Choosing your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your day—but once you've found "the one," it's time to turn your attention to your bridesmaids. Finding dresses that suit your wedding style, complement different body shapes and fit within your budget can feel like a challenge, but with a little planning it doesn't have to be stressful.
Here are our top tips for choosing bridesmaid dresses that will leave everyone looking and feeling fabulous.
Images: DRene Plunkett Photography
Wedding dress first
Before you begin shopping for your bridal party, choose your own wedding dress. Your bridesmaids' outfits should complement your look rather than compete with it. Take inspiration from your gown's style, fabric or details such as lace, bows or embellishments to help guide your colour palette and overall aesthetic.
Bring the budget
One of the first decisions you'll need to make is how much you can realistically spend. Work out your total budget, divide it between the number of bridesmaids, and remember to allow for alterations, accessories and shoes if you're providing them.
If you're paying for the dresses, you'll naturally have more input into the final choice. If your bridesmaids are contributing or buying their own dresses, it's good etiquette to give them flexibility while setting clear guidelines on colour or style.
Season matters
The time of year should play a big role in your decision. Lightweight fabrics are ideal for summer celebrations, while winter weddings call for heavier materials and perhaps cosy extras such as shawls or faux fur wraps.
Your venue and wedding theme also matter. Soft, flowing dresses work beautifully for country gardens or beach weddings, while elegant satin or darker colours suit formal hotel and black-tie celebrations. Don't be afraid to embrace mismatched bridesmaid dresses either—they're a stylish way to suit different personalities while creating a modern bridal party look.
Delve into our real weddings
Browsing our real weddings can help you visualise different colour combinations, dress styles and bridal party trends. You may even discover designers or high street brands you hadn't considered before.
Don’t rush
Bridesmaid shopping often takes longer than expected. Between organising shopping trips, ordering different sizes, waiting for deliveries and arranging alterations, the process can take several months. Starting early also means you'll have more choice, especially if your bridesmaids need different sizes or you're ordering from specialist bridal boutiques.
Always include your maids
Shopping for dresses should be a memorable part of your wedding journey. Whether you're visiting bridal boutiques together or ordering a selection to try at home, involving your bridesmaids makes the experience more enjoyable and helps everyone feel included. Most importantly, listen to their opinions. Your bridesmaids know what makes them feel confident, and choosing dresses they'll genuinely enjoy wearing will show in your wedding photos.
Go for comfort
No two bridesmaids have the same body shape or personal style, so try to choose dresses that make everyone feel comfortable. Consider offering different necklines or dress styles in the same colour, or let each bridesmaid choose a design that suits them best. This approach creates a cohesive look while allowing everyone to feel their best throughout the day—from the ceremony right through to the dance floor.
Narrow down the options together
Rather than presenting just one dress, create a shortlist of a few styles you love and ask your bridesmaids for their thoughts. Involving them in the final decision helps avoid surprises and makes them feel like a valued part of your wedding planning. Once you've chosen the dresses, arrange a group fitting so everyone can see how the bridal party looks together. This is also the perfect opportunity to check lengths, fit and organise any alterations well before the day.
Finish the look
The finishing touches bring your bridal party together. Decide whether you'll provide matching shoes, jewellery and accessories or allow your bridesmaids to choose their own. You'll also want to let everyone know your plans for hair and makeup in advance, whether you're booking professionals or asking your bridal party to arrange their own styling.
Enjoy it
Choosing bridesmaid dresses doesn't have to be overwhelming. By setting a clear budget, shopping early, considering your bridesmaids' comfort and involving them in the process, you'll create a bridal party that not only looks beautiful but feels confident too.
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