You’re in the process of planning your wedding, and you’ve already decided who you want to have as your bridesmaids, but now it’s time for the hard part: choosing bridesmaid dresses!
Bridesmaid dresses can be a controversial subject; no one wants to wear something uncomfortable, and there are a lot of ways things can go wrong. What if you choose the wrong material for the season? What if someone feels uncomfortable in the dress? How can you make it affordable for everyone without compromising look and quality? Where do you even start?
Welcome to Bridesmaid Dress 101, the beginner’s guide to choosing the perfect dresses for your bridesmaids on your wedding day.
Let’s Talk Fabric
The fabric you choose for your bridesmaid dresses is almost more important than the actual look of the dresses since the fabric will dictate a lot about the dress. Some fabrics are heavier, warmer, and more rigid, while others are lighter, silky, and flowier.
The fabric of your bridesmaids’ dresses will have a lot of impact on the look of the wedding party as a whole and will impact how comfortable they are during the event. These are some of the most popular bridesmaid dress fabrics you’ll come across, and recommendations for when to choose each:
Satin
Satin is a glossy, smooth, super-densely woven fabric that looks and feels a little bit like fine silk. This beautiful fabric feels luxurious and romantic, but can also be light and flirty. Capable of being used in both structured and flowy dresses, satin is a versatile option, also available in a wide range of colors and patterns. While we love satin, just remember that it can get sticky or clingy in hot or humid weather.
Choose satin bridesmaid dresses if:
- You are having a formal wedding
- You want your bridesmaids to feel red-carpet-ready
- You want to bring on the sexy vibes
- You’re having an indoor wedding
Chiffon
Chiffon is a lightweight woven fabric with a slightly rough texture, plenty of stretch, and a sheer or semi-sheer density. Chiffon hangs and drapes beautifully, and can create stunningly elegant skirts and ruffled details. Sweet and romantic, chiffon feels royal without being too formal, making it appropriate for weddings of all kinds.
Choose chiffon bridesmaid dresses if:
- You are having a romantic, intimate wedding
- You are having a garden or outdoor wedding
- You are having a spring or summer wedding
- You love the boho vibe
Lace
Lace, a day dedicated to love, all of the most important people in your life…what more could you want? Lace is the ultimate romantic fabric, whether you’re choosing your bridesmaid dresses or your honeymoon lingerie! Lace overlay can be sophisticated, sexy, classy, and even traditional – there’s no limit to the vibe you can create with lace.
Choose lace bridesmaid dresses if:
- You are having a vintage-inspired wedding
- You want to create a sheer illusion look
- You’re a hopeless romantic
- You are having a wedding…whenever!
Crepe
Crepe is a smooth, crisp fabric that has been put through a process to stiffen it. This makes crepe a great choice for structured gowns, asymmetrical dresses, jumpsuits, and cocktail dresses. If you choose crepe dresses, just make sure you have a steamer on hand, since crepe can hold wrinkles.
Choose crepe bridesmaid dresses if:
- You want a sleek cocktail look
- You’re having a black-tie-optional wedding
- You’re having an urban industrial wedding
- You’re having a winter wedding
Classic Bridesmaid Dress Styles
So, you know the basics on some of the most popular fabrics you can choose for your bridesmaid dresses, but what about the different styles? Here are just a few of the many options you can choose between:
Slip Dresses
Slip dresses are slinky, sexy, and romantic, and come in a variety of styles. Cowl-neck slip dresses are so on trend right now, and we love how this neckline perfectly drapes and frames the face. Satin is the most popular option for slip dresses, and they’re most comfortable in warmer weather.
Asymmetrical and One-Shoulder Dresses
Asymmetrical and one-shoulder dresses bring an edge to the look of your bridal party, and are the perfect sophisticated choice for formal weddings. Choosing an asymmetrical dress gives you tons of styling options, and can even help to inspire your floral design! Crepe is a popular choice for these kinds of dresses since it will hold its shape beautifully through a night of dancing.
Bodycon Dresses
Bodycon dresses hug the body and create a super-sexy silhouette. Stunning in any fabric, but most comfortable in something with a little stretch, bodycon dresses are a good choice for formal and semi-formal weddings. Remember not to choose something too tight–no one wants to feel uncomfortable sitting down and eating a meal in their dress!
Tiered and Ruffled Dresses
Hopeless romantics and sweet traditional vibes call for ruffles and tiered skirts. Floaty chiffon or organza are both perfect for the job of ruffles and will add an element of movement and drama that will look incredible in photos. So cute and comfy, tiered dresses are also a fantastic option to make sure your bridesmaids have plenty of room to get down on the dance floor.
Jumpsuits
Who says your bridesmaids need to wear dresses or skirts? Jumpsuits are just as stylish, comfortable, and great for brides and bridesmaids who want to enjoy the freedom of pants at the wedding. Jumpsuits can be sweet and flirty, chic and powerful, or anything in between. To keep the look elevated, opt for jumpsuits in dressier fabrics that feel wedding-ready.
Two-Piece Sets
Two-piece sets and two-piece dresses are one of the latest wedding trends, and give us total Zillenial and Gen Z vibes! Young, fun, and a comfortable alternative to a full dress, two-piece sets can even be mixed and matched to create your own unique looks. Two-piece sets are especially appropriate at beach weddings, since some allow bridesmaids to show off a little extra skin with a cropped top!
Tips for Choosing The Right Bridesmaid Dress Style
Not sure where to start choosing the right bridesmaid dresses for your bridal party? We get it! It can feel like an overwhelming decision, but we have a few tips to make it a little easier. Before we dive into our tips, we have one important thing to say: don’t overthink it
1. Start with the Color Palette
You probably have an idea of the color palette of your wedding, so this is a perfect place to start. Whether you’ve chosen one, two, three, or more wedding colors, you can begin by looking for dresses that match your wedding hues. Shopping by color is also a good way to give you inspiration for the rest of the look of the wedding since you’ll start to get an idea of what those colors will look like in action.
Just remember that the colors you choose need to look flattering with a range of skin tones, so it shouldn’t just be a color that you look good in. (Not all of us are blessed to look amazing in lime green!)
Some brides like to allow their bridesmaids to choose their own dresses, giving them a color palette to work within. Having a fun range of shades of the same color can be a nice way to bring variety to your wedding party, and allow bridesmaids to choose something they’ll love.
2. Consider the Weather
You want your bridesmaids to be comfortable at your wedding, which means they need to be dressed appropriately for the weather. Whether you plan to have a summer wedding or a winter-wonderland event, make sure your bridesmaids won’t be too hot, too cold, or fighting the elements in any way.
For example, if you are getting married outside in July, you might want to avoid fabric like satin, which sticks to sweat immediately. Instead, you would want to choose something like chiffon, which is light, airy, and breezy. If you’re getting married indoors during the summer and you know there will be air conditioning, you can probably choose satin pretty safely–just remember you might take photos outside, too!
3. Match the Vibe
Even if you aren’t having a specifically “themed” wedding, you’ll still have a general vibe you’re trying to achieve. Whether your wedding will be simple and traditional or lavish and unique, make sure the bridesmaid dresses fit with the aesthetic of the event. You don’t have to worry about anyone overshadowing you on the big day, so don’t hesitate to choose a black-tie-worthy look if you’re having a black-tie wedding.
Just be sure you aren’t putting too much financial strain on your bridal party. Not everyone can afford a $1,000 dress, so choose items that can easily be purchased by all of your bridesmaids, or one you would be comfortable paying for.
4. Consult with Your Bridesmaids
To ensure your bridesmaids are as comfortable and happy as possible in their dresses, you should always consult with them before choosing their dresses. Not everyone is comfortable in the same styles, silhouettes, fabrics, and colors, so making sure to include your bridesmaids in the process will prevent anyone from feeling stressed about not feeling their best on your day. When everyone feels great in what they’re wearing the day will go so much more smoothly, so be sure to listen closely to your bridesmaids when they tell you what they like and dislike.
Last Thoughts
Ultimately, whatever you choose for your bridesmaids to wear, your wedding is going to be amazing. Remember, this is a chance to celebrate your love, and the dresses your bridal party wears are a fun way to include them in your special day. As long as you consider their individual needs, their comfort, and the weather, you’re going to have one good-looking bridal party!
We want to see your Lulus bridesmaid dress styles! Show us on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus! Still shopping? Head to our Weddings Shop for more ways to outfit your maids!
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