The Complete Etiquette of Picking Bridesmaid Dresses

Thankfully, today’s bridesmaid dresses are often on-trend, gorgeous gowns they’ll actually enjoy wearing. 

Learn when to shop, where to find trending styles, and how to streamline the process. And as you get started, remember that shopping for bridesmaid dresses should create fun and happy memories for all.

Order: Mermaid Bridesmaid Dresses with Spaghetti Straps

If possible, order at least six to eight months before the wedding date to allow for delivery, fittings, and alterations. 

For all of these steps can take longer than you expect. 

According to a survey, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress is $150. And designer labels are more expensive than off-the-rack dresses.

You can save mony on bridesmaid dresses by 'Sample sales'.

 ‘Sample sales’ offer opportunities to save money on discontinued styles or when stock rotates. 

But sometimes 'Sample sales' are discontinued styles or when stock rotates, only one sample dress is available.

So consider mismatching bridesmaid dresses options.

Or consider letting your bridesmaids wear something they already own—they can accent their favorite LBD or party dress with matching wraps, shoes, or accessories for a coordinated bridal party.

Traditionally, each bridesmaid pays for their dress and accessories. However, the bride may choose to pay all or part of the cost. 

Where to look for bridesmaid dress inspiration and ideas?

Wedding magazines and blogs are favorite options, and social media also place for creative ideas and inspiration. 

Pinterest, one-stop planning resource. It is easy to share, so you can create a shared board and let your bridesmaids pin ideas they love, too. 

Ask the venue for photos of recent weddings so you can see some hyper-local trends. It’ll also give you an idea of what works or doesn’t work.

Besides these ways, these are resources to explore:

Wedding expos,Instagram & social media, Wedding photographer websites, wedding blogs, etc.

When shopping for bridesmaid dresses, you can search online, at major bridal retailers, or in local boutiques, large department stores.

Think of your own everyday style and where you love to shop.

Happyprom often has bridesmaid dresses under 100, perfect for tight budgets. And don’t leave a pregnant bridesmaid out, explore Happyprom's free custom made service for maternity dresses so mothers-to-be feel just as glam as the rest of the party.

Before you make your decision, have your bridesmaids try on a variety of options to see what they like, what looks great, and get an idea for styles. Your final choice may surprise you.

Yes. Renting bridesmaid dresses is a great way to save money.

Make sure you get the dress delivered a few days before the event, and a backup sizes help you get the perfect fit.

You can’t alter rented dresses, so get professional measurements at the tailor’s before ordering your rental.

How to pick bridesmaid dresses?

Keep the wedding venue, wedding theme and color palette, and the season in mind from the start of your search.

For example, strapless gowns are better suited to summer weddings than winter affairs; consider adding faux fur shrugs or satin shawls for winter wedding.

Short dresses usually don’t suit black-tie events, while floor-length dresses may be out of place for a rustic barn wedding.

Consider bridesmaids' preferences, some women love slinky dresses, others may prefer more modest options.

ow your bridesmaids to choose cap sleeves or an illusion neckline instead of a sleeveless dress, or add coverage with shawls, wraps, or modesty panels.

Don't require them to wear something that makes them uncomfortable.

Should the Maid of Honor wear a different dress?

Your Maid of Honor can wear the same style dress as your bridesmaids, but you may choose to let her stand out with a dress in a different color, cut, or length.

Does a junior bridesmaid wear the same style dress?

Keep it age-appropriate: cap sleeves, A-line styles, or princess dresses are all great choices.  

Consider a dress in a similar style to the older women in the bridal party.

What do male bridesmaids wear?

He can wear a tux or suit to match the groomsmen but signal that he’s with the ladies using a bowtie or vest to match their color scheme or match his boutonniere to the bouquets. 

Creative ideas for how to pick bridesmaid dresses to let your bridesmaids’ personalities shine. Here are some tips:

Coordinated doesn’t have to mean matching. 

Let them choose their dresses by setting some ground rules on color, silhouette, or length, and let them select a style that puts their best self on display. 

Or, offer up a variety of styles you like and let them choose the dress they prefer. Retain veto-power in case their choices don’t match your vision. 

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses look fantastic no matter the wedding style. You can create an ombré effect by having each bridesmaid dress in a different shade of the same color, from dark to light.

Little Black Dresses are always in style.  LBD could be one they wear again. 

Keep the palette to a sophisticated black and white, or add pops of color and shimmer with accessories and vibrant bouquets. 

Reversible 2-in-1 dresses are a new trend.

an easy way to swap the color and cut for wear-again convenience.

Convertible dresses—also called multiway or Style-Your-Way dresses—are versatile options popping up in formalwear shops.

What do you do with bridesmaid dresses after the wedding?

They can sell or donate their bridesmaid dresses.

If the dress is the one can be reused, wear it again for formal events or nights on the town. 

Crafty bridesmaids have upcycled their gowns to create a new dress from the material—for themselves or even as a gift for the bride. 

Report this Page