Bridesmaids' Guide To Styling Lace Wedding Gowns

Matching your bridesmaids' dresses with your wedding gown is a tricky task. It is important to consider the wedding theme, the venue, and the season, as well as your personal preferences. If you're wearing a lace wedding gown, you have a few options to match your bridesmaids' dresses. You can choose dresses with lace accents, embroidery, or crocheting to mimic the appearance of lace. Alternatively, you can opt for a different fabric such as chiffon, which is a popular choice for floor-length gowns. If you want to stick with lace, you can put your bridesmaids in full lace dresses, or choose dresses with shorter hemlines and lace accents. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and you can mix and match colours, textures, and patterns to create a cohesive look that reflects your style and personality.

Lace bridesmaid dresses: full lace or with lace accents

Lace bridesmaid dresses are a stylish and versatile option, perfect for any wedding theme and season. Whether you're looking for a full lace look or just a hint of lace, there are many options to choose from.

If you're wearing a lace wedding gown, you have a few options to match your bridesmaids. You could opt for full lace bridesmaid dresses, which can create a cohesive texture with your own gown. Alternatively, you can choose dresses with lace accents, such as a lace bodice, sleeves, or skirt overlaid with lace. This will add a subtle touch of lace without overwhelming the bridal party.

Full lace bridesmaid dresses come in various styles, from elegant floor-length gowns to summer-ready mini dresses. They can be perfect for a classic and traditional wedding, but there are also statement-making options with intricate beadwork or modern and graphic lace patterns. If you're going for a mismatched bridal party, adding a few full lace dresses into the mix can create a stunning contrast.

For a more subtle approach, consider bridesmaid dresses with lace accents. This can include dresses with a lace bodice, sleeves, or a skirt overlaid with lace. You can also opt for embroidery or crocheting, which mimics the appearance of lace. This option is ideal if you want to add just a hint of lace to your bridal party's look without going overboard.

Ultimately, the decision to go with full lace or lace accents depends on your personal preference and the overall style of your wedding. If you're aiming for a classic and elegant look, full lace dresses can be a stunning choice. On the other hand, if you want to tone down the lace or create a more subtle contrast, bridesmaid dresses with lace accents might be the way to go.

Long dresses in chiffon or tulle

Fabric Choice: Chiffon vs. Tulle

Chiffon and tulle are both beautiful and popular fabrics for bridesmaid dresses, but they have distinct characteristics. Chiffon is comparable in quality to silk but is easier to clean and care for. It is soft, smooth, and opaque, often requiring only one to two layers. Tulle, on the other hand, is a mesh fabric with a dreamy, romantic look. However, it tends to catch dirt, dust, and other particles, and it snags and tears easily. Chiffon is generally more popular for bridesmaid dresses as it is more practical and comes in a wider range of colours and styles.

Colour Coordination

When matching your bridesmaids' dresses to your lace wedding gown, consider the colour palette. Chiffon bridesmaid dresses tend to come in a broader range of colours, so if you have a specific shade in mind, chiffon may be the better option. You can also stick to wedding traditions with chiffon, as it offers a timeless and slightly more sophisticated look compared to tulle.

Dress Style

The style of the long chiffon or tulle bridesmaid dresses can be varied to complement your lace wedding gown. You can choose from different necklines, such as off-the-shoulder, halter, or spaghetti straps, to add interest and ensure your bridesmaids feel comfortable. If you want a fitted or form-fitting style for your bridesmaids, chiffon is a better choice, as tulle is made of a flowy, more voluminous fabric that is not available in fitted designs. Additionally, consider the venue and theme of your wedding. For a formal wedding, long gowns in structured silhouettes or hemlines that end at the knee or below are appropriate. For a rustic or barn wedding, you can mix and match colours and styles while still incorporating lace or vintage-inspired elements.

Outdoor or Destination Wedding Considerations

If you're having an outdoor or destination wedding, chiffon is the more durable and practical choice. Tulle bridesmaid dresses are not ideal for outdoor settings as they can easily snag and tear. Chiffon is easier to pack and repair, making it a better option for travel and varying weather conditions.

Accessories and Details

To complete the look, consider adding some accessories or details to the long chiffon or tulle bridesmaid dresses. You can incorporate lace accents, embroidery, or crocheting to mimic the appearance of your lace wedding gown. Keep the accessories classy and polished, especially for a traditional or formal wedding.

Dresses with embroidery or crochet

If you're looking to match your bridesmaids' dresses with your lace wedding gown, consider dresses with embroidery or crochet. This can add colour, texture, and uniqueness to your bridal party, and is a popular choice for maximalist and boho brides.

Embroidery and crochet can mimic the appearance of lace, so these dresses can pair well with a lace wedding gown. You can choose dresses that are made entirely of lace or just have some lace accents. If you want to lean into the boho theme, consider pairing embroidered bridesmaid dresses with flower crowns.

• Mori Lee 21512: This dress offers a timeless A-line shape with a sleeveless silhouette, a high neckline, crisscross straps, and a V-back. It has a soft look with a chiffon skirt and a bodice detailed with dainty embroidery.
• Mori Lee 21522: A graceful and elegant A-line dress made of lightweight chiffon with an embroidered and beaded bodice and a pleated skirt. It has a sleeveless silhouette with a bateau neckline, illusion accents, and a V-back.
• Mori Lee 21558: A sophisticated design crafted from soft chiffon, perfect for a formal affair. It features a unique net bodice embroidered with flowers and beading, with off-the-shoulder cap sleeves, a V-neckline, and a keyhole back.
• Kennedy Blue Devin: A unique and daring design featuring an embroidered and beaded top, a V-neckline, and illusion straps. It has a slimming A-line silhouette and a soft chiffon skirt, shown in the luxe dusty pink shade 'Desert Rose'.
• Jenny Yoo: A black bridesmaid dress with embroidered stars that makes a magical statement.
• Needle & Thread: Embroidered and embellished mix-and-match dresses that can be paired with a backless bridal gown.
• Self Portrait: Midi embroidered bridesmaid dresses that can be paired with chic ponytails for an instant modern lift.
• Asilio & Trelise Cooper: Show-stopping graphic floral embroidered bridesmaid dresses with contrasting embroidered star straps.
• Needle and Thread: Pretty in pink mis-matched embroidered gowns that can be paired with fresh flower crowns.

Structured silhouettes and classic styles

If you're going for a traditional, formal look for your wedding, structured silhouettes and classic styles are the way to go for your bridesmaids' dresses.

Full-length gowns in structured silhouettes are a good choice for a formal, traditional wedding. A-line, fit and flare, or styles with a fitted bodice are all traditional cuts that would work well. You could also opt for a hemline that ends at the knee or below. Single solid colours are recommended, and fabrics like satin and chiffon are suitable.

If you're wearing a classic princess ballgown, your bridesmaids could wear a similar style to you but in different colours. Flowing chiffon bridesmaid dresses would also complement this style of gown. As you've opted for a traditional gown, your bridesmaids could wear different colours and lengths, with or without straps.

For a formal dress, your bridesmaids should also be quite formal. Long gowns are a good option, or you could choose a luxe chiffon with a soft shimmer. Lace is always a good choice for a formal event, as are satins and jerseys for a more elegant look. Another option is for your bridesmaids to wear something more structured in full lace.

If you're having a ballroom wedding, full-length gowns are ideal for a formal affair. For a modern theme, choose dress details like off-the-shoulder or halter necklines to create a signature look. Chiffon is a good fabric choice as it's comfortable to wear and dance in.

Dresses in a variety of colours, textures, and patterns

When it comes to choosing bridesmaid dresses, there are endless options to explore. From colours and textures to patterns and styles, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Mix and Match

The mix-and-match trend is a popular choice for bridal parties, allowing each bridesmaid to showcase their unique style and personality. You can choose a specific colour or fabric and let your bridesmaids select their preferred style, or you can mix and match different colours, textures, and patterns within a similar palette. For example, you could choose a range of pastel colours, such as blush, lavender, and dusty blue, and incorporate dainty floral prints for an eclectic, feminine look.

Seasonal Colours

Consider the season of your wedding when selecting colours for your bridesmaid dresses. For spring, opt for shades of green, pink, blue, or neutral tones. Summer calls for vibrant hues like yellow, orange, coral, and light blue. In the fall, warm shades of gold, copper, and brown are perfect, while winter weddings shine with jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and burgundy.

Venue Inspiration

The wedding venue can also inspire your bridesmaid dress choices. For a beach wedding, go for light and breezy fabrics in oceanic hues like coral and blue. A garden wedding calls for romantic, flowy dresses with floral prints and pastel colours. If you're getting married in a rustic barn, vintage-inspired styles with lace and soft, flowy fabrics are ideal.

Fabric and Texture

The fabric and texture of the bridesmaid dresses can complement the theme and venue of your wedding. For a formal wedding, luxurious fabrics like satin and chiffon are elegant choices. If you want to match your lace wedding gown, consider putting your bridesmaids in lace too, or choose dresses with embroidery or crocheting that mimics the appearance of lace. For a touch of sparkle, sequins, beading, and embroidery add texture and glamour to the bridal party look.

Patterns and Prints

Patterns and prints can add interest and variety to your bridesmaid dresses. Floral prints are perfect for spring and garden weddings, while tropical prints are ideal for a beach wedding. If you're feeling bold, try mixing and matching different prints and patterns within a similar colour family.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose dresses that your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident in, so don't be afraid to involve them in the decision-making process!

Frequently asked questions