Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses: Style, Flatter And Celebrate!

Choosing bridesmaid dresses is one of the most challenging tasks of wedding planning. The bride usually has the final say, but it's important to consider the bridesmaids' feelings, comfort, and budgets. Here are some tips to help you pick bridesmaid dresses that will flatter and please everyone:

- Discuss your wedding theme, colours, and venue with your bridesmaids.

- Consider the formality and dress code of your wedding. For example, a boho-chic wedding on a beach calls for breezy chiffon dresses, while a black-tie reception in a ballroom suits sequined gowns.

- Take your bridesmaids' body shapes and comfort into account. A-line and convertible dresses tend to flatter diverse figures.

- Be mindful of the cost. Bridesmaids typically pay for their own dresses, so consider their budgets and offer affordable options.

- Let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses within specific guidelines, such as colour, length, and fabric. This ensures they feel confident and comfortable while maintaining a cohesive look.

- Start the dress selection process early to allow time for fittings and alterations.

- Accessories like shoes, jewellery, and bouquets can help tie the look together.

Remember, clear communication and consideration for your bridesmaids' preferences and budgets will go a long way in ensuring they feel flattered and happy on your big day.

Consider the wedding's formality and venue

When it comes to choosing bridesmaid dresses, it's essential to consider the weddings' formality and venue. Here are some tips to help you select dresses that complement the occasion:

Formal Weddings:

If you're planning a formal wedding in a church or a ballroom, opt for classic and sophisticated styles for your bridesmaids. Full-length gowns in structured silhouettes or hemlines that fall at the knee or below are elegant choices. Traditional cuts like A-line, fit and flare, or styles with fitted bodices are ideal. Single solid colours are recommended, with fabrics like satin, chiffon, or crepe. For a ballroom wedding, you can also consider modern details like off-the-shoulder or halter necklines to create a signature look.

Rustic Weddings:

For weddings in venues like barns, a relaxed dress silhouette will match the ambiance. Lace bridal gowns and vintage-inspired styles are popular choices. You can vary the length and neckline from your gown to add interest. Knee-length dresses or sturdy fabrics with lace accents are good options. Mix and match necklines, colours, and styles for a cohesive yet diverse look.

Beach Weddings:

For a casual and relaxed beach wedding, avoid long hemlines. Fun and flirty styles, such as A-line dresses, strapless, halter, one-shoulder, or sleeveless looks, are perfect. Choose fabrics that are comfortable in the heat and won't show sweat. Bright, tropical colours or neutral shades will make your bridesmaids stand out against the natural backdrop. Flat heels or pumps are also recommended for walking on uneven terrain.

Garden Weddings:

Lace dresses with romantic, feminine patterns and shorter hemlines are ideal for garden weddings. Soft, flowy fabrics with few embellishments create an attractive, natural vibe. Keep the colours simple and soft, with pastels and muted tones for an elegant, charming effect. Mix and match necklines so your bridesmaids can choose styles that suit their preferences and body types.

City Hall Weddings:

For a formal occasion like a City Hall wedding, consider structured and well-tailored gowns or cocktail dresses for your bridesmaids. Full-length gowns or dresses that fall below the knee with a definite shape are suitable. Experiment with stylish yet modest necklines and sleeves. Keep the accessories, hair, and makeup simple and uncluttered to maintain the formal atmosphere.

Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and you can always adapt and personalise the looks to match your unique wedding vision.

Choose a colour that flatters all skin tones

When it comes to choosing a colour for your bridesmaids' dresses, you'll want to select a shade that flatters all skin tones. This is especially important if you're opting for a cohesive look, with each bridesmaid wearing the same dress.

If you're set on a particular colour, such as dusty blue or burnt orange, you can ask your bridesmaids to find a dress in that shade. However, keep in mind that different fabrics can make the same colour appear lighter or darker. For instance, a satin dusty blue may differ from a chiffon dusty blue. To ensure uniformity, opt for classic colours like navy blue, grey, or black, which tend to have more consistent shades across fabrics.

If you're flexible, you can let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses within a specific colour palette, such as shades of green or pink. This approach adds a tonal, ombre-inspired look, perfect for boho weddings. Alternatively, you can select a colour family, like warm or cool tones, or choose colours that reflect the season, such as jewel tones for winter or pastels for spring.

When deciding on a colour, consider your wedding palette and the time of year. For cooler months, longer lengths and heavier fabrics like duchess satin are ideal, while warmer months call for strapless or sleeveless necklines and shorter hemlines.

Remember, communication is key. Ask your bridesmaids for their input and opinions, and take their comfort and preferences into account. By choosing a colour that flatters all skin tones, you'll ensure your bridesmaids feel confident and beautiful on your special day.

Pick a dress style that suits different body types

Picking a dress style that suits different body types can be a challenge, but it is possible to find something that flatters everyone. Here are some tips to help you choose asection:

Apple Body Type:

Apple-shaped figures are characterised by broad shoulders, a wide torso, and a narrow waist. To flatter and balance this body type, look for dresses with an empire waist that flares below the bust. A scoop-neck or crossover neckline can also be supportive and flattering, as they draw attention to the décolletage and away from the midriff.

Hourglass Body Type:

The hourglass figure is characterised by balanced proportions and lush curves, with the waist being the narrowest point. Form-fitting silhouettes such as mermaid or trumpet styles that cinch at the waist will emphasise the curves of this body type. Sweetheart, one-shoulder, and V-neck necklines also work well, as do both structured and loose-fitting dresses, as long as they accentuate the waist.

Pear Body Type:

Pear-shaped figures have petite upper bodies and carry most of their weight on the hips and thighs. A-line dresses are perfect for this body type, as they don't add extra volume to the lower half. V-neck and halter necklines are also flattering, as they elongate the neck and draw attention to the waist and upper body.

Inverted Triangle Body Type:

The inverted triangle body shape is when the shoulders are wider than the hips. A deep V-neck neckline helps balance out broad shoulders and creates the illusion of a longer neck. The bottom half of the dress should have a bit more volume to distribute proportions more evenly, but don't rule out a shorter skirt, as this body type often has great legs!

Rectangle/Straight Body Type:

The rectangle or straight body type is when the hips and waist are similar in size, giving an "athletic" appearance. The trick to dressing this body type is to focus on defining the waist. Adding a sash or ribbon to the dress creates a cinching effect. Off-the-shoulder, boat neck, or U-shape necklines can also add volume to the upper half. Empire waist and princess cut dresses are also flattering, as they add curves while still allowing for movement.

Petite Body Type:

For petite bridesmaids, the key is to elongate the neck and create a flattering shape. Sweetheart necklines create a subtle cleavage, while V-necks narrow the width of the shoulders. Low-cut dresses can also be a good option for this body type.

Busty Body Type:

For busty bridesmaids, the goal may be to either emphasise or minimise the chest. To de-emphasise, choose an off-shoulder or illusion neckline dress. To accentuate, a V-neckline is the most delicate way to do so, as it lengthens the neck and prevents the shoulders from appearing wide. Thick straps can also provide support and allow for a regular bra to be worn underneath.

Be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets

Being mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets is an important part of choosing their dresses. It's key to remember that being a bridesmaid comes with a lot of costs, from travel and accommodation to gifts, hair, makeup, and accessories. So, it's thoughtful to choose dresses that won't break the bank for your bridesmaids.

Firstly, it's a good idea to have private conversations with each bridesmaid to understand how much they can afford to spend on a dress. Be mindful that bridesmaid dresses often require alterations, which can add to the cost. Knowing your bridesmaids' budgets can help you choose a fabric that suits everyone's wallets. For example, casual fabrics like chiffon and jersey tend to be less expensive than more formal fabrics like satin and sequins.

If you're set on a specific dress or designer, consider offering to pay the difference if it's out of budget for some of your bridesmaids. You could also cover alteration costs or gift them accessories, hair, or makeup services. If you can't stretch your budget, it's worth considering less expensive options.

If you're happy for your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses, you can give them guidelines on colour, length, and fabric type to ensure a coordinated look. This option often suits a range of budgets. You could also suggest shops or websites that cater to a variety of tastes and financial situations, such as Nordstrom or David's Bridal, which offers stylish bridesmaid dresses for under $100.

Another way to save money is to consider pre-owned dresses or dress rental. Rent the Runway, for example, offers designer dresses for a fraction of the cost. Embracing the trend of mismatched bridesmaid dresses allows each person to choose a look they love within their budget.

Remember, it's important to be considerate of your friends' lifestyles and financial situations. Being mindful of their budgets will ensure your bridesmaids feel respected and valued, and it will help create a stress-free and joyful experience for everyone.

Let your bridesmaids pick their own dresses

Letting your bridesmaids pick their own dresses can be a great way to ensure they feel comfortable and confident on your big day. It also takes the stress off you, as you don't have to worry about finding a dress that suits everyone. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you decide to go down this route:

Provide Clear Guidelines

While you may want to give your bridesmaids freedom in choosing their dresses, it's important to provide some guidelines to ensure a cohesive look. Be specific about any requirements you have, such as colour, length, fabric, and formality. For example, if you want your bridesmaids to wear floor-length dresses in a particular shade of blue, communicate this clearly to them. This will make it easier for them to find dresses that fit your vision and will help create a coordinated look for your wedding party.

Consider the Cost

Bridesmaid dresses can range from $100 to $250 or more, which can be a significant expense for your bridal party. If you have a specific dress in mind, be mindful of your bridesmaids' budgets and try to choose an option that won't break the bank. You can also suggest a few vendors or retailers with a range of price points to make it easier for them to find something within their budget.

Decide on Accessories

Discuss with your bridesmaids whether you want them to wear matching shoes and jewellery, or if you're happy for them to choose their own. If you want them to wear specific accessories, consider gifting these items to them as a thank-you for being part of your special day.

Offer Support and Guidance

Your bridesmaids may appreciate your help and guidance during the dress selection process. Be available to offer assistance, opinions, and store recommendations. You can also create a shared document with inspiration and ideas to help them get started. If possible, make dress shopping a group activity, as this can be a fun bonding experience for you and your bridesmaids.

Final Check-In

Before your bridesmaids finalise their dress choices, schedule a final check-in to ensure their selections align with your vision and theme. This will allow time for any necessary alterations or last-minute changes.

Remember, the most important thing is that your bridesmaids feel comfortable, confident, and excited to stand by your side on your wedding day!

Frequently asked questions