How to Choose Bridesmaid Dresses Everyone Will Love
The secret to happy bridesmaids? Let them have a say. Here's how to find dresses that look cohesive without making anyone miserable.
The Mismatched Trend Is Your Best Friend
Gone are the days when every bridesmaid wore the exact same dress. The mismatched approach — same color family, different styles — lets each person choose a neckline and silhouette that flatters their body type. It looks intentional and modern in photos, and your bridesmaids will actually want to wear the dress again.
Set a Color, Not a Dress
Choose a color or a palette (like "dusty rose" or "sage green") and let each bridesmaid pick their own dress within that range. Give them 2-3 approved retailers to keep the fabric quality consistent. Azazie, Birdy Grey, and BHLDN all offer this approach with color swatches.
Consider the Price
Your bridesmaids are already spending money on travel, parties, and gifts. The dress shouldn't break the bank. $100-150 is a reasonable range. Anything over $200, you should be prepared for pushback — or offer to help cover the cost.
Think About the Venue
A floor-length chiffon gown makes sense for a ballroom wedding. It's overkill for a backyard BBQ. Match the formality of the dress to the venue and dress code.
The Fitting Timeline
Order dresses 6-8 months before the wedding. Allow 4-6 weeks for shipping and 2-3 fittings for alterations. Last-minute orders are stressful and expensive.
Include Everyone
Your wedding party might include people of different sizes, heights, and gender identities. Choose retailers with inclusive sizing (2-30+) and consider whether your "bridesmaid" lineup might include someone who'd prefer a suit or jumpsuit.