How to pick your bridesmaids’ outfits
Photo by Anneli Marinovich.
Whether you’re having a huge bridal party or if it’s just going to be you and your very closest friends, choosing your bridesmaids’ dresses is always a big decision. Choosing the perfect bridesmaid attire can be a daunting task! We’re here to guide you through everything you need to know about bridesmaid attire, from colors and fabrics to matching or not, and how to achieve a cohesive look amongst your bridesmaids on the wedding day and events on the run-up to the wedding, such as the bachelorette and rehearsal dinner.
Colors
First up, let's talk about colors. The color scheme of your destination wedding is one of the most important decisions you'll make, and it's important to consider how your bridesmaids will fit into that scheme. While some of our brides opt for a classic black or navy dress, others go for a more colorful palette. Popular choices include blush pink, dusty blue, sage green, and burgundy.
When choosing a color, it's important to consider your bridesmaids’ style and which parts of themselves they might want to conceal. It's also important to consider the season in which you're getting married. Lighter, pastel colors are perfect for spring and summer weddings in France, while darker, richer hues work well for fall and winter elopements in Paris, for example.
Fabrics
Once you've settled on a color, it's time to think about fabrics. The fabric you choose will impact not only the look of the dress but also the comfort of your bridesmaids. Popular choices include chiffon, lace, and satin.
Chiffon is a lightweight, flowy fabric that's perfect for warm summer weddings in France or in Italy. It's also great for bridesmaids who want a dress that's easy to move in. Lace is a timeless option that adds a touch of elegance to any dress. It's great for fall and winter weddings and works well for bridesmaids who want a more classic look. Satin is a more formal fabric that's perfect for winter weddings. It has a luxurious feel to it, but can be a little less forgiving on the body (and can cause some issues with sweat marks).
Matching or Not
One of the biggest debates in the world of bridesmaid attire is whether or not to match. Some brides choose matching dresses to create a cohesive look, while others prefer a more eclectic mix of dresses.
If you do decide to go for matching dresses, it's important to consider the body types of your bridesmaids. A dress that looks great on one person might not be as flattering on another. It's also important to consider the style of the dress. A strapless dress might not be the best choice for a bridesmaid who likes a little extra support, for example.
If you opt for non-matching dresses, there are a few things to remember. First, it's important to choose dresses that complement each other. This can be achieved through color, fabric, or style. For example, you might choose dresses in different shades of the same color, or dresses in the same fabric but different styles.
Second, it's important to make sure the dresses work well together as a group. This can be achieved through accessories such as matching shoes, jewelry, or even hairstyles.
Achieving a Cohesive Look
Whether you opt for matching or non-matching dresses, it's important to achieve a cohesive look amongst your bridesmaids. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
1. Stick to a color palette: Whether you choose one color or several, sticking to a color palette will help create a cohesive look.
2. Mix and match: If you opt for non-matching dresses, mix and match the styles and fabrics to create a cohesive look. For example, you might choose dresses in the same color but with different necklines or fabrics.
3. Accessories: Adding accessories like matching shoes, jewelry, or even bouquets can help tie the bridesmaids’ looks together.
4. Hair and makeup: Consider coordinating your bridesmaids' hair and makeup styles to create a cohesive look. This can be achieved through professional hair and makeup artists or by providing your bridesmaids with a style guide.
Bachelorette and Rehearsal Dinner Attire
It's not just the wedding day itself that requires careful consideration of bridesmaid attire. Events leading up to the big day, such as the bachelorette and rehearsal dinner, also require thought.
For the bachelorette party, consider something fun and playful. Matching outfits or coordinating colors can be a fun way to show off your bridesmaid squad. If you're heading out for a night on the town, opt for something comfortable and easy to move in. You don't want to be stuck in uncomfortable shoes or in a restrictive dress all night!
For the rehearsal dinner, consider a dress that's a little more formal than what you'll wear for the bachelorette party but not as formal as the wedding day attire. A cocktail dress or jumpsuit is a great option. Make sure to coordinate with the bride to ensure your dress fits with the overall look and feel of the event.
Final Thoughts
Choosing bridesmaid attire can be a daunting task, but it's also an opportunity to have fun and be creative. When choosing colors and fabrics, consider the season and the skin tones of your bridesmaids. When deciding whether to match or not, think about the body types and style preferences of your bridesmaids. Also, think about whether or not your bridesmaids will genuinely want to wear the dress again after the event. Picking a dress that can only really be worn once is understandably less sustainable than letting them pick a dress they love that they can wear time and time again. Overall, don’t lose sight of the fun side of shopping for your bridesmaids’ dresses, and even if you can’t all be in the same place at the same time, try to find a way to turn it into a memorable experience for everyone.