Buying Bridesmaid Dresses for a Destination Wedding

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids D.C. | GRΛE IMΛGES

Many people think of a destination wedding as a wedding on the beach. Or on an island in a tropical climate. Or at an oceanfront resort with views of the sun, surf, and sand.

But the fact is, a destination wedding can be anywhere. It can be in a glitzy U.S. city, a tiny village in the European countryside, or a vast prairie in Big Sky Country.

And once you’ve decided upon your ideal destination, the most fun part of wedding planning begins — shopping for:

• •  The bridal dress
• •  The groom's outfit
• •  The groomsmen's looks
• •  The bridesmaid dresses

But which colors, fabrics, and dress silhouettes should you choose for your wedding party?

Below is our guide to buying bridesmaid dresses for a destination wedding. We’ve also included a curated selection of destination wedding bridesmaid dresses that might be perfect for your big day.

When to Order Bridesmaid Dresses for a Destination Wedding

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids | Kailee DiMeglio

Whether you’re marrying locally or traveling for a destination wedding, order your bridesmaid dresses ~6 months in advance. It usually takes 2-3 months for dresses to be made to order.

A six-month window leaves you plenty of time to receive your dresses from the designer and arrange for fittings and alterations.

Getting Your Bridesmaid Dresses to Your Destination

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham | Julie Sumerel

Packing for a destination wedding requires thoughtful planning.

If you’re checking luggage, do yourself a favor and pack your bridesmaid dresses in a garment bag that you can carry on the plane with you. Airlines lose luggage all the time, and you don’t want to be without your dress on the big day.

Garment bags help minimize wrinkles during travel, but you’ll want to pack a travel steamer too. No matter how carefully you pack and carry your dress, you’ll probably have to steam out at least a few wrinkles or creases.

If you don’t want to pack or travel with your bridesmaid dresses, Bella Bridesmaids can simplify the process!

Getting married in a destination with a Bella Bridesmaid boutique?

Order your dresses in your hometown and ask us to ship them to your destination so you don’t have to transport them yourself.

We have nearly 40 locations around the country, including in popular wedding destination spots like:

• •  NYC
• •  Charleston
• •  Miami
• •  Las Vegas
• •  New Orleans

For more insight into planning the perfect destination wedding, check out our other posts:

Destination Wedding Checklist | Destination Wedding Itinerary | Top Destination Wedding Locations

How To Choose Bridesmaid Dresses for a Destination Wedding

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham | Gabbie Messer

Don’t buy bridesmaid dresses until you’ve set a date, secured your venue and location, and decided on the level of formality you want for your wedding.

Location, weather, season, and dress code are the most important factors to consider when dress shopping.

Location/Venue

 

The venue and location of your wedding should drive your bridesmaid dress selection.

For example, if you’re having a tropical beach wedding, go for shorter dresses, high-low dresses, midi dresses, or more casual tea-length looks. That way, your bridesmaids won’t have to drag long dresses through the sand.

Weather/Season

 

It’s important to choose fabrics, dress lengths, and sleeve lengths that are appropriate for the season and weather.

For example, long faille gowns can be too hot for tropical climates. But they’re perfectly appropriate for indoor weddings and cold-weather events.

If you’re looking for beach bridesmaid dresses for a hot weather wedding, stick with shorter silhouettes. Or opt for long dresses in airy, flowing fabrics like chiffon or crepe.

For a cold-weather wedding, consider long-sleeve gowns or floor-length silhouettes that you can layer with chic wintertime accessories, such as matching shawls or faux-fur stoles.

Choose colors that make sense for the season and complement the surroundings or natural setting of your venue.

Neutrals work at all times of the year. Shades of blue, bright corals, and floral prints are all gorgeous for a beach wedding or garden party celebration.

Dress Code

 

No matter where you plan to say “I do,” you’ll want to pick bridesmaid dresses that meet the formality of the event.

If you’re having a white-tie or black-tie wedding, choose long dresses.

If it’s a cocktail wedding reception, a casual wedding, or a semi-formal reception, go for knee-length dresses or midi dresses that hit mid-calf.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Codes

Destination Wedding Bridesmaid Dresses You’re Sure to Love

 

Whether you’re getting married on a sun-drenched beach in summer or a historic European castle in the middle of winter, here are a few destination wedding bridesmaid dresses that might be perfect for your big day:

Jenny Yoo Camille Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Camille Dress

In a mini length made from luxe faille fabric, the Jenny Yoo Camille Dress is perfect for a hot-weather beach wedding. It’s ideal for those who prefer the look and feel of a structured, tailored silhouette.

Jenny Yoo Kyra Dress

For a mixed-and-matched wedding party, pair it with the bow-embellished Kyra dress (pictured above), available in the same fabric and color options.

Amsale Andy Dress

 

Amsale Andy Dress

The Amsale Andy Dress is timeless in a midi slip dress silhouette. This satin dress features spaghetti straps, a straight neckline, and an open, modern back, making it ideal for any wedding in any season.

Amsale also offers a variety of similar silhouettes with different necklines. All are gorgeous as bridesmaid dresses or wedding guest dresses.

LulaKate Eden Dress

 

LulaKate Eden Dress

The LulaKate Eden Dress is made from flowy silk/cotton organza with a pretty floral print and full skirt. It’s perfect for a garden party or a spring or summer wedding with a bit of a boho, country, or rustic vibe. In an A-line silhouette with a halter neckline, it’s easy, effortless, and oh-so-romantic.

You can also easily mix and match it with other LulaKate designs.

Check out complementary styles like the Athena dress (left), the Demi dress (middle), and the Ellison Dress (right).

Looking for the freshest silhouettes and colors of the season? Shop New Arrivals now!

Christina Wu 22250 Dress

 

Christina Wu 22250 Dress

The Christina Wu 22250 Dress has a playful, romantic quality that makes it ideal for any season. It offers flowing movement, feminine details, and asymmetrical ruffle texture. You’ll also notice its lightweight chiffon fabric, V-neckline, and comfortable spaghetti straps.

Want to see which dresses our brides love? Shop Best Sellers now!

Bella Bridesmaids by Dessy BB130 Dress

 

Bella Bridesmaids by Dessy BB130 Dress

With a one-shoulder bodice and high leg slit, the Bella Bridesmaids by Dessy BB130 Dress has timeless sophistication. It boasts a figure-flattering circle skirt silhouette. Finished with a high slit, this luxe chiffon dress is available in 60+ colors to coordinate perfectly with any wedding color palette.

Sachin & Babi Simone Gown

 

Sachin & Babi Simone Gown

Planning a fall or winter wedding set in a glamorous, metropolitan city like New York, Paris, or Milan? The Sachin & Babi Simone Gown is sure to make a bold fashion statement.

It boasts a ballgown silhouette with a box-pleat Mikado skirt and a shimmering sequin bodice. The two-tone design is ideal for a black-tie or white-tie event in a historic setting or an upscale venue.

Jenny Yoo Cheyenne Dress

 

Jenny Yoo Cheyenne Dress

The Jenny Yoo Cheyenne Dress wows in an A-line silhouette crafted from pebbled crepe fabric. This floor-length gown has a strapless bodice with a draped empire bodice and flattering princess seams. The simple yet chic design makes it a standout for nearly any wedding celebration, in any season or destination.

 

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With endless colors, fabrics, and silhouettes, destination wedding bridesmaid dress shopping is simple. Visit your local Bella Bridesmaid store to see hundreds of gorgeous options in person. Or shop our collection of over 3,000 stunning bridesmaid dresses online!

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