Some brides and bridesmaids prefer the elegance of this aesthetic, but others may prefer ankle grazing or even midi designs. It’s worth noting that floor-length designs may benefit from being altered to sit an inch or so above the floor to help prevent any trips and falls! As with all wedding decisions, bridesmaid dress length really does come down to personal choice. If you’re a bride who hates traditions, you absolutely can and should throw out the rule book. Letting your bridesmaids shine in their own unique style can be a great way to do this.

What fabric choices are suitable for beach bridesmaid dresses?

If you’re planning a beach wedding, opt for bridesmaid dresses in a lightweight fabric, like chiffon, cotton or linen. The idea is that these fabrics can flutter in the outdoor breeze, keeping bridesmaids cool. Plus, they won’t drag across a sandy floor. In general, stiff fabrics should be avoided.

What fabrics are suitable for a winter wedding bridesmaid dress?

Heavier, more sumptuous fabrics like velvet and faille are perfect for winter weddings – especially in rich tones like ochre, ruby and emerald. There’s nothing to say you can’t stick with traditional satin bridesmaid dresses in the colder months, though. Pair them with soft faux fur boleros for a luxurious, winter aesthetic.

How to match bridesmaids dresses to your wedding dress

To match your bridesmaid dresses to your wedding dress, start by defining the overarching style of your dress. Is it romantic, clean-cut, formal, or bohemian, for example? Then, aim to choose bridesmaids dresses with a similar-feeling aesthetic. If your wedding dress has a romantic design, opt for bridesmaid dresses in flowy chiffon with feminine detailing. If your dress is structured and simple, however, opt for pared-back satin bridesmaid dresses with minimal detailing. Again, you can use your gallery or mood board to view your bridesmaid dresses alongside your wedding dress by simply pulling in an image or photo of your dress.

Are there bridesmaid dresses that people actually wear again?

There are lots of bridesmaid dress designs that can be worn again – especially those in a more casual, beachy, or laid-back style. More traditional bridesmaid dresses may be trickier to wear again, but not impossible. If you’re sure you’ll never wear the dress again as it currently is, there are options for altering it into something more wearable. You could get it dyed into a colour you feel you’d wear more often. Or, you could have the dress altered in length or even design. For example, certain dresses can be tailored into a skirt or top that you can style in multiple ways. If you hate waste and are wondering what to do with old bridesmaid dresses that can’t be altered – why not try selling them on so they can have a new lease of life? Platforms like eBay and Vinted are perfect for this.

Where to buy bridesmaid dresses

If you’re not sure where to get bridesmaids dresses, try heading to a department store first. They’ll likely stock a good range of dresses from various designers and bridal brands. If you prefer shopping online, a quick internet search will throw up plenty of options. Plus, you can get really specific with your search, which can help narrow things down. For a more traditional shopping experience, why not try a local bridal boutique? Just be sure to phone up first to check whether they do stock bridesmaid dresses (as opposed to just wedding gowns).

Where to try on bridesmaid dresses

Heading out as a bridal party to try on bridesmaid dresses can be a lovely way to kick off wedding celebrations. Plus, it gives bridesmaids who may not know each other well a chance to bond before the big day. Bridal boutiques are a great option for this particular right of passage (you may even get a glass of fizz while you try on!). Department stores are also a good option – and it’s worth noting they may stock a wider range of styles and designers than smaller boutiques. A department store with branches across the country is even better for your bridesmaids who live in different locations or who might not be available to travel for a fitting. It’s possible to order in the exact style and size they need to a store located near them and even arrange a zoom-style fitting together if there’s a suitable time for everyone.

When to buy bridesmaid dresses

Not sure how long before your wedding to get bridesmaid dresses? If you’re ordering from a bridal boutique, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Dresses can take up to two or three months to arrive, and you may also need some time for alterations. With this in mind, you should aim to order them around six months before your wedding. You’ll have a lot more leeway if you’re buying your dresses from an online store, or department store. This way, you won’t need to wait for weeks or months to get your hands on the dresses. But it’s still worth giving yourself a reasonable amount of time to get things sorted, just in case any dresses need returning or swapping for a different size. On the subject of timings – be sure to buy your bridesmaid dresses after you’ve bought your wedding dress. That way, you can make sure to buy dresses that complement your own gown.

Start your search for the perfect bridesmaid dress

With so many styles and colour schemes to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to picking the perfect bridesmaid dresses. Remember, visual aids like mood boards are your friend. They can help you to refine your initial style inspiration as well as visualise your final choices until you’re sure you’ve hit on the look you want. From there, you can start your search for the perfect colour and style of dress. To keep things feeling cohesive, look for dresses that compliment your overall wedding palette and theme. Think about which fabrics would work well with the season – and always check in with each bridesmaid to make sure they feel comfortable with the styles you’re considering. As for the logistics, try not to get too caught up in the do’s and don’ts and bridesmaid dress etiquette. As long as there’s clear communication between the bride and bridesmaids, it should be easy enough to find a solution that works for everyone. There’s nothing to say you can’t break with tradition, either – through having your bridesmaid pick their own dresses, for example. With all that said and done, choosing bridesmaid dresses should be a fun and stress-free wedding milestone.