Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect bridesmaid dresses for your wedding.
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This post is all about how to choose what type of bridesmaid dress to wear for a wedding.
Choosing bridesmaid dresses for a wedding can be one of the most fun parts of planning a wedding. But finding the perfect bridesmaid dress can also be overwhelming. There are so many styles to choose from and things to consider for each bridesmaid that you may be wondering where to start.
This post is about key tips that can help you choose the perfect bridesmaid dress for a wedding, including a checklist of some things to consider when finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses.
The best bridesmaid dresses will help your bridesmaids look and feel incredible. In many instances, the better everyone looks—and the more relaxed they feel, the better the wedding photos will be.
Do your research before going out to shop for bridesmaid dresses. If you plan to shop for bridesmaid dresses in person, then visit the bridal shop ahead of time to get a feel for the boutique. Does the staff seem friendly and helpful? How is the dress selection? These are some of the same things to consider when you are looking for the perfect wedding dress.
Before you start, find out about store policies. Do you need to make reservations for your bridal party ahead of time? Is there a size limit to the number of guests a shop can host for a fitting at one time? It’s good to ask these types of questions before showing up to try on dresses with your bridal party.
Try to find out whether the bridesmaid dresses that you are interested in tend to be in stock in the color, styles, and sizes that you need. Often, dresses in certain styles, colors, or sizes may need to be specially ordered for a wedding. When planning the timeline leading up to your wedding, it can be a good idea to figure leave at least a few months in the schedule for ordering, receiving, and fitting dresses.
Ask about what other services the shop offers (for example, bridesmaid dress fitting and tailoring), or get a recommendation for services. Finally, don’t forget about matching shoes and other accessories to complete the look.
Tips for Choosing a Bridesmaid Dress
Here are some tips for choosing the perfect bridesmaid dresses for your wedding.
1. Make sure that the bridesmaid dresses complement the bride’s dress.
One of the most important things to do for a wedding is to match the formality of the bride’s dress to the bridesmaids’ dresses—both should compliment each other. For example, if the bride will wear a formal dress, then the bridesmaids’ dresses should be formal, too.
This often includes matching or coordinating the fabric of the bridesmaid dresses to the fabric of the bride’s dress.
Dress lengths may vary according to your preferences. While long and maxi length bridesmaid dresses are popular, midi dresses and tea length bridesmaids dresses also offer timeless style—especially for daytime spring and summer weddings. Look for details like thin straps and cowl necklines for a classic look. Shorter bridesmaid dresses are also popular summer weddings and warm weather destination weddings.
In general, it can be a good idea to choose bridesmaid dresses in the same length and color or color family. By doing this, you can vary things like the neckline of each bridesmaid dresses (convertible bridesmaids’ dresses are great for this) and still get a cohesive, elegant, and fun look for your wedding.
2. Choose a great color for your bridesmaids’ dresses.
It can be a good idea to have your wedding color palette picked out before you go shopping for a bridesmaid dress. Color is important for everything from helping to define a season (for example, choosing light and airy colors for spring and summer or dark, earthy tones for fall and winter) to making you and your bridesmaids look good.
When choosing colors for bridesmaid dresses, look for ones that compliment the skin tones of your bridesmaids. While yearly color trends can be helpful when deciding on a wedding color palette, you should choose colors that you like and that have the most meaning for you.
3. Choose the right fabric.
Choose the fabric of the bridesmaids dresses according to the season. Choose light and flowing fabrics, like chiffon, for spring and summer weddings. Velvet and heavier crepe fabric can be good choices for winter bridesmaid dresses. Floral prints are a popular choice for spring and summer weddings.
4. Find the right style and cut.
Choose a dress style that you love, but choose one that also makes your bridesmaids feel confident and comfortable.
If you’re getting married during the warmer months or in a warm place, then look for bridesmaids’ dresses that will help to keep everyone cool and comfortable. Sleeveless dresses and mini dresses are good choices, for example.
If your bridesmaids have fuller figures, then look for dresses made to compliment full figures. Features may include things like comfortable dress straps with wider width, v-neck, square, or sweetheart necklines, and breathable fabrics for all dresses.
For bridesmaids who prefer more coverage, fluttery sleeves or higher necklines are good options.
One-shoulder column dresses and Greek Goddess-style bridesmaid dresses can also be a stunning look. Banded waistbands help to add definition and elongate the line.
Convertible bridesmaid dresses offer more flexibility and are a great way to accommodate preferences that each of your bridesmaids may have—such as what neckline looks best or how to adjust sleeves. Choose convertible bridesmaid dresses in the same length and color for a consistent look.
5. Try bridesmaids dresses on in person.
Scheduling a time to meet with your bridesmaids to try dresses on in person can be a great way to get ideas when choosing the perfect dresses for your bridesmaids.
Make an appointment at a local bridal shop. This way, you can get feedback from your bridesmaids and learn how they feel about things like the colors, cuts, and silhouettes that each prefers for a dress. You’ll also be able to get a sense of what dress styles flatter each of your bridesmaids.
Bridesmaid Dresses + Trends
Here are some current trendy bridesmaid dress styles to know and love.
1. One-shoulder column dresses are trendy right now, and it’s a great look that flatters many body types. On a similar note, Greek Goddess-style maxi dresses are also a mood, adding beautiful, classic style to a wedding.
2. Halter neck bridesmaid dresses are a classic look, made fresh this season with details like twists, keyholes, and cutouts in the design.
3. Metallic details, like sequins, can be an entire mood when it comes to choosing a bridesmaid dress. Metallics are in this season, and satin fabric in metallic colors—like gold and silver, also give you the look.
This can be a fun style for evening weddings. If you choose to go with a different color, but want to incorporate a metallic look, details like beading and metallic thread embroidery are a great way to give a nod to the trend.
4. When choosing bridesmaids dresses for evening weddings, look for luxurious fabrics, like satin or crepe. Dresses made from form-flattering matte jersey fabric are another choice for a slightly more formal looking bridesmaid dress. Velvet fabric is a great choice for winter weddings, to help keep your bridesmaids warm.
5. Flowing chiffon fabrics are perfect for weddings when you want bridesmaids to have a slightly casual, and definitely comfortable, feel. Skirts with side slits can help make it easier to move in a dress. For spring and summer weddings, choose lightweight fabrics or lighter colors that give your bridesmaids an airy, slightly ethereal look.
This post was all about how to choose the perfect bridesmaid dress for a wedding.
Credits
- Photos are for illustrative purposes only.