You’ve got the ring, you’ve picked who your bridesmaids are going to be, and now you need to decide what to do when it comes to bridesmaid dresses. This may feel stressful, but don’t worry! I’m here to help with ideas based on the season of your wedding, the vibe of your wedding, and even some stores to keep in mind when it comes to your bridesmaid dresses.

First and foremost, there are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to your bridesmaid dresses. The cost of being in a wedding can be a lot for someone to take on, so keep in mind the cost of the dress, alterations, shoes, and potentially jewelry as these things can quickly add up. It’s not a bad idea to have a conversation with your girls about what they can reasonably spend on a bridesmaid dress. Also, bridesmaids can have different body types and personal styles, so it’s important to pick a dress that would be comfortable and flattering for all. The best way to keep everyone happy (and let them have some control over their budget) is to let them pick their own dress with the direction of your color palette.

Tips for picking bridesmaid dresses

1. Look to purchase at least 6 months out from the wedding date.
2. Order swatches to determine whether specific colors and fabrics will work well with your wedding dresses and color palette.
3. Look for online retailers that offer bridal party dresses in a wide range of sizes and silhouettes – keep all of your bridesmaid’s bodies and styles in mind!
4. Be sure to review the shipping and return policies.
5. Know your measurements and refer to the fit guides!!
6. Make sure your bridal dress is a similar style – if your dress is modern, you want bridesmaid dresses that have classic silhouette fabrics, you don’t want them in lace, etc.
7. Don’t be shy about mixing tones, patterns, and textures – adds a little extra!!

Bridesmaid dresses inspiration based on your wedding type

If you’re having a Glam City wedding – like a luxury DC wedding – here are a few suggestions:

Satin is lustrous and undeniably classy. Such a versatile and timeless fabric that will have your bridesmaids fitting right in with your luxury wedding.

Metallic accents and sequins are a great choice, too. What’s more glamorous than some sequins? Your ladies will shine inside and out from all over sequins to just a shimmering bodice.

Also, keep in mind that floor length gowns will give you those elegant and formal vibes.

For a Vineyard/Garden wedding – think Veritas or Airlie Virginia wedding venues – go for something soft and romantic with these looks: 

Chiffon is lightweight and sheer and has a fantastic drape that will flatter all your ladies. Chiffon dresses create an ethereal look we love! Keep it in the pastel color palette and it’s perfect for a spring garden affair.

Tulle is also a very light and airy fabric that offers a slight structure and fullness that differentiates from the other romantic fabrics.

For an at home wedding, you have a little bit of wiggle room, depending on your wedding’s vibe. 

If you’re having a casual backyard wedding, then you can find a light and airy style that will be comfortable in any type of weather. Shorter lengths will also capture the fun and flirty mood!

Bridesmaid dresses inspiration based on season

Fall/Winter

Velvet is a trend we are loving right now, especially with colder months ahead. The buttery smooth texture is rich to the touch and looks great with jewel tones and bold colors for winter.

Look for long sleeve options to stay cozy in the cooler weather, and lean into the fall rich autumn colors and warm neutrals.

Spring/Summer

From pretty pastels to bright + bold hues and even a blossoming botanical print, spring and summer is the time to play with patterns! 

Stick with lightweight, airy, and ultra breathable. Think: flowy chiffon & breezy organza and you’ll be on the right track.

Bridesmaid dress examples

We see lots of bridesmaid dresses as wedding planners, and we can’t help but have some favorites! Here are a few that stick out from some recent weddings.

Is there anything more timeless (and versatile) than a black dress? It’s a sleek and chic choice that suits everyone. Black can match with any color palette and is also flattering on every body type. 

I love that they are in all different textures, too, and they allowed the flowers to really pop with the black dresses. This was the perfect pick for their modern art gallery wedding – industrial chic.

Mix and match bridesmaids dresses are not a new trend, but it’s one we are definitely happy to see reappearing. (And it’s one that is lovely in any season!) Mix and match styles allow your bridesmaids to choose something that they feel gorgeous in and in a color and style that works for them, keeping everyone happy.

Jenna gave her girls the color palette to work with and to go all out with florals/patterns and they delivered!

I love a neutral palette and green in tones of sage, mint, olive, and forest will always be trending. These shades look flawless in any season – choose lighter shades for spring and summer celebrations, and darker shades such as olive, hunter, forest and emerald for fall and winter weddings. The fabric for Kelly’s bridesmaids and color tied perfectly to the full design aesthetic of this May outdoor garden soiree.

Where to buy bridesmaids dresses

After lots of ideas and inspiration, let’s get to some specifics about where you can find great bridesmaid dresses. I’ve listed some top picks below, but keep in mind: some of the most stunning bridesmaid dresses I’ve seen aren’t from the most traditional sources.

Revelry

Kennedy Blue

Birdy Grey

Show Me Your Mumu

Bella Bridesmaids

Azazie

Now you’re ready to take the next step and start making some decisions when it comes to your bridesmaids dresses! If you need any help with any other part of your wedding, don’t hesitate to reach out about our wedding planning services. We’re happy to help!