Aug 06, 2021

Choosing the Right Bridesmaid Dress Style

When it comes to weddings, bridesmaids fill the event with warmth and life. Bridesmaids are the people that help you get ready on your big day, that are awake and available to run those last-minute wedding errands and who proudly stand by your side as you say “I do”. They’re the ones you cherish most in the world

Bridesmaids also play an important aesthetic role on your big day. Wedding photos last a lifetime, and some of the best photos taken on your special day will involve you, your partner and your wedding party. With this in mind, selecting the right bridesmaid dress style is key. The bridesmaid dress styles that you choose will help set the visual tone for your entire wedding so this is a choice you want to spend some time on.

Like most things relating to your wedding, deciding on a bridesmaid dress style can be overwhelming. We’re here to help guide you through this decision.

Bridesmaid Dress Styles

Bridesmaid dresses come in many different styles, so let’s start with a brief overview of some of the more popular cuts:

Maxi: Maxi dresses are long, flowy and classic. Due to their timeless look and versatility, maxi dresses are a popular choice for bridesmaid dresses.
Wrap: Wrap dresses feature a front closure that’s formed by wrapping one side of the dress across the other. Wrap dresses tend to be curve-hugging and usually have v-shaped necklines.
Asymmetrical: Asymmetrical dresses feature a slanted neck or hemline. The most common type of asymmetrical bridesmaid dress is the one-shoulder look that accentuates the chest and shoulders.
A-Line: These dresses resemble the shape of the letter “A” — fitted at the top and flared at the bottom. The A-line dress is a classic bridesmaid look and works with many body types.

Understanding bridesmaid dress styles is the first step, now comes the hard—but fun—part: picking the bridesmaid dress style, or styles, for your wedding. As you start to think about this decision, there are some key questions you want to answer first:

Should I Match Bridesmaid Dresses or Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses?

This question is the first thing you will need to decide on when it comes to your bridesmaids’ attire. Traditionally, brides opt for a matching aesthetic for their wedding party. While this tradition is still common practice, modern brides have been experimenting with mix and match styles. There are pros to both approaches:

Pros for Matching Bridesmaid Dresses:

Having all of your bridesmaids standing alongside the altar in the same dress is a classic image that has been featured in wedding photos for centuries. This look offers a cohesive aesthetic that can really tie your wedding colors and theme together.
This option also takes pressure off of your bridesmaids since they will be given the exact dress and color to order and don’t have to make any decisions around their outfit for the big day.

Pros for Mix and Match Bridesmaid Dresses:

With a mix and match approach, your bridesmaids gain the ability to select dresses that best match their figure, style and personality. This approach ensures that your bridesmaids show up to your big day in a dress that they feel amazing in. As an added bonus, this option takes any pressure off of you to try and select a cut and style that fits everyone.
Most brides that opt for a mix and match bridesmaid aesthetic do still select a color and tone that wedding party members agree to adhere to.

What Style Bridesmaid Dress Looks Good on Everyone?

It’s hard to find a cut that works for everyone. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and not all dresses work for all women. With this in mind, there are some styles that lend themselves to a universal fit and some that are more challenging.

Most brides gravitate towards A-line and maxi dresses for their bridesmaids. These styles tend to work well for most body types and photograph well.

Your bridesmaids will come in all shapes and sizes. When selecting your bridesmaid dress styles, try to avoid dresses that are too form-fitting—like the wrap dress. While tighter dresses work well for straight and hourglass body types, they can be challenging for women with athletic and pear-shaped builds.

Tips for Choosing the Best Bridesmaid Dress Style

#1 Consult your friends.

You chose your bridesmaids because they are the people closest to you, the ones who tell you the truth and who help you through life’s biggest moments. Most bridesmaids know what styles work for them, so it’s best to at least consult with your wedding party to see if there is a style or preference that is desired across the board.

#2 Keep the season, climate and wedding venue in mind.

When it comes to weddings, aesthetics are everything. You want to make sure the style and color of your bridesmaid dresses match the vibe of your venue and the time of year in which your ceremony is taking place. For example, strapless and flowing dresses are better suited for summertime while dresses with higher necklines and long sleeves are more appropriate for the fall and winter.

#3 Talk to your Fiancé(e)

Usually, wedding party aesthetics are coordinated across both sides of the aisle. If your partner has a strong preference to either mix and match or to go with a matching look, then you should work together to ensure that your bridesmaids and their wedding party are aesthetically aligned. Additionally, some partners’ have preferences when it comes to style (conservative vs. modern), color, etc. so it’s always good to make sure that you’re including your other half in your wedding decisions.

Fame and Partners: Your Bridesmaid Go-To

Whether you opt for mixed styles or matching looks, Fame and Partners is your source for all things wedding. From the dress you wear to walk down the aisle to the dresses that adorn your nearest and dearest bridesmaids, our customizable wedding dresses give you, your bridesmaids and your guests the freedom to show up in a dress that reflects individual tastes, styles and preferences. We design the dresses and you choose the finishing touches. From neckline to sleeve type, the choice is yours.