Occasion dresses
Bridesmaid dresses: styles, colors, fit and when to order
How to choose bridesmaid dresses from the couple's brief: the dress code, styles that work, colors and fabrics by season, sizing and when to order.
Bridesmaid dresses follow two things: the wedding’s dress code and the couple’s brief. The decision that matters most is the color and length the couple sets, because everything else, from fabric to shoes, has to work with it. Get that confirmed in writing before anyone buys, then choose a style that suits you within it.
The dress code behind bridesmaid dresses
A wedding usually reads as semi-formal unless the invitation says otherwise. That means a cocktail dress, an elegant midi or dressy separates, in fabrics like crepe, chiffon, silk or lace. The semi-formal attire guide covers the hem lengths and shapes in detail.
Other codes change the brief:
- Cocktail attire: knee to a little below, with satin, sequins and bolder color allowed. Winter weddings often lean this way because they are usually indoors and in the evening.
- Formal attire or black tie optional: floor-length gowns, ankle-length dresses or an elegant midi in satin, crepe or velvet.
- Dressy casual: a polished dress in jersey, linen or crepe.
Bridal party members who wear suits follow the same code: a suit and tie for most weddings, a tuxedo at black tie. For how the time of day and venue shift the level, see what to wear to a wedding.
Bridesmaid dress styles
Once the couple sets the length and color, these bridesmaid dress styles cover most briefs:
- A-line: fitted through the bodice, then flaring gently to the hem. It defines the waist, skims the hips and works at almost any length or formality, which makes it an easy shared shape for a whole party. A very full skirt can feel crowded in a small venue.
- Empire: a raised waist just below the bust with a loose skirt. It draws the eye to the neckline and creates a long line, and it stays comfortable through a long, warm day. Choose it in soft chiffon or georgette for beach, garden and summer weddings.
- Wrap: one panel crosses the other and ties at the waist, forming a V-neck. The tie lets you adjust the fit, which helps if your measurements land between sizes. Pick a faux wrap for a windy outdoor ceremony so the skirt stays closed.
- Slip: a bias-cut dress with thin straps that skims the body. It suits cocktail and evening weddings in satin or silk, but it shows every crease, so steam it on the day and carry a wrap for a cool venue.
- Midi: ends between the knee and mid-calf and moves well when you walk. An ankle strap or pointed toe keeps the leg line long. Skip it if the wedding is strict black tie.
- Tea length: ends between mid-calf and just above the ankle. It stays clear of grass and sand, so it suits outdoor ceremonies.
Strapless and off-the-shoulder necklines show the shoulders, so add a wrap or choose cap sleeves if the ceremony expects them covered.
Working from the couple’s brief
The couple sets the color, the length and the shoes. Your job is to confirm the exact color name before you buy, because “sage” or “dusty blue” can mean very different shades from one maker to the next.
The next choice is matching or mismatched. Matching dresses give a uniform look; mismatched bridesmaid dresses let each person choose a style, a shade within one color family, or both. The journal piece on mismatched bridesmaid dresses covers how to keep a varied party looking planned.
If the dresses should match exactly, order them together. Ordering with the rest of the party keeps the dye lot matched, and separate orders can arrive in slightly different shades.
Common bridal party colors include blush, dusty blue, sage, navy, burgundy, emerald, lavender, terracotta, champagne, black, gold, coral, yellow, teal and red. The color the couple names also shapes what guests wear, since guests avoid the bridal party color so they do not look like part of the party in photos. Sharing the color early helps everyone.
Colors and fabrics for bridesmaid dresses
Bridesmaid dress colors usually follow the season and the time of day. These palettes and fabrics are a starting point for the couple’s choice:
| Season | Daytime shades | Evening shades | Fabrics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Lilac, sage, sky blue, blush pink | Dusty rose, sapphire, lavender, navy | Chiffon, organza, fine lace |
| Summer | Coral, turquoise, sunny yellow, cornflower blue | Cobalt, magenta, emerald, teal | Chiffon, silk, fine lace |
| Fall | Rust, mustard, olive, mauve | Burgundy, forest green, plum, deep teal | Satin, corded lace, velvet |
| Winter | Cranberry, slate blue, emerald, plum | Emerald, sapphire, burgundy, gold | Velvet, satin |
Chiffon floats and breathes, which is why it suits warm weather, but it snags on rough surfaces and wrinkles more than heavier fabrics. Satin gives a glossy finish and shows creases, so steam it from the back on the day. Velvet adds rich color and warmth for fall and winter, and is too warm for summer heat.
Keep pale pastels and champagne from reading as white in photos. By day, keep metallics and sparkle to shoes, a bag or jewelry.
Fit, sizing and timing for bridesmaid dresses
Measure before you look at any size label. Measure your bust at the fullest part, your natural waist at the narrowest point, your hips at the fullest part with feet together, and hollow to hem in the shoes you will wear. If your measurements fall in different sizes, order the largest; a tailor can take the rest in.
Size conversions are a rule of thumb, not a standard. Bridal and evening designers use their own charts, so the brand’s chart and your measurements decide.
Lead times are rules of thumb too. Ask the maker or rental service for their own times:
- Made to order: agree on style and color from about 35 weeks out, and order by about 22 weeks out. About six months is the usual target, since production and delivery can take up to three months. Book alterations by 12 weeks out, for a fitting four to six weeks before the wedding.
- Off the rack: buy between about 16 and 10 weeks out, after confirming the exact color.
- Rental: reserve the dress and a backup size between about 12 and 6 weeks out. Most rentals cannot be altered.
The Outfit Timeline Planner works these dates back from the wedding day.
FAQ
Can I wear a different length from the rest of the party?
Only if the couple agrees. Length is part of the brief, so ask before ordering rather than after. If the couple allows mixed lengths, keep the color and fabric consistent.
What should I bring to my alterations fitting?
Bring the exact shoes you will wear on the day, since the hem is set to them. Buy the shoes the couple has asked for before the fitting so the length comes out right.
How do I protect a rental from arriving wrong?
Ask for delivery a few days early and try it on at once, which leaves time to switch to your backup size. Check that the color matches the other rentals, and ask whether hemming tape or strap adjustments are allowed.
What goes in my bag on the day?
Pack the steamed dress in a garment bag with the shoes and a small sewing kit. A wrap is worth adding for a slip dress, bare shoulders or a cool evening.