Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Freehold/Ted Felsberg

Between the changing colors of the leaves, the crisp, cool air, and pumpkin-spiced everything, there are endless reasons to love the fall season. But autumn isn’t just for pumpkin carving, apple picking, and Thanksgiving. It’s also the perfect time of year to get married!

A fall wedding is a dream for many couples. And planning for the wedding day means doing all sorts of fun things. To name a few of our faves: cake tasting, interviewing bands, touring venues, and shopping for bridesmaid dresses!

This is our complete guide to fall bridesmaid dresses. We’re revealing the trendiest colors, fabrics, and silhouettes for autumn weddings. Plus, we offer a glimpse at a few dresses that are perfectly appropriate for the season. 

The Best Colors for Fall Bridesmaid Dresses

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Boston/Sierra Archer

Before you order bridesmaid dresses, you’ll need to decide on a color palette. 

Yes, there are endless hues to choose from — dress designers give lots of options! But there are a few wedding colors that are simply perfect for fall.

The fall season has a natural color palette of its own — colors you can find in everything. Of course, that includes everything from the leaves on the trees to the foods on the Friendsgiving table. 

Traditional Autumn Colors

You can’t go wrong with bridesmaid dresses in traditional autumn colors, such as:

Neutrals

Neutrals also work well for fall, so consider versatile shades of:

Jewel Tones

Prefer dresses with a bit more punch?

Bright colors are great for spring and summer, but for fall, jewel tones are the way to go:

Prints & Patterns

Prints and patterns are also chic options. Consider beaded gowns in art deco-inspired patterns for a glam vibe or dark floral prints for a timelessly romantic look!

 

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Fall Bridesmaid Dresses: The Best Fabrics to Choose

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta/Haley Birdsey

Fall weather varies quite a bit depending on the month and the location. Early fall can still feel hot hot hot like summer. However, in late fall, there could be a wintry chill in the air. That means no particular fabric is right or wrong for the fall season.

Thick satin, faille, and velvet, which you might not even consider wearing for a hot spring or summer wedding, are ideal for autumn. Sequin fabrics and heavily embellished fabrics are great choices as well.

If you do choose a lighter fabric, like chiffon or crepe, you can give it more of a fall feel just by choosing an awesome autumn color!

The Best Silhouettes for Fall Bridesmaid Dresses

 

Like fabrics, there’s no right or wrong silhouette for fall bridesmaid dresses. Yet, there are some guidelines that most brides follow in choosing bridesmaid dresses for the big day.

When it comes to hemlines, floor-length gowns and midi dresses are ideal. Full-length jumpsuits are also a stylish alternative.

For sleeves, consider short-sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, or even long-sleeve gowns if you think it might be a cold day. Do you love the look of spaghetti straps but don’t want your bridesmaids shivering cold in photos? Then, choose sleeveless or cap-sleeve dresses that cover the shoulder. 

Instead of open-backs or strappy backs, look for dresses that are covered in the back. Or give each bridesmaid a chic wrap to wear around her shoulders.

Fall is the perfect time to wear higher necklines, but any neckline can be appropriate for an autumn wedding. Whether you prefer a plunging V-neck, a cowl neck, or a round neck, choose what you love and what looks most flattering on your bridesmaids.

Here’s the bottom line:

It’s not the color, the fabric, or the silhouette that makes a dress appropriate for fall. Instead, it’s the combination of all three. 

 

First comes buying the perfect fall bridesmaid dress. Next is customizing it to fit YOU. Read the Bridesmaid’s Guide to Dress Alterations.

7 Gorgeous Fall Bridesmaid Dresses to Fall For

 

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Philly/Alex Schon

The only rule in shopping for bridesmaid dresses is to choose your own wedding dress first. Bridesmaid dresses should complement the bride’s wedding style but never upstage or overshadow THE DRESS. 

Ready to preview some gorgeous bridesmaid dresses?

Here are some dress styles that will be perfect for your upcoming fall wedding:

Wtoo by Watters Jordi

Flutter sleeves and a ruffle overlay add boho-inspired elegance to the Wtoo by Watters Jordi dress. Available in a gorgeous array of neutral hues and jewel tones, it features a wrap dress silhouette with a V-neckline, a slit skirt, and a tie at the waist.

Amsale Gaia

The Amsale Gaia dress is a stunner in a one-shoulder silhouette with pleated details, one short sleeve, and a full-length trumpet skirt. This fluid satin dress is sure to make your wedding party look oh-so-chic.

LulaKate Ella Bodice and Dahlia Midi Skirt

If you prefer separates, the LulaKate Ella Bodice and Dahlia Midi Skirt pair together to create an elegant two-piece look. The skirt boasts a pleated A-line silhouette, while the top features a one-shoulder design with a bold ruffle detail.

Bari Jay Velvet Infinity

The Bari Jay Velvet Infinity dress is super versatile in a convertible silhouette that you can wear in different ways. This velvet dress is detailed with two long sashes for twisting and tying as a halter neck, a one-shoulder, a strapless bodice, and other necklines. 

Social 8215 Dress

In soft charmeuse fabric, the Social 8215 dress offers sophistication in a midi-length slip silhouette with one voluminous puffed sleeve. The 3/4 length sleeve adds serious drama and makes it an excellent option for a fall celebration!

Jenny Yoo Malia

A gorgeous choice for any fall or winter wedding, the Jenny Yoo Malia dress is a figure-flaunting choice in luxe stretch velvet. This fit and flare gown is detailed with long sleeves, a center front slit, and a plunging V-neckline with a sheer tulle inset for a bit of added coverage.  

Adrianna Papell Dress Style 191916100

In an A-line silhouette with beaded embellishments, this Adriana Papell dress is a sophisticated choice for any bridesmaid, wedding guest, or even the mother of the bride! 

This gown features short sleeves and a round neckline. It also has a flattering blouson bodice with a beaded art deco pattern that adds vintage-inspired style.

Need a little more seasonal bridesmaid inspo? We’ve also revealed our fave spring bridesmaid dresses for springtime weddings!

 

Conclusion

 

The best part about shopping for fall bridesmaid dresses is that you have tons of options!

It doesn’t matter whether you adore sage green bridesmaid dresses or burnt orange bridesmaid dresses. Or satin bridesmaid dresses in neutral tones. There are countless dresses to choose from to showcase your personal sense of style and fit the season.