The Complete Guide of How to Pick Bridesmaid Dresses
Learn when to shop, where to find exquisite and the distinctive style of bridesmaid dresses for each bridesmaids. And how to streamline the process. And as you get started, remember that shopping for bridesmaid dresses should create fun and happy memories for all.
When to start to order bridesmaid dresses?
Order bridesmaid dresses at least six to eight months before the wedding date to allow for delivery, fittings, and alterations. All of these steps can take longer than you expect.
How much does a bridesmaid dress cost?
The average cost of a bridesmaid dress is $150, but consider other Bridal Party costs: shoes, undergarments, accessories, fittings, and alterations are extra.
Designer labels are more expensive than off-the-rack dresses.
At Happyprom, you can get free custom made group bridesmaid dresses at actually affordable price.
Other Money-Saving Tip: ‘Sample sales’ offer opportunities to save money on discontinued styles or when stock rotates. Usually, only one sample dress is available—but your attendants may find mismatched styles in complementing colors.
Who pays for the bridesmaid dresses and accessories?
Traditionally, each bridesmaid pays for their dress and accessories. However, the bride may choose to pay all or part of the cost. Consider your bridesmaids’ other financial obligations when choosing dresses, and offer budget-friendly options if your wedding party has financial constraints.
Where to look for bridesmaid dress inspiration and ideas?
Wedding magazines and blogs are favorite options, but branch beyond them for creative ideas and inspiration.
Pinterest makes the top of every planning list, for good reason: It’s a one-stop planning resource that’s easy to share. Create a shared board and let your bridesmaids pin ideas they love, too. Then share your favorites easily during a bridal shop consultation.
Sewing pattern books available at crafts stores are an incredible source of inspiration—even if you don’t intend to make the dresses yourself. Check out Vogue’s collection of bridal and evening gowns, or explore Burda’s catalog.
Other resources to explore: Wedding expos, Instagram & social media; Wedding photographer websites; International wedding blogs; Wedding books; Non-wedding style magazines; Fashion week trends; Celebrity look books (modern or classic Hollywood).
Before heading out to try on dresses, browse current trends and up-and-coming styles.
Where to shop for bridesmaid dresses?
You can begin your search online, at major bridal retailers, or in local boutiques. Large department stores, including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom, offer curated bridal apparel for a variety of tastes and price points.
Don’t leave a pregnant bridesmaid out
Explore stores for maternity bridesmaid dresses so mothers-to-be feel just as glam as the rest of the party.
Explore Etsy or Happyprom for made-to-order custom styles, or meet designers in your area for bespoke gowns.
Money-Saving Tip: Bridesmaid dresses don’t usually make it out of the closet again after the big day, no matter how gorgeous they are. Consider letting your bridesmaids wear something they already own—they can accent their favorite LBD or party dress with matching wraps, shoes, or accessories for a coordinated bridal party.
Can you rent bridesmaid dresses?
Yes. Renting bridesmaid dresses is a great way to save money. Check with your local bridal shop or tuxedo rental business for available styles, or go digital with online designer rental companies like Rent the Runway. Have your dress delivered a few days before the event (RTR includes a free backup size!), wear it for the wedding, and return it by mail with a prepaid shipping label—easy!
You can’t alter rented dresses, so a backup size is necessary to help you get the perfect fit. Get professional measurements at the tailor’s before ordering your rental.
Should the Maid of Honor wear a different dress?
Your Maid of Honor can wear the same style dress as your bridesmaids, but you may choose to let her stand out with a dress in a different color, cut, or length.
Does a junior bridesmaid wear the same style dress?
A junior bridesmaid usually wears a dress in a similar style to the older women in the bridal party, but keep it age-appropriate: cap sleeves, A-line styles, or princess dresses are all great choices.
What do male bridesmaids wear?
Don’t leave your male bridesmaid out: He can wear a tux or suit to match the groomsmen but signal that he’s with the ladies using a bowtie or vest to match their color scheme or match his boutonniere to the bouquets. To help him truly stand out: have him wear a suit in a different color than the groomsmen.
How to pick bridesmaid dresses?
Keep the wedding venue, your theme and color palette, and the season in mind from the start of your search.
For example, if you’re set on strapless dresses for a winter wedding—consider adding faux fur shrugs or satin shawls. Floor-length dresses may be out of place for a rustic barn wedding, and short dresses usually don’t suit black-tie events.
Consider bridesmaids’ preferences for some women love slinky dresses, others may prefer more modest options, don’t require them to wear something that makes them uncomfortable. Looking for ways to let your bridesmaids’ personalities shine.
Let them choose their dresses. Coordinated doesn’t have to mean matching. Set some ground rules on color, silhouette, or length, and let them select a style that puts their best self on display. Or, offer up a variety of styles you like and let them choose the dress they prefer. Retain veto-power in case their choices don’t match your vision.
Mismatched bridesmaid dresses look fantastic no matter the wedding style. Add your own spin with mix-and-match textures, fabrics, silhouettes, necklines, and colors.
Create an ombré effect by having each bridesmaid dress in a different shade of the same color, from dark to light. Plan ahead by the order you expect them to stand at the altar for a perfect gradual progression. The groomsmen can mirror the effect with bowties or vests to match.
Look at color swatches in daylight for an accurate idea of the hue—store lighting can cause colors to appear different than their actual shade.
How long does a bridesmaid dress fitting take?
Allow time for alterations to get the perfect fit. Allow four to six weeks for fitting and alterations—they may need to go back more than once.
Dresses are typically ordered a size larger because it’s easier to size down than up. Always go by professional measurements and trust the boutique on sizing when placing orders.
For an accurate fit, ask your bridesmaids wear the undergarments they plan to wear the day of the wedding, the shoes they’ll wear at the wedding.
What alterations may be necessary for bridesmaid dresses?
Shortening the hem; Adding length; Taking in at the waist; Shortening straps; Adjusting gaps in the bodice; Optional adjustments may include adding sleeves, beading or other embellishments, or adding built-in support.
Should my bridesmaids wear the same shoes?
Bridesmaids’ shoes can match, but this isn’t a requirement. Your ladies will appreciate the option to choose shoes that are comfortable for dancing and within their budget. Give general guidelines for color, material, and heel height for complementing footwear that’s not identical.
What accessories should bridesmaids wear?
If your bridesmaids are selecting their accessories, pick a theme: Choose a metal, request specific gems, limit accessories to a pair of earrings or hair accessory, or limit the sparkle.
What do you do with bridesmaid dresses after the wedding?
Choosing a dress they’ll wear again makes this easy; they’ll wear it again for formal events or nights on the town.
If it’s not their style, they can sell or donate their bridesmaid dresses. Crafty bridesmaids have upcycled their gowns to create a new dress from the material—for themselves or even as a gift for the bride.
Popular bridesmaid dress styles:
Bridesmaid dress popular silhouettes: Empire, A-line, Wrap, Princess, Column, Long and maxi, Short and tea length, High-low hem, Bridesmaid pantsuit or jumpsuit.
Popular Bridesmaid dress neckline styles: Halter top, Illusion, Jewel, High-neck, Bateau, Keyhole, Plunging, Straight, Sweetheart, V-neck.
Popular Bridesmaid dress sleeve and strap styles: One shoulder; Off-the-shoulder; Sleeveless; Spaghetti straps; Strapless; Cap sleeves; Butterfly or flutter sleeves; Three-quarter sleeves; Long sleeves; Bell sleeves.
