Choosing The Perfect Bridesmaids Dresses: A Guide

Buying bridesmaids' dresses can be a stressful task for both the bridal party and the bride-to-be. The bride wants to realise her bridal party vision while taking into account a range of tastes, body types and budgets. For the bridal party, it can be frustrating to pay for an expensive gown that you may never wear again. However, there are now many online retailers that make it easier to find gowns that you'll actually love without all the added stress. From helpful bridal party concierge services to brands that offer affordable bridesmaid dresses without skimping on quality, shopping for wedding attire online has never been more convenient.

Budgeting for bridesmaids dresses

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. The cost of a bridesmaid dress will always vary, so it's important to consult with your bridal party to see how much they can afford. To make it easy, you can offer a few price ranges: $100 to $200, $200 to $350, and $350+.

If you're uncomfortable discussing financials, you can offer to pay the difference, cover alteration costs, or gift your bridesmaids their accessories, hair, or makeup services. You could also look for pre-owned dresses on eBay or Poshmark, or ask your bridal party to rent their dresses from a site like Rent the Runway.

If you want to give your bridesmaids more freedom, you can share your wedding colours and let them choose a style within a price range they're comfortable with. This is a good way to ensure that your bridesmaids will be happy with their dresses and that they won't break the bank.

• Birdy Grey: All the latest styles on sale for under $100.
• Azazie: Bridesmaid dresses from $89 to $169.
• David's Bridal: Dresses from $99 to $250.
• Kennedy Blue: Dresses for under $149.
• Revelry: Dresses for under $200.
• Baltic Born: Most dresses are under $100.
• Thread Bridesmaid by Dessy: Dresses from $119 to $149.

Choosing a colour palette

• Consider the Wedding Theme: The colour palette should complement the overall theme and aesthetic of the wedding. For example, if it's a beach wedding, you might opt for light and airy colours, while a formal black-tie wedding might call for darker, more elegant shades.
• Think About Seasonality: The time of year can also influence your colour choices. For instance, soft pastels might be ideal for a spring wedding, while rich jewel tones could be perfect for an autumn celebration.
• Bride's Dress as a Guide: The bride's dress can be a good starting point for choosing a colour palette. You might want the bridesmaids' dresses to complement the bride's gown, either by matching a specific colour or choosing shades from the same family.
• Mix and Match: You don't have to choose just one colour. Mismatched bridesmaids' dresses are becoming increasingly popular. You can play with different shades, tones, and even patterns to create a cohesive yet unique look for your bridal party.
• Consider the Venue: Take into account the colours and atmosphere of the wedding venue. For example, if the venue has beautiful gardens, you might want to incorporate some of those natural colours into your palette.
• Personal Preference: While it's important to consider the overall wedding theme and venue, don't forget about personal preference. Choose colours that you and your bridesmaids love and feel confident in.
• Order Swatches: Many online retailers offer fabric swatches, so take advantage of this. Ordering swatches will allow you to see the colours in person and help you make a more informed decision.
• Communicate with Bridesmaids: If your bridesmaids are choosing their own dresses, encourage them to communicate their colour choices with each other. This will ensure that the final palette looks harmonious, even if the dresses are not identical.
• Start Early: Don't leave colour palette selection to the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to explore different options, order swatches, and make decisions. This will help ensure a stress-free process.
• Think About Accessories: Don't forget to consider the accessories when choosing a colour palette. The right jewellery, shoes, and other accessories can enhance the overall look and feel of the bridesmaids' outfits.

Finding the right style for each bridesmaid

Consider Body Types

Firstly, it's essential to consider the different body types of your bridesmaids. While it's tempting to opt for a uniform look, choosing a style that flatters everyone's figure will make your bridal party feel amazing. The A-line cut is a universally flattering option, with a narrow waist that gradually widens down, creating a dreamy and romantic silhouette. For pear-shaped figures, an A-line or floaty skirt can skim the hips and accentuate the waist, giving a beautiful hourglass figure.

Necklines and Busts

The right neckline can make a huge difference. Halter or cowl necklines are perfect for bridesmaids with smaller busts, as they draw attention to the arms, shoulders, and collarbones. On the other hand, bridesmaids with larger busts may prefer an off-shoulder or illusion neckline to take the focus away from their cleavage. A plunging V-neckline is a classic choice, suiting a range of dress styles and flattering those with larger busts who want to show off their curves.

Height Considerations

Tall bridesmaids have the advantage of being able to pull off almost any style. They can opt for a straight long gown to showcase their height or a midi dress to add some focus to their legs. Petite bridesmaids, on the other hand, can experiment with different materials and designs. Backless styles, puff sleeves, and strapless gowns with high heels can create a feminine and elegant look without being overshadowed by the dress.

Comfort and Mobility

While style is important, comfort is key. Your bridesmaids will be running around taking care of last-minute details, so choose a dress that allows for movement and won't be too restrictive.

Individual Style

Although you want your bridal party to look coordinated, allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within certain guidelines (length, colour, fabric) can reduce stress and ensure they feel like the best versions of themselves.

Cost and Re-wearability

Be mindful of the cost of the dresses, especially if you're requiring your bridesmaids to purchase specific ones. Consider the possibility of re-wearing the dress; choosing a neutral colour or a style that suits your bridesmaids' personal tastes can increase the chances of the dress being worn again.

Remember, the most important thing is that your bridesmaids feel comfortable, confident, and special on your big day. By taking their unique styles, body types, and budgets into account, you can find the perfect dresses that will make your bridal party shine!

Ordering swatches and samples

Some companies, like Birdy Grey, Revelry, and David's Bridal, offer free swatches. Revelry, for example, offers your first multi-swatch page for free, with additional swatches costing $10 each. Birdy Grey offers six free swatches, while David's Bridal offers free shipping on orders over $79.

Other companies, like Azazie, charge a small fee for swatches. Azazie offers swatches for all of their colours, and each colour swatch comes with all of the fabrics available in that colour. This makes it easy to mix and match textures and colours.

In addition to swatches, some companies offer dress samples that you can try on at home. Revelry, for example, offers dress samples for $10 each, while Kennedy Blue offers free samples.

Buying online vs in-store

Buying bridesmaids' dresses online offers a convenient and often more affordable alternative to in-store shopping. With online shopping, you can easily compare prices and styles from various retailers, and take advantage of helpful features such as virtual appointments, styling services, and home try-on programs. Additionally, online retailers often offer a wider range of sizes, colours, and customisation options to accommodate different body types and budgets. Many also provide free shipping and flexible return policies, making it convenient to try on dresses at home. However, one drawback is that you can't see and feel the dress in person before purchasing, so it's important to read reviews and order swatches beforehand.

On the other hand, shopping for bridesmaids' dresses in-store has its own set of advantages. Visiting a bridal salon allows you to get expert advice, browse options in person, and have your bridal party try on different dresses. Many salons also offer alteration services, making them a one-stop shop for all your needs. In-store shopping can be especially beneficial if you're looking for a more personalised experience or if you're running short on time since you can see and feel the dresses firsthand without waiting for shipping. However, the selection may be more limited compared to online options, and you may need to visit multiple stores to find the perfect dress.

Ultimately, the decision to shop online or in-store depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and the level of convenience you desire. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's essential to weigh your priorities before making a choice.

Frequently asked questions