You have found your dream dress, set the date, and picked your venue. Now it is time for one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning: figuring out how to choose bridesmaid dresses that match your wedding style and make your girls feel amazing. This step is a significant part of bringing your wedding vision to life, and it can be a lot of fun when you know what to look for.
To help you, we have compiled eight proven tips on how to select bridesmaid dresses that complement your theme, flatter all attendees, and create a stunning, cohesive look for your special day. Think of us as your friendly guide through all things bridal as you celebrate the incredible women standing by your side.
Let us make this one of the most joyful parts of your wedding journey.
Start With Your Wedding Theme When Choosing Bridesmaid Dresses
Before you even start looking at dresses, think about the overall vibe of your wedding day. Is it a classic and formal affair, a relaxed boho celebration, or a chic modern party? The theme of your wedding is the perfect starting point for choosing your bridesmaid dresses.
- Classic & Traditional: For a timeless wedding, think about elegant, floor-length gowns in rich fabrics like satin or crepe. Classic silhouettes, such as A-line or sheath dresses, in colors like navy, burgundy, or champagne, always look sophisticated.
- Boho & Rustic: If you’re planning a more laid-back, bohemian wedding, consider flowy maxi dresses with details like lace, floral prints, or ruffles. Earthy tones, soft pastels, or even mismatched floral patterns can perfectly capture that free-spirited feel.
- Modern & Chic: For a contemporary wedding, you might opt for clean lines, simple silhouettes, and bold colors. Jumpsuits or midi-length dresses in solid, vibrant hues or minimalist designs can make a stylish statement.
Matching the dresses to your theme creates a cohesive and beautifully styled look for your entire wedding day.
Pick a Flattering Color Palette for Bridesmaid Dresses
Color is one of the most important elements when learning how to choose bridesmaid dresses that look beautiful on everyone. Your palette should complement your gown, décor, and venue.
Jewel tones such as emerald, ruby, and sapphire flatter a wide range of skin tones. Shades like blush, dusty blue, and slate grey are also popular and versatile. You can even mix tones within the same color family to add visual variety, such as combining sky blue, steel blue, and navy.
Consider Fabric Based on the Season
The season of your wedding plays a huge role in choosing the right fabric. You want your bridesmaids to be comfortable, and the fabric of their dresses will make a big difference!
- Spring & Summer Weddings: For warmer weather, think light and airy. Fabrics like chiffon, organza, and lightweight cotton are perfect for keeping your bridal party cool and comfortable. Soft pastel colors or bright, cheerful hues work beautifully for a sunny celebration.
- Fall & Winter Weddings: In cooler months, you can embrace richer fabrics and deeper colors. Velvet, heavy satin, and crepe not only look luxurious but also provide a bit of extra warmth. Deep jewel tones, moody florals, or elegant metallic shades are gorgeous choices for an autumn or winter wedding.
Mix and Match Styles for a Personalized Bridesmaid Look
One of the most popular and wonderful trends right now is the mix-and-match bridesmaid look! This approach allows each of your bridesmaids to choose a dress style that they feel most comfortable and confident in, all while maintaining a cohesive look.
You can achieve this in a few ways:
- Same Color, Different Styles: Choose one color and let your bridesmaids pick different necklines or silhouettes. This is a great way to ensure everyone has a dress that flatters their body type.
- Same Style, Different Colors: If you’ve found a universally flattering dress, consider having your bridesmaids wear it in different, complementary colors from your palette.
- A Curated Mix: For a truly personalized look, you can provide a color palette and let your bridesmaids choose their own dress entirely. This creates a beautifully eclectic and modern bridal party.
This approach celebrates the individuality of your friends, and we absolutely love that!
Keep Comfort a Priority
Remember, your bridesmaids will be in their dresses for the entire day, from getting ready in the morning to dancing the night away. Their comfort is key! A happy and comfortable bridesmaid will radiate joy, and that will show in your wedding photos and in the memories you create together.
When choosing dresses, think about the fit, the fabric, and the practicality of the style. Can they move, sit, and dance easily? Does the fabric feel good against their skin? When your friends feel amazing, they’ll be able to fully celebrate with you, and that’s what matters most.
Coordinate Bridesmaid Dresses With Your Bridal Gown
Your bridal gown is the star of the show, and the bridesmaid dresses should act as the perfect supporting cast. They should enhance your look, not overpower it.
When you go shopping for bridesmaid dresses, bring a photo of your own gown. Think about how the styles will look together. If your dress is incredibly detailed with intricate lace or beading, simpler bridesmaid dresses might be the way to go. If your gown has a clean and modern silhouette, you might have more room to play with texture or patterns for your bridesmaids. The goal is to create a beautiful, balanced picture.
Plan for Ordering and Alterations
This is a super important tip. Bridesmaid dresses can take several weeks or even a few months to arrive after you order them. To avoid any last-minute stress, it’s best to start shopping at least six to eight months before your wedding.
This timeline gives you plenty of time to choose the dresses, have them ordered, and allow for any necessary alterations. Almost every dress will need some tweaking to get the perfect fit, so building that time into your plan is essential. Getting this done early means one less thing to worry about as your big day gets closer!
Get Expert Help From a Bridal Stylist
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, that’s completely okay! Working with a bridal stylist can make the entire process so much easier and more fun. A stylist has the expertise to help you pull everything together, from your gown to the bridesmaid dresses to the accessories.
They can help you navigate different styles, fabrics, and colors, and offer professional advice on what will work best for your wedding vision and for your bridesmaids. At our boutique, our stylists are dedicated to making this a joyful and stress-free experience for you and your bridal party. We’re here to help you bring your dream wedding look to life!
Expert Tips on How to Choose Bridesmaid Dresses
Choosing your bridesmaid dresses should be joyful, exciting, and full of happy moments with the women you love most. By using these tips, you’ll know exactly how to choose bridesmaid dresses that reflect your style and celebrate your closest friends.
We would be absolutely honored to help you and your bridesmaids find the perfect dresses. Book an appointment with one of our expert bridal stylists today, and let’s start this fun journey together! We can’t wait to welcome you and help you create the wedding look of your dreams.
