Beautiful Bridesmaid Dresses
Choosing bridesmaid dresses can be a fun, but there are also plenty of factors to consider. The type of ceremony, location of the wedding, season, and wedding colors all come into play. Browsing a variety of styles, including traditional looks as well as recent bridesmaid dress trends, can help brides make a decision on the perfect dresses.
A strapless mermaid-style gown such as the one pictured is ideal for an evening or formal wedding.
Feminine Dresses With Illusion Panels
A long dress with a sweetheart neckline, illusion panels above the bust, and delicate accents on the bodice creates a pretty and feminine style. The sweetheart neckline paired with a slight a-line skirt is flattering to most body types, and going with a pretty shade of pale pink is perfect for spring weddings.
Modern Sophistication
Turquoise is an ideal bridesmaid dress color for a beach wedding and looks stunning against the backdrop of sandy beach and crystal waters. While informal looks are common for beach weddings, brides who want a bit more of a sophisticated look may consider a contemporary bridal party styles, like this modern dress that combines the elegance of a full-length dress with its lace overlay and the playfulness of a short dress underneath.
Because of the modest neckline, sleek design, and touches like the jeweled belt accent, a beach bridesmaid dress like this is both sophisticated and yet fun for an outdoor ceremony.
Flattering Halter Dress Style
It can sometimes be difficult for brides to find a dress that works for everyone in the bridal party, but an option with careful details that play up curves and minimize problem areas can work well. Consider details like ruching at the waist, a slimming halter or v-neck top, softly flowing skirts, and accents like ruffles that help create balance and proportion. A deep blue color like the one shown is also a great color for almost any season.
Short Strapless Bridesmaid Dress
A shorter dress like this light green one is perfect for a spring, summer, garden, or outdoor wedding. A classic strapless top paired with a skirt that falls just below the knees is tasteful yet less formal than full-length evening gown styles. For simple dresses like this style, consider a fabric with a slight sheen to lend interest to the look.
Long and Pleated Dress Design
A long-dress with pleats creates a contemporary look that still works for traditional weddings and can work well to flatter and hide imperfections. Rich orange hues look lovely for fall weddings, and modern touches like the metallic accents at the waist and neck create an original style.
Classic Full-Length Bridesmaid Dress
You can't go wrong with a classic dress style like a full-length, solid color formal bridesmaid dress. This simple style is elegant with its thin straps, scoop neckline, and slightly flared skirt. This is perfect for a traditional wedding, and looks sleek and stunning in its simplicity. A dark violet shade is an excellent choice for autumn or winter weddings.
Boho-Inspired Dresses
For brides who are considering a fairy, woods/forest, rustic or other more relaxed wedding style, boho-inspired dresses can be ideal. The knee-length skirt, full sleeves, and sweet details like ruffles at the edge of the sleeves on a boho-chic dress such as is perfectly fitting for a casual wedding style, and bridesmaids will appreciate the comfort factor of a more informal dress.
Bold Color Contemporary Dresses
Contemporary and pretty, a mid-length dress with spaghetti straps, a simple bodice, and a skirt with a flared and ruffled hem is a good option for brides who want to forego an ultra-formal looks but still want something classy. A medium red color is flattering for most skin tones, and a modern contrasting element like the black belt adds depth and creates the look of a smaller waist. There are lots of pretty flower options with red dresses, too.
Elegant One-Shoulder Gown
A one-shoulder gown is an extremely elegant option, and you can ones that incorporate trending details, too, such as the large ruffles at the shoulders. Unless your wedding is very formal, tea-length bridesmaid gowns are an option. Keep accessories for a one-shoulder dress minimal, like a pair of coordinating earrings, since the dress makes a statement.
Off-the-Shoulder Princess Look
Off-the-shoulder styles are also very sleek, and pairing one that incorporates an embroidered bodice with a full skirt such as this one is the epitome of grace and style. The blush tone of this dress can be considered a neutral color, so it can be worn in any season with ease. Princess styles also have a hint of vintage appeal so they are perfect for traditional weddings.
Modern Sundresses for Bridesmaids
While in the past black dresses have been associated with more formal weddings, today's brides can take a different route. Why not a simple, spaghetti strap sundress in black for an outdoor wedding? Black is universally flattering and can looks stunning against the scenery of an outdoor wedding and brightly colored bouquets. Be cautious in choosing a very high empire waist like this one, however - it won't offer much in the way of bust support so may not work with all figure types.
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Feminine Hi-Lo Style
A hi-lo hem style is another popular option on contemporary bridesmaid dresses, and details like a tulle skirt, bow detail at the waist, and scalloped edges add flair and style without going over the top. A high neckline is a good choice with this type of dress because it helps balance the hem.
Dresses in Unexpected Colors
Brown doesn't have to be boring, and these short, sweet dresses prove it with their rich color, sheer skirt overlay, and classic strapless top. When choosing colors for your wedding don't be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to color. While darker colors are traditionally associated with autumn and winter weddings, a color like this looks stunning for a beach wedding.
Pretty Yet Practical
Full-length dresses can sometimes be difficult to walk or dance in, but a style with a simple side slit can be just as elegant and easier to move in. The sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps paired with the long length make a dress style like this refined yet fashionable. The color is a pretty option for spring or summer weddings.
Simple Yet Stunning
A fitted bridesmaid dress is also a beautiful option, and a more simplistic style works especially well when the bride's dress is also on the simple side. Small details like double straps can add interest without outshining the bride's attire. Colors like dusky blue are also very versatile because they can be used just as easily for a fall wedding as a spring ceremony.
Informal Print Dresses
Yet another idea is to consider informal bridesmaid dress options, like floral prints. The short style and print make a dress like this more suited to a casual wedding, and works beautifully for spring. Consider limiting the flowers in the bridesmaids' bouquets to one or two color families if you opt for dresses with patterns.
Choosing the right bridesmaid dress for your wedding has a lot of considerations, from the venue to the type of wedding itself. Fortunately, the variety of styles mean the perfect choice is out there!