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Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Columbia | Joshua & Aaron Moore
Ask any bride or former bridesmaid what her favorite pre-wedding event was, and she’s likely to say it was the dress shopping experience.
After all, who doesn’t enjoy gathering with their besties, trying on dozens of gorgeous gowns, and finding a dress that makes you look and feel amazing!
But for some brides, the idea of choosing bridesmaid dresses can be overwhelming. That’s mostly because there are so many options to choose from.
If you’re in the midst of wedding planning and looking for ways to make dress shopping as easy as can be, you’re in the right place!
Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to choose bridesmaid dresses for your special day:
Determine the Dress Code
One of the first steps in wedding planning is deciding on the level of formality you want for your wedding.
Different levels of formality require different types of dresses. So you can’t pick dress colors, silhouettes, or fabrics until you nail this detail down.
Formal events with black-tie or white-tie dress codes require more upscale attire. For example, you’ll want floor-length dresses, luxurious fabrics like satin or faille, and structured or tailored gowns in elegant column, trumpet, or mermaid silhouettes.
For less formal weddings with a semi-formal dress code or casual vibe, you can choose short dresses or midi dresses as opposed to long gowns. Lightweight, flowy fabrics like chiffon may also be more suitable. You can also consider more playful silhouettes or whimsical details, like ruffles and bows.
Order Your Wedding Dress Before Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Nashville | Ann-Marie Wyatt
No matter your wedding’s style or vibe, brides should always order their wedding dress before picking their bridesmaid looks.
Bridesmaid dresses should complement your bridal look but never, ever overshadow THE DRESS.
Narrow Down a Color Palette
While the bride traditionally wears white or ivory, there are many colors of bridesmaid dresses. That’s a good thing because it means endless options.
But for some brides, having so many options can be overwhelming. To narrow down all your choices, select a color scheme based on the level of formality, venue, season, and location of your wedding.
There are no rules for choosing colors — you can pick any colors you want!
But there are some ways to help you make this important decision:
- • Minimalist wedding in an industrial, urban venue: Keep it simple with neutrals like black, grey, or beige
- • Rustic wedding in a barn or outdoor space: Consider neutrals and organic colors like taupe or sage green
- • Casual garden party wedding: Consider pastel shades or pretty floral prints (or a combination of both)
- • Beach wedding near the coast: Complement the natural landscape with shades of blue, coral, or peach
Remember, you can pick one color or an array of colors — it’s your choice.
Already have a color in mind? Check out our top dress picks!
Pastel | Taupe | Sage Green | Periwinkle | Terracotta | Brown | Light Blue | Cobalt Blue | Burgundy | Beige
Consider the Season
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Indianapolis | Katherine Meier
Let the season of your wedding guide you towards dress colors and fabrics. Certain fabrics and colors work best for spring and summer, while others work better for fall and winter weddings.
Selecting Fabrics for Your Wedding Season
You don’t want your bridesmaids sweltering in heavy faille for a mid-summer beach wedding or freezing in chiffon for a winter wedding.
For warm-weather weddings, opt for lightweight or medium-weight fabrics like chiffon, georgette, or crepe.
For fall and winter weddings, thicker fabrics like velvet and faille work well. Crepe, satin, and lace work year-round!
Related: How To Choose Your Bridesmaid Dress Fabric
Selecting Colors for Your Wedding Season
While some colors work for any season, some make far more sense at certain times of year:
- • Neutrals: Neutral tones work year-round, as do colors like sage green and dusty blue.
- • Pastels: Pastel colors like lilac, pale yellow, pale pink, and light blue are ideal for spring and summer. “Icy” colors like pale blue and silver are chic options for winter celebrations.
- • Bright colors: Brights are best for summer weddings, especially in tropical settings.
- • Autumnal colors: Natural autumn hues of mustard, burnt orange, burgundy, and plum are ideal for fall weddings.
- • Jewel tones: Deep jeweled hues of emerald, sapphire, ruby, and wine are gorgeous for winter weddings.
Consider the season when deciding on sleeve length, too. For spring and summer weddings, strapless or strappy gowns are a good choice. Meanwhile, fall and winter weddings offer great opportunities for chic long-sleeve looks.
Decide if You Want All Bridesmaids to Wear the Same Dress
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Houston | Jones and Co. Photography
When it comes to dressing bridesmaids, there are lots of options and several ways to do it.
You can have your bridesmaids wear:
- • The same color/same dress
- • The same color/different style
- • The same dress style/different color
- • A mix and match of colors, patterns, and silhouettes
Don’t think you can pull off mismatched bridesmaid dresses?
It’s easier than you think.
You can easily create a cohesive look with different dress styles by:
- • Sticking to the same fabric
- • Choosing similar silhouettes
- • Keeping the length consistent
- • Choosing colors in the same tone, such as dusty, pastel, or bright hues
If you decide you want all your bridesmaids in the same style of dress, choose a silhouette that will flatter every maid’s body shape.
For example, A-line shapes flatter many different body types. Mermaid, trumpet, and sheath gowns that fit snugly may make some bridesmaids uncomfortable.
When choosing bodice styles, V-necklines are universally flattering and comfortable. Meanwhile, strapless dresses or one-shoulder designs might make some bridesmaids feel less confident.
Read our full guide to mixing and matching bridesmaid dresses!
Decide Who Will Choose the Dresses
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Baton Rouge | Justin Burr
Many brides prefer to choose their bridesmaid dresses. But some simply offer preferences for color, fabric, and length, and then let their bridesmaids choose their own looks.
Should you give your bridesmaids the freedom to choose their own looks for the big day, set some guidelines.
At the very minimum, specify colors, fabrics, and dress length. It’s even better to provide color options from a specific designer. After all, colors with the same name can be completely different shades from one designer to another.
Additionally, as you plan your pre-wedding events, this guide to bridal shower outfits can help you find the perfect look for celebrating in style.
Know Your Bridesmaids’ Budgets
Once you’ve zeroed in on your dress code, level of formality, color palette, and fabric, it’s time to shop for your dream dresses!
But before you do, it’s a good idea to have a conversation about your bridesmaids’ budgets.
It’s customary for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses, so it’s best to get a sense of how much they’re prepared to spend. That will help you narrow down your choices further and choose dresses that fit the overall budget.
Keep in mind that, as the bride, you always have the option to pay for bridesmaid dresses or pay the difference if you choose dresses that are above and beyond what your bridesmaids can afford to spend.
Tips for Bridesmaids Choosing Their Own Dresses
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Christina Baird
As a bridesmaid with the freedom to choose her own dress, consider yourself lucky! The bride obviously trusts you to make the right fashion decisions. But with that freedom comes some responsibility.
Follow these three tips to ensure you pick the perfect dress:
Stick to the Bride’s Guidelines
If she’s provided direction on color, fabric, pattern, designer, or silhouette, follow her wishes. No matter how fashionable you are, don’t deviate from her vision.
Dress Shopping: Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Order your dress well in advance of the big day, leaving yourself plenty of time for fittings and alterations.
Keep in mind that if all bridesmaids are wearing the same color and fabric, you’ll want to order dresses at the same time to ensure that dye lots are the same.
Get the Bride’s Approval Before Ordering Your Dress
Bridesmaid dresses are generally made to order and can’t be returned. Before ordering your look, show the bride the dress to make sure she’s okay with your choice.
Shop all of our bridesmaid dresses in hundreds of styles, colors, silhouettes, and more!
Whether you’re dreaming of flowy chiffon looks for a casual beach wedding or elegant satin gowns for a black tie affair, picking bridesmaid dresses for your wedding day is easy because there are so many options to choose from.
You’ll need to:
- • Determine your dress code
- • Hone in on your ideal color palette
- • Consider the season when selecting fabrics
- • Decide whether you want your besties to match or wow with a cohesive, mixed-and-matched wedding party
With those details locked down, it will be easy to find the perfect dresses for your big day.
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