7 Stunning Bridesmaids Dress Trends for 2017

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids dresses have become very creative over the past few years, and from crop tops to mix-and-match to vintage, pretty much anything goes! Your bridesmaids dresses will very much set the tone of your day, so it’s important to really consider if you want a laid-back, bohemian summer’s day feel, or a classic, formal, occasional-feel to your day and allow your bridesmaids dresses to establish your theme.

With so much variety available, bridesmaids dresses will come in every shape and form in 2017, but there are some trends we can see emerging and dominating next year. Here’s seven of our faves…

1. Beautiful Beading

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Photo by Erich McVey Photography via Style Me Pretty

Beautiful beaded gowns were the bridesmaid dresses of 2016, and will continue to be hugely popular with Irish brides and bridesmaids next year. Designer Adrianna Papell has become the go-to for beautiful embellished dresses lately and can be found in several department stores all over the country. This style is for a more formal feeling wedding, and looks great as a mix and match in neutral shades. The maxi style is perfect for an autumn or winter wedding.

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Linnea Navy Beaded Dress, Monsoon | No. 1 Jenny Packham Beaded Maxi Dress, Debenhams | Starr Maxi Dress, Monsoon

2. Mismatched Magic

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Photo by Cassidy Carson

Another massive trend in bridesmaids in 2016 that will continue well into 2017 is the mismatched look. This is a fab style for almost any type of wedding – formal maids can go for maxis in chiffon, lace and sequins, and more boho style maids can throw caution to the wind and wear whatever takes their fancy! There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to mix and match, so just build your inspiration, chat to your girls and work out what works best for you!

10 Ways to Nail the Mix and Match Bridesmaid Look

3. Stunning Separates

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Photo by Antelope Studios via Singapore Brides

Separates for bridesmaids have been an alternative trend for a while now, with many summer brides opting for crop tops and lace skirts, or gorgeous sequin skirts and simple tees. The separates look however isn’t the easiest to pull off, and if it’s too fussy or the bridal party is quite large, it can look a bit scatty. Try to stick to neutrals if you go for this look, ivory on ivory, blush on blush, navy on navy, and add some embellishment to either the skirt or top.

Looking for inspiration for bridesmaids separates? Find it here

4. Full On Sparkle

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Photo by Donny Zavala Photography via Burnett’s Boards

Ah shimmering sequins, if ever there was a time to don one of these eye-catching gowns it’s surely a wedding – right?! We’re loving the look of maids in full sequin maxis for a winter wedding, or the maid of honour standing out from the others with a bit of extra bling in her gúna. There are plenty of designers with full-on sparkles in their collections for 2017, so getting your hands on a few shouldn’t be too tough a challenge. For full gold or silver sequin gowns that look a million dollars check out Amsale Bridesmaids or designer Sorella Vita who has a range of full sequin gowns and is stocked in Pearls and Lace in Donegal.

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Sequin wave dress, ASOS | Dessy Collection Style 2966 | No. 1 Jenny Packham Gold Sequin Dress, Debenhams

5. Sexy One-Shoulder

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Photo by Hunter Photographic via Elizabeth Anne Designs

One shoulder dresses are a gorgeous way to wear something a little bit different, but completely classic and timeless. Most bridesmaids collections for 2016 have featured at least one one-shoulder gown in their range and used it as a chance to add some gorgeous embellishments. The trick with one shoulder gowns is to get your undergarments right of course. A good strapless bra can do wonders, but if one of the girls has a bigger bust this might not be comfortable, so bear that in mind before you pay your deposits!

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Dresses by Bari Jay Style BC-1607 | Style 1672 | Style BC-1564

6. Cute Capped Sleeves

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Photo from Lisa & John’s real wedding by Kathy Silke Photography

Capped sleeves are a trend everyone can get on board with, and we’re loving seeing the style popping up in bridesmaid collections for 2017. Cute capped sleeves are a great way to feel a little less exposed but without the fussiness of long sleeves or shawls getting in the way. We guarantee your bridesmaids will love you for this one!

7. Vintage Glam 

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Photo from Tara & Gearoid’s real wedding by DKPHOTO

Anytime we see a gorgeous vintage style bridesmaid squad, we fall head over heels. These embellished gowns are great for a bit of glamour, but a little more subdued than full sequins or beading. Virgos Lounge kickstarted this trend for us, and we’ve seen it pop up in a number of gorgeous real weddings over the last few months – and can’t wait to see even more next year! One thing’s for sure about these gowns is your maids will definitely find an occasion to wear them again at – which they’ll be more than happy about once the day’s over!

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 Embellished Merlot Maxi Dress, V by Very at Littlewoods.ie | Virgos Lounge Bardot Dress, ASOS | Dress by Virgos Lounge

Main photo by The Evoke Company via Nouba