Choose the perfect bridesmaid dress
How to Choose the perfect Bridesmaid Dress to Complement Your Day
When it comes to dressing your bridal party, it’s not just about picking a color and calling it a day. From seasonality to personal style, there are so many thoughtful details that can elevate the overall look and feel of your wedding. Here’s how to make sure your bridesmaid dresses blend seamlessly into your vision—while making your friends feel amazing.
1. Let Your Venue and Color Story Guide You
Start by taking cues from your wedding venue and overall aesthetic. As a wedding photographer in the city of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I have photographed bridal parties in every single venue of our city, and let me tell you, the background matters. Are you hosting a formal evening affair in a grand ballroom or exchanging vows in a sunny garden? The setting and atmosphere can help narrow down the most flattering color palette.
Beyond that, consider your bridesmaids’ unique features—like skin tone, hair color, and eye color—when choosing the dress shade. The goal is to find a tone that highlights their natural beauty. For instance, soft neutrals might suit warmer complexions, while cool-toned dresses can flatter fair skin beautifully. A cohesive palette will enhance your wedding’s overall harmony, from the ceremony to the last dance.
2. Dress With the Seasons in Mind
Let the time of year inspire both the style and color of the dresses. Not only will your photos pop with seasonal flair, but your bridesmaids will also feel more comfortable and confident throughout the day. In a city like Sioux Falls and with weather like the one we often have to deal with in South Dakota, the tones and fabrics that we choose for our bridal party can make a difference in your wedding photos.
Here’s a seasonal cheat sheet to guide your choices:
- Winter: Luxe fabrics like velvet and satin work beautifully in colder months. Rich hues such as emerald, navy, or black add sophistication and warmth. Long sleeves or elegant wraps are practical and stylish additions.
- Spring: Embrace the freshness of the season with soft pastels—think lavender, blush, or pale blue. Airy fabrics like chiffon or tulle pair perfectly with spring’s gentle, romantic vibe.
- Summer: Lean into the vibrancy of summer with playful brights such as coral, turquoise, or sunny yellow. Lightweight materials like organza and georgette will help keep everyone cool.
- Fall: Deep, earthy tones like rust, burgundy, plum, or gold reflect the richness of the season. Heavier fabrics like crepe or jersey provide just the right amount of coziness.
Whatever the season, align fabric and color choices with the setting and expected weather to ensure your bridal party looks and feels their best.
3. Mix Things Up (The Right Way)
Uniformity isn’t the only path to elegance. Allowing some variation in your bridesmaids’ looks can actually create a more dynamic and stylish visual effect.
Pick a color or cohesive palette and then let your bridesmaids choose silhouettes that suit their body type and personal taste. Whether that means different necklines, lengths, or sleeve options, you’ll achieve a personalized yet unified look. This approach ensures everyone feels confident—because when they feel great, it shows in every photo.
4. Let Your Gown Set the Tone
Your bridal gown sets the style direction for the rest of the wedding party. When choosing bridesmaid dresses, think of them as supporting characters that help highlight your look, not compete with it.
If your dress features ornate lace or beading, simpler bridesmaid styles can balance things out. Alternatively, if your gown is sleek and modern, bridesmaids can wear something a bit more detailed to add interest. Keeping fabrics complementary but necklines distinct helps create visual contrast while still feeling cohesive.
5. Prioritize Comfort and Confidence
Your bridesmaids are standing by your side on one of the most meaningful days of your life—so their comfort matters. While it’s natural to have a vision in mind, be open to feedback. Listen to their preferences, especially regarding fit, support, and fabric feel.
A dress that flatters and feels good is one they’ll be excited to wear. A little flexibility can go a long way in creating a happy and confident bridal party, which will ultimately reflect beautifully in your photos and memories.
6. Explore Beyond the Bridal Boutique
You don’t have to stick to traditional bridal shops to find the perfect dresses. Many modern brides are finding gorgeous, budget-friendly options from mainstream retailers and fashion brands.
Places like ASOS, Nordstrom, Baltic Born, and even Amazon carry elegant, on-trend pieces that photograph beautifully—and often come at a fraction of the cost. Just be sure to pay attention to fabric quality, sizing options, and return policies when shopping online.
You might be surprised at how many stylish, wearable, and affordable dresses are out there—sometimes in places you wouldn’t expect.
Choosing bridesmaid dresses doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little thoughtfulness and flexibility, you can find a look that complements your wedding style, flatters your bridal party, and brings your vision to life. After all, the best-dressed bridesmaids are the ones who feel confident, comfortable, and completely themselves.
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