Bridesmaid Dresses: Where To Shop For Your Wedding

where to shop for bridesmaid dresses

Shopping for bridesmaid dresses no longer requires the tricky task of visiting a bridal salon in person. Buying online is often a lot easier, with many retailers offering virtual bridal party concierge services, advanced filtering options, and home try-on services. Some of the best places to shop for bridesmaid dresses online include Birdy Grey, Lulus, Azazie, Kennedy Blue, and Nordstrom.

Characteristics Values
Online Shopping Birdy Grey, Lulus, Azazie, Kennedy Blue, David's Bridal
In-Store Shopping Nordstrom
Price Range $89-$99
Size Range 0-32
Try-On Options At-home try-on, virtual bridal party concierge services
Customization Custom sizing, fabric swatches, color palettes, prints, and fabrics

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Online vs in-store

Shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be a fun yet challenging experience. Whether you opt for online or in-store shopping, both have their pros and cons.

Online shopping for bridesmaid dresses has become increasingly popular, with many retailers offering a wide variety of styles, colours, and silhouettes to match diverse body types and sizes. Online retailers such as Azazie, Lulus, Showpo, Revelry, and Birdy Grey offer affordable options with inclusive sizing, custom sizing, and at-home try-on services. These online stores provide a convenient way to browse and compare different dresses from the comfort of your home. They often offer fabric swatches, advanced filtering options, and virtual bridal party concierge services, making it easier to coordinate with your bridal party.

On the other hand, in-store shopping offers a more traditional and tactile experience. It allows you to see, touch, and try on the dresses in person, ensuring a perfect fit. In-store shopping also provides the advantage of immediate availability and the ability to make quick decisions. Stores like Nordstrom offer not only online options but also in-store services such as styling and alterations, ensuring a seamless experience for the bridal party.

While online shopping provides convenience and a broader range of options, in-store shopping offers the benefit of instant try-ons and alterations. Additionally, in-store shopping may be preferable for those who want to support local businesses or prefer a more personalised experience.

Ultimately, the decision between online and in-store shopping depends on individual preferences, convenience, and the specific needs of the bridal party. Both options have their advantages, and sometimes, a combination of both may be the best approach to finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses.

Some popular options for bridesmaid dresses include:

  • Azazie: Offers a wide range of budget-friendly styles, colours, and inclusive sizing. They also provide at-home try-on services and custom sizing options.
  • Lulus: Features over 600 stylish and affordable options, with a bridal concierge service to assist in finding the right style and fit for your bridal party.
  • Showpo: Provides convertible and multiway designs that can be worn on multiple occasions, offering both solid colours and non-traditional prints.
  • Revelry: Offers a convenient sample try-on process with a variety of colours and fabrics.
  • Birdy Grey: Commits to providing size-inclusive gowns at affordable prices, with free swatches and an extensive colour palette.

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Budget-friendly options

If you're looking for budget-friendly options for bridesmaid dresses, there are several online retailers with styles under $100. David's Bridal, for example, offers hundreds of styles under $100, with prices starting at $59.95. They offer a range of silhouettes, necklines, sleeve types, fabrics, and lengths, as well as plus-size options, so everyone can feel comfortable and beautiful.

Birdy Grey is another excellent option for affordable bridesmaid dresses, with prices starting at $89. They offer a variety of styles, including chiffon, satin, and velvet, as well as inclusive sizing and an extensive color palette. Birdy Grey also has options for different seasons, such as airy chiffon and satin for summer and luxe velvet gowns for winter.

Azazie is an online boutique with over 500 budget-friendly styles in more than 90 colors. They offer inclusive sizing, ranging from 0 to 30, and provide a free custom sizing option for perfectly tailored dresses. You can order swatches to decide on your color palette and then pick samples to try on at home before purchasing.

For fashion-forward, budget-conscious brides, Petal + Pup offers on-trend styles with price tags under $100. Their dresses feature fun details like oversized bows, bold prints, and neck scarves, as well as simple styles made with silky fabrics. They provide easy shipping, returns, and exchanges, as well as buy-now-pay-later options.

Additionally, if you're open to renting instead of buying, Rent the Runway offers designer gowns and true bridesmaid dresses for rent, providing a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a dress you may never wear again.

Lastly, for last-minute options, Kennedy Blue offers affordable, ready-to-ship bridesmaid dresses in various colors and styles, including junior bridesmaid and maternity dresses.

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Size-inclusive ranges

If you're looking for size-inclusive bridesmaid dresses, there are several options to choose from. Birdy Grey, for example, offers a range of stylish and affordable bridesmaid dresses in chiffon, satin, velvet, and more, with inclusive sizing. Their Curve Collection features dresses up to size 3X, designed with real curvy bodies in mind. They also offer free swatches and free exchanges, making it easy to find the perfect dress for your bridal party.

Another option is Kennedy Blue, which offers plus-size bridesmaid dresses in sizes 00-32 and over 70 different colour options. They have a range of styles, including higher necklines and arm coverage, as well as various fabrics such as satin.

Azazie is also worth considering, with their finely crafted plus-size bridesmaid dresses designed to flatter and comfort. They offer a range of styles, including A-line dresses, sheath dresses, pantsuits, and jumpsuits, starting at $69.

Lulus is another online retailer that offers an extensive range of styles at affordable prices. Their bridal concierge service can help you decide between over 600 styles, ensuring that your bridal party looks their best.

Lastly, Nordstrom's wedding shop provides inclusive sizing, ranging from 0-30, and offers free custom sizing for perfectly tailored dresses. With a range of fabrics and colours to choose from, Nordstrom can help you create a stylish and cohesive look for your bridal party.

These options provide a great starting point for finding size-inclusive bridesmaid dresses, ensuring that everyone in your bridal party feels comfortable and confident on your special day.

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Colour and fabric options

Colour is a key consideration when choosing bridesmaid dresses, as it will likely determine the rest of the wedding decor, including flowers, tablescapes, and lighting. The time of year and location of the wedding are great starting points to narrow down a colour palette. For instance, bright tropical hues work well in summer, pastels are perfect for spring, warmer tones channel the colours of autumn, and rich jewel tones are best in winter. Beach weddings might call for shades of fuchsia or orange that will stand out against the white sand. Beige is a flattering and versatile option that complements a wide range of themes and settings, while sage green is an on-trend choice for outdoor, rustic, or garden weddings. Burgundy is a sophisticated and regal option, ideal for evening or fall weddings.

When it comes to fabric, bridesmaid dresses come in a variety of materials, from lightweight chiffon and charmeuse to heavier options like crepe and faille. The time of year can also help determine the fabric, with sturdier materials like bengaline and faille being more suitable for cooler months, and airy fabrics like chiffon, charmeuse, and organza ideal for spring and summer. For a formal celebration, satin and silk fabrics lend a luxurious and elegant touch. Lace, mesh, and beaded mesh are other options that work for any season, while polyester is a common alternative to silk, offering a more wrinkle-resistant and durable choice.

Chiffon is a popular choice for bridesmaids, known for its lightweight, airy, and soft qualities, making it comfortable and well-suited for warmer months. Charmeuse has a similar weight and drape to chiffon but with a glossy exterior and a matte interior, providing a satin-like appearance. Bengaline, a stretch-woven fabric with a silk-like sheen, is another option that works all year round but is especially suitable for cooler seasons. Crepe, a lightweight and stretchy fabric with a matte finish and slightly crinkled texture, can be worn at any time of the year.

For structured or sculptural dresses, consider faille, a woven fabric with a subtle ribbed texture that adds an elegant and formal finish. Damask, a lightweight material with raised designs, is another option that tends to skew towards more formal wedding styles. If you're looking for something with a shine, satin is a classic choice with a lustrous sheen on the outside and a dull, matte back. Organza is a great alternative to chiffon for structured silhouettes and is commonly used in bridal gowns.

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Home try-on services

Convenience and Comfort

No more uncomfortable and ill-fitting dresses! Home try-on services ensure that each bridesmaid can try on dresses in their true size, providing a comfortable and personalised experience. This is especially beneficial if you prefer a more private and relaxed setting for trying on dresses.

Variety of Options

With home try-on services, you're not limited to a single sample size or style. You can explore a range of designs, fabrics, and colours from different brands, ensuring that you find the perfect dress that aligns with your wedding vision.

Easy Returns and Exchanges

Most home try-on services offer convenient return policies, allowing you to send back dresses that don't fit or meet your expectations. This hassle-free process lets you try on multiple options until you find the ideal dress for your bridal party.

Affordable Pricing

Many home try-on services offer affordable options, with some charging as little as $10 per dress to try on, including shipping. This cost-effective approach lets you explore a variety of dresses without breaking the bank.

Personalised Assistance

Some companies, like Kennedy Blue, offer expert advice to help you find the perfect fit. They provide resources such as measuring tapes, size charts, and online or email support to guide you through the process of selecting the right dress for your bridal party.

Time Efficiency

Frequently asked questions

Birdy Grey, Lulus, Azazie, and Kennedy Blue are some of the brands that offer affordable bridesmaid dresses.

Birdy Grey, Lulus, Azazie, and Kennedy Blue offer inclusive sizing for bridesmaid dresses.

Azazie, Kennedy Blue, and Birdy Grey offer at-home try-on options for bridesmaid dresses.

Nordstrom offers in-store pickup, returns, and tailoring services for bridesmaid dresses.

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