The Ultimate Guide to Bridesmaid Dresses: From Style to Coordination

If you ask your bride-to-be to plan the biggest day of her life, she will likely ask you to be her maid of honor as well. And while it’s an honor, choosing a bridesmaid dress comes with its own set of challenges. From selecting the right style to finding a dress that suits everyone, this guide will help you make the process smooth and stress-free.

1. Start by choosing a theme or style

Before you start looking for bridesmaid dresses, it’s important to have a clear idea of the wedding theme and style. This helps to create a consistent look and ensures that the bridesmaid dresses match the overall vibe of the wedding.

Consider the following themes and styles:

• Classic and Elegant: Choose timeless styles such as A-line dresses, long sleeves and subtle details.
• Bohemian: Think of loose, flowy dresses with lace, floral prints or vintage accents.
• Modern and Chic: Go for clean lines, minimalist designs and luxurious fabrics.
• Retro: Consider dresses with a vintage feel, such as 20s flapper dresses or 50s A-line dresses.

Tip: Discuss the desired style with the bride and make sure it aligns with her vision for the wedding.

2. Choose the right color

The color of the bridesmaid dresses should harmonize with the color palette of the wedding. Discuss with the bride what colors work best for the season, location, and overall aesthetic of the wedding.

Popular color schemes:

• Pastel shades: Light pink, mint green and lavender are ideal for a romantic and soft look.
• Deep Colors: Burgundy, emerald green and navy blue give a luxurious and elegant atmosphere.
• Neutral Colors: White, cream and champagne go well with a classic or modern wedding.
• Bright colors: For a vibrant and playful wedding, colors such as coral, turquoise and fuchsia are perfect.

Tip: Consider the skin tones of the bridesmaids when choosing colors. Colors that look good on the majority of people ensure a harmonious appearance.

3. Choose the right style for each body type

Bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to choose dresses that are flattering on every body type. Here are some styles that often work well for different figures:

• A-Line: Suitable for almost any body type, the A-line dress has a tight waist and a flared skirt that flatters most figures.
• Empire Waist: Ideal for those who want to emphasize a higher waist, the empire dress has a high waist and a fall-through skirt.
• Mermaid: For a bold and glamorous look, the mermaid dress follows the contours of the body and features a flared skirt from the knees.
• Fit-and-Flare: This dress features a fitted top and a flared skirt that accentuates the hips and legs.

Tip: Try different styles to see what works best for each of the bridesmaids. A custom-made dress can also be a good option for a perfect fit.

4. Consider the choice of material

The material of the bridesmaid dresses can affect the overall look and comfort. Choose materials that suit the season and location of the wedding.

Popular materials:

• Chiffon: Lightweight and breathable, ideal for warm weather conditions and outdoor weddings.
• Satin: Shiny and luxurious, perfect for a formal or evening wedding.
• Lace: Romantic and elegant, often used for dresses with vintage or classic styles.
• Tulle: For a playful and voluminous look, often used in combination with other materials.

Tip: Make sure that the material chosen is comfortable for the bridesmaids, especially if they will be spending the whole day in the dress.

5. Determine the budget

The budget is an important factor when choosing bridesmaid dresses. Discuss the budget with the bride and factor in the cost for the dresses, as well as any additional costs such as tailoring, accessories, and fitting.

Budget tips:

• Buy in bulk: If you have a large group of bridesmaids, many stores may offer discounts for a bulk order.
• Rent a dress: Consider renting dresses if the budget is limited or if the dresses are only worn once.
• View online options: Online stores can often offer more affordable options than traditional stores.

Tip: Be transparent about the budget with the bride and make sure everyone is aware of the cost before choosing their dress.

6. Plan for fittings

Fittings are crucial to ensure that the dresses fit properly and are comfortable. Schedule several fittings to ensure that every bridesmaid can have the dress properly adjusted and possibly have some adjustments made.

Fitting tips:

• Plan on time: Start trying on and ordering dresses well in advance to be able to make any adjustments.
• Bring a friend: It is useful to bring someone with you to the fitting to give feedback and help make decisions.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring all accessories such as shoes and jewelry with you during the fittings so that you have a complete picture of the look.

7. Accessories and Finish

Accessories can complete a dress and complement the personal style of any bridesmaid. Think of jewelry, shoes, and possibly a scarf or bolero.

Popular Accessories:

• Jewelry: Opt for subtle jewelry that matches the style of the dress and doesn’t distract from the overall look.
• Shoes: Make sure the shoes are comfortable and match the dress and theme of the wedding.
• Boleros and scarves: Ideal for extra coverage or to give the dress a different look.

Tip: Make sure the accessories and shoes match the dress and are comfortable for the wedding days.

Conclusion: Make it a positive experience

Choosing bridesmaid dresses can be a stressful task, but with proper planning and communication, it can become an enjoyable experience. By matching the style and colors to the wedding theme, taking into account the preferences and body types of the bridesmaids, and setting a realistic budget, you can ensure that everyone feels their best on the big day. Wedding Company is here to support you every step of the way and make sure your bridesmaids look and feel their very best.