Bridesmaid Dresses: Choosing The Perfect Style For Your Girls

Choosing bridesmaid dresses can be a tricky task, with factors such as body type, budget, and style preferences to consider. The good news is that there are many ways to ensure your bridesmaids feel comfortable and look great on your big day. One option is to let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses within certain guidelines, such as length and color. This can help to reduce stress and ensure that each bridesmaid is happy with their individual style. Another option is to choose a convertible dress, where each bridesmaid can wear the top of the dress in a different configuration. If you prefer a more uniform look, consider choosing a style and cut that flatter everyone's body type, such as an A-line cut. Additionally, be mindful of the cost of the dresses, especially if you are requiring your bridesmaids to purchase a specific dress. You may also want to consider offering to pay for the dresses if your budget allows.

Budgeting for bridesmaid dresses

Discuss Budgets Openly:

Be transparent about dress expenses with your bridal party. It's essential to have honest conversations about financial comfort levels to ensure everyone is on the same page. This will help you set a budget that works for everyone involved.

Start Planning Early:

It's recommended to start thinking about bridesmaid dresses at least seven to eight months before the wedding. This gives your bridal party time to order their dresses and make any necessary alterations. Keep in mind that many formal bridal retailers offer made-to-order options, so last-minute purchases might be challenging.

Consult Your Bridesmaids:

Ask your bridesmaids about their budget constraints and try to find a price range that suits everyone. You can suggest a few options, such as $100 to $200, $200 to $350, or $350+. If a particular dress is slightly above someone's budget, consider offering to pay the difference or cover alteration costs.

Embrace Mismatched Looks:

Opting for mismatched bridesmaid dresses can be a budget-friendly option. Choose a specific colour or colour palette and let your bridesmaids pick their own styles within that theme. This allows them to choose dresses that fit their budgets and body types while still maintaining a cohesive look.

Rent or Buy Pre-Owned:

Renting bridesmaid dresses from platforms like Rent the Runway or Nuuly can be a more affordable option than buying new dresses. Alternatively, look for pre-owned dresses on sites like eBay or Poshmark. This can help your bridesmaids save money, especially if they're on a tighter budget.

Offer Flexible Payment Options:

If your bridesmaids are struggling with the upfront cost of the dresses, consider offering flexible payment options. For example, you can suggest they pay in instalments or help them explore payment plans with the dress retailer. This can alleviate some financial pressure on your bridal party.

Remember, it's important to keep an open mind and be considerate of your bridesmaids' financial situations. By planning ahead, communicating openly, and embracing creative solutions, you can find bridesmaid dresses that fit within your budget and make everyone happy.

Mismatched dresses

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a popular choice for many brides. This trend allows each bridesmaid to wear a dress that suits their body type, skin tone, and personal style, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and confident. There are several ways to achieve a stylish mismatched look while still maintaining a cohesive bridal party:

Different Styles in the Same Color

You can opt for bridesmaid dresses in the same color but different styles, such as varying lengths, necklines, and silhouettes. Many retailers offer a range of shapes in the same color, making it easy to coordinate this look. This option allows you to cater to each bridesmaid's personal style while still achieving a matching bridal party look.

Different Shades of the Same Color

If you want to incorporate different colors without straying too far from your wedding color palette, you can experiment with shades. Choose a desired color and then explore dress options in darker or lighter shades. Combining these similar shades together creates a unique ombre effect. This method works especially well for larger bridal parties.

Different Colors Tied Together

You don't have to limit yourself to just one color for your bridesmaids' attire. You can choose a handful of colors from your wedding palette, such as the colors used in the floral arrangements or table settings, and have your bridesmaids wear those colors. This is a fun way to unite the various elements of your wedding.

A Mix of Solids and Patterns

Patterns can add an interesting element to your bridesmaids' attire. Start by finding a pattern you love, and then use the colors within that pattern to determine the shades of the solid dresses. This way, you can coordinate the different patterns and solids while still maintaining a cohesive look.

Various Textures and Embellishments

In addition to style, color, and pattern, you can also mix and match textures and embellishments. Incorporating elements like sequins, beading, and embroidery adds a unique touch to each bridesmaid's dress. This is also a great way to make your maid of honor stand out while still coordinating with the rest of the bridal party.

Dresses for different body types

When choosing a dress for your bridesmaids, it's important to consider their different body types. Here are some tips to help you select dresses that will flatter and make each of your bridesmaids feel comfortable and confident:

Apple-shaped bodies

Apple-shaped bodies typically have a larger bust, so providing support is crucial. Sleeveless dresses with an illusion neckline can be a great option as they allow for bra straps to be worn discreetly. Apple-shaped figures should also aim to accentuate their positives, such as their legs, and avoid adding unnecessary volume to the middle. Dresses with shape, tailoring, and simple styles without too much fuss are ideal. Babydoll and empire waistlines look fab in dresses with either a full or A-line skirt. Additionally, styles with a low neckline are recommended to draw attention upwards and away from the middle section.

Pear-shaped bodies

For pear-shaped bodies, the focus should be on de-emphasizing the hips and bringing emphasis to the top portion of the torso and shoulders. A-line dresses are a great option for this body type, as they help to create a balanced silhouette. Separates can also be a good choice, allowing your bridesmaids to find pieces that fit their unique proportions perfectly.

Inverted triangle bodies

Also known as the strawberry shape, the main challenge for this body type is to balance the figure to avoid looking bottom-heavy. Aim for styles that will create a more defined waist and add curves to the hips and bottom. Off-shoulder and high-waist styles can help achieve this. Additionally, feel free to play with skirt lengths to showcase those amazing legs, but avoid going too short, so as not to appear larger on top.

Banana or rectangle-shaped bodies

Banana or rectangle-shaped bodies are characterized by similar widths at the waist, hips, and shoulders. The goal for this body type is to create the illusion of a defined waistline and place emphasis on the midriff area to make the figure more shapely and feminine. Look for dresses with scoop necks, sweetheart necklines, halter necks, or slash necks to help create curves. Showing off the back or legs can also be flattering for this body type.

Universal styles

If you're looking for a style that will flatter most body types, consider these universal options:

• 3/4-length sleeves: These sleeves work for every height and age, offering both elegance and versatility.
• A-line silhouette: This classic style flatters almost everyone, except for apple-shaped bodies, which may require some tailoring adjustments.
• Sheath dress: A streamlined dress with a just-below-the-knee hemline can elongate the legs and create a flattering silhouette.
• Structured dresses: Sturdier fabric and internal structure can flatter both athletic and curvier bodies, accentuating the waist for bustier ladies.
• Monochromatic colours: A solid colour from head to toe, such as a matte fabric, lengthens and streamlines the figure, regardless of the shade.
• High-low hemlines: These adaptations to the traditional long dress can be fun and flirty, but ensure the 'high' isn't too high, as it can shorten the appearance of legs.

Choosing the colour of the dresses

Firstly, you could opt for a mismatched colour scheme. This can be a great way to allow each bridesmaid to express their individuality and ensure they feel comfortable and happy. You could choose a few colours that complement each other and let your bridesmaids select their preferred option, or you could give them a specific colour and let them choose the style of their dress. This approach can be tricky, however, as different shades of the same colour may not blend well together.

Alternatively, you could go for a more uniform look by choosing the same colour for all your bridesmaids. This could be a classic pastel, a bohemian chic rust tone, or even a neutral such as white, ivory or black. If you're worried about your bridesmaids' comfort and style preferences, you could select a colour range and let them choose their own shades within that range.

Another option is to choose a colour that will complement the colour palette of your wedding. This could be a rich, rustic colour for an autumn wedding or soft, striking shades of pink, grey and peach for a dramatic effect. You could also take inspiration from your venue, such as the ocean's gradient hues for a beach wedding.

Finally, consider the body types of your bridesmaids when choosing a colour. For example, super feminine shades like pink and purple are usually a safe choice, and black can be a flattering option for natural beauties.

Who chooses the dresses

Choosing bridesmaid dresses can be a tricky task, and there are a few different approaches you can take when deciding who chooses the dresses. Here are some options to consider:

The Bride Chooses

The bride can choose the dresses for her bridesmaids, especially if she has a specific vision in mind for her wedding. This can include picking the same dress for all bridesmaids or selecting a few options for them to choose from. It is important to consider the bridesmaids' body types, budgets, and style preferences to ensure they feel comfortable and happy.

Bridesmaids Choose

Another option is to let the bridesmaids choose their own dresses. This can reduce stress for the bride, but it is a good idea to provide guidelines such as length, colour, and fabric type to ensure the bridal party looks coordinated.

Mismatched Dresses

A popular trend is to have mismatched bridesmaid dresses, creating a unique and diverse ensemble. This can be done by having the same dress style in different colours, the same colour in different styles, or a mix of both different designs and colours. It is important to consider the hemlines, fabrics, and colours carefully to ensure the overall look remains cohesive.

Consideration for All

Regardless of who chooses the dresses, it is important to keep an open line of communication between the bride and the bridesmaids. The bride should consider the bridesmaids' budgets, body types, and style preferences, while the bridesmaids should provide constructive feedback and follow the bride's lead. Ultimately, the goal is for everyone to feel comfortable, happy, and confident on the big day.

Frequently asked questions