23 Styling Ideas for Rustic Bridesmaid Dresses

Photo: Bella Denver / Hannah Quintana

There’s so much to love about the rustic wedding vibe that it’s no wonder so many couples choose this theme for their big day.

After all, rustic is all about being natural, so it’s the perfect way to set the stage for a romantic wedding celebration.

We also love that the rustic trend can take so many different forms. Boho, rustic, country, western, or woodsy … rustic always seems to work!

The fact that it can go in so many different directions also means that there are endless ways to style your wedding.

Whether you’re dressing your wedding party in long chiffon gowns or midi length dresses, here are 25 styling ideas for rustic bridesmaid dresses.

Rustic Wedding Colors

There is no one specific color palette that encapsulates the rustic vibe. From neutral hues to pastels to dark tones, there are lots of color schemes that work for a rustic wedding. 

1. Take Inspiration From Nature

Colors that exist in nature, such as shades of sage green, terracotta, and rust (or burnt orange), are gorgeous options for a rustic outdoor wedding, especially in the fall.

2. Pastels Are Always Pretty!

You can never go wrong with pastels and dusty hues. Dusty blues, soft shades of pink, and lilac hues can all help you pull off a rustic look.

3. Go Neutral

All neutral tones can complement a rustic wedding. When paired with the right flower bouquets, shades of cream, tan, beige, taupe, and brown can be stunning!

4. Get Dramatic with Dark Tones

Whether you choose flowing maxi dresses or tea-length midi dresses, navy blues, dark grays, and deep shades of burgundy are always flattering, versatile options.

5. Mix It Up!

Don’t want your bridesmaids to wear the same wedding dresses?

Mixing and matching different tones, textures, and prints is a great way to give your rustic wedding party a distinctive look.

Shop our full collection of bridesmaid dresses!

What Fabrics Work for a Rustic Wedding?

Photo: Bella Knoxville / Summer Simmons

When styling a rustic wedding, fabric is more important than color.

For example, smooth satin and shiny charmeuse don’t exactly scream rustic, nor do stiffer fabrics, such as taffeta and faille.

Because rustic is more about looking natural and effortless, most brides also steer away from beaded gowns or sequin gowns, which tend to have a more glitzy and glamorous feel.

If you’re having a barn wedding or a wedding in the woods, consider these options:

6. Chiffon

Lightweight and airy, chiffon bridesmaid dresses are always a winner. Chiffon is comfortable to wear, easy to dance in, and readily available in any and every color imaginable.

7. Lace

For a cottagecore wedding or a boho celebration, consider lace bridesmaid dresses. The texture makes them easy to dress up or down to suit the formality of your big day. 

 

Related: 9 Boho Bridesmaid Dresses We Love!

8. Tulle

While tulle dresses can sometimes be a bit on the stiffer side, this fabric has a dreamy, ethereal quality … perfect if you’re throwing a fairytale wedding in the woods!

9. Jersey

Jersey dresses have an ease about them that makes them ideal for any type of wedding. They’re also super comfy to wear — your bridesmaids will thank you!

10. Velvet

We love the luxurious, sumptuous feel of stretch velvet, especially in winter and fall. In a rich color such as cinnamon, rust, or olive, velvet dresses scream rustic-chic!

The Best Silhouettes for a Rustic Wedding

Photo: Bella Grand Rapids / Taylor J Photography

When shopping for rustic bridesmaid dresses, you have lots of silhouette options. Sleeve length and neckline don’t matter all that much; it’s more about the shape of the skirt and how the dress fits and flows.

Here are some stunning bridesmaid dress options for a rustic wedding:

11. Jenny Yoo Essie Dress

Strapless with a front slit, the Jenny Yoo Essie Dress is effortless. This dress is as versatile as it gets, so it’s super easy to mix and match with a variety of other long bridesmaid dresses in contrasting colors or prints.

12. Nouvelle Amsale Sunny Dress

A deep V-neck and ruffles make the Nouvelle Amsale Sunny Dress perfect for the bride shopping for knee-length bridesmaid dresses for a casual wedding.

Available in more than two dozen colors, this chiffon dress is one that your bridesmaids will surely be able to wear again.

13. Twobirds Convertible Dress

With the Twobirds Convertible Dress, you can outfit your bridesmaids in more than a dozen different silhouettes.

Create short sleeves or cap sleeves, turn it into a one-shoulder neckline or a halter, or twist and fold the waist sash to create a pleated belt. The options are endless!

14. Wtoo Cortez Dress

The Wtoo Cortez dress is dreamy in soft chiffon with spaghetti straps, a cowl neck, and a blouson bodice with a tie at the waist. This style is available in extended lengths up to 50” to suit tall bridesmaids.

The Best Accessories for a Rustic Bridesmaid Dress

Photo: Bella Houston / Anya Kernes

No look is complete without some killer accessories!

From hair clips to shoes to jewelry, here are some ways to accessorize rustic bridesmaid dresses:

15. Flower Crown

Nothing screams boho quite like a flower crown. If you don’t want your bridesmaids to wear them, have your flower girl rock one!

16. Cowboy Boots

Planning to line dance all night at your country wedding?

There’s no better way to show your true country style than wearing a pair of cowboy boots.

Whether your bridesmaids will be wearing short bridesmaid dresses or floor-length gowns, cowboy boots can add a fun element of surprise.

17. Delicate Pendant Necklace

Pearls and diamonds are wedding jewelry staples, but for a rustic celebration, a simple pendant necklace with a colorful gemstone or charm is all you need. 

18. Small Hair Comb

No matter what kind of hairstyle your bridesmaids plan to wear, adding a small hair comb or clip is a chic way to add some extra sparkle without looking overly glitzy or glammed up.

19. Stud Earrings

Rustic is all about being natural, which means being somewhat understated. Ditch the dangling chandeliers and statement earrings; all your ‘maids need to wear is a simple pair of studs.

Which Flowers Work Best With Rustic Bridesmaid Dresses?

It’s nearly impossible to think of a flower that doesn’t complement the rustic wedding style.

To help you narrow down your choices, here are some floral ideas for bridesmaid bouquets:

20. Greenery

There’s no rule that says bouquets have to have flowers at all. Bouquets made from fresh greenery, such as eucalyptus leaves, are a fun alternative that perfectly fits the rustic theme.

21. Wildflowers

Get colorful with vibrant and bold wildflower bouquets.

For an even more stunning look, incorporate wildflowers into your wedding decor and wedding aisle decorations as well.

22. Burlap or Twine Accents

Even the most traditional bouquet of blush pink roses can look rustic if you wrap the stems with burlap or twine.

23. All-White Bouquets

Simple and beautiful, all-white bouquets are always a great choice. Even small ones can have a big impact.

24. Single Stems

Your bridesmaids do not have to carry a full bouquet. A cluster of two or three single stems is charmingly rustic!

Related: 7 Eco-Friendly Bridesmaid Bouquets

Conclusion

If you’ve settled on a rustic theme for your wedding, you’ve got it made — there are endless ways to pull off this look.

With the right silhouettes, colors, accessories, and flowers, you can be sure that your wedding party will look absolutely gorgeous!

And make sure to take your bridesmaids to Bella Bridesmaids to shop and get fitted for dresses!

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