Bridesmaid Dresses

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    Learn More About Bridesmaid Dresses

    As you choose bridesmaid dresses, you’ll have several factors to keep in mind: venue, weather, season, the theme of your event, and the styles that will make each ‘maid feel marvelous. Thankfully, you’ll find bridesmaids dresses in a beautiful array of colors, hemlines, necklines, materials, and styles, all from small shops on Etsy. Not sure exactly what you’re looking for just yet? Exploring some of these dress decisions can help bring your vision for your bridal party into focus:


    • Colors: When choosing between bridesmaids dress colors, draw inspiration from the rest of your wedding theme. For example, if you’re filling the reception hall with peonies, look for pale pink bridesmaid dresses. If you’re planning an earthy, natural vibe, terracotta bridesmaid dresses are an on-trend option. Still not sure? Take a look at these popular wedding color schemes for inspiration.
    • Comfort: Take your friends’ beautiful shapes, curves, abilities, and preferences into consideration. It can be difficult to please everyone, but most small shops offer a range of styles in each color or fabric choice, making it easy to mix and match styles while keeping a cohesive look. Many brides choose to dress everyone in the same hue and let each bridesmaid customize their dress style. Modest bridesmaid dresses keep your demure besties feeling good all day. Small shops with size-inclusive and plus-size bridesmaid dresses help make your dream styles available to everyone.
    • Formality: Are you doing classic church and ballroom, boho-chic afternoon brunch, or breezy backyard vibes? Beach bridesmaid dresses in fabrics like charmeuse or organza, are light, airy, and breathable, keeping the wearer cool under the warm sun and offering a casual feel. Formal silk, satin, or lace bridesmaid dresses are at-home in ornate or traditional indoor wedding spaces.
    • Season: Select bridesmaids’ dresses to match the season. Heavier fabrics like silk faille, velvet, or crepe work wonderfully as winter or fall bridesmaid dresses. Chiffon or jersey is better suited to warmer months. Along with the season, consider the venue and how much time you’ll spend indoors versus outdoors.

    Shops on Etsy feature a dazzling array of bridesmaid and junior bridesmaid dresses in a variety of silhouettes, expertly designed to complement your wedding theme. Below are some of the best bridesmaids’ dresses you’ll see:


    • Ethereal: If you’re going for a romantic, dreamy wedding vibe, look for flowy silhouettes and a pastel palette. Empire-waist and A-line silhouettes work effortlessly to create an airy look.
    • Bold hues: Embrace vibrant colors! This fashion-forward option adds character to your wedding party photography, letting each bridesmaid showcase their unique style and personality.
    • Classic black: Elegant and versatile black bridesmaid dresses create a timeless feel. As an added bonus, black bridesmaid gowns are the color most likely to be worn again by your bridal party.
    • Floral patterns: Ruffles, watercolor flower patterns, and lush greens make floral bridesmaid dresses fanciful and charming. Look for subtle shades, soft materials, and delicate details.
    • Glam silhouettes: Think thigh-high slits, sequined bodices, and old-Hollywoood vibes. The sultry embellishments on glamorous bridesmaid dresses are lavish and over-the-top, perfectly matching a vintage, Art Deco, or high-fashion style wedding.

    Your bridal party is full of unique people with their own preferences, styles, and interests. You want them to feel confident and comfortable from your ceremony to the last dance.


    Traditionally, the bride chooses the bridesmaid dress style and color they want their bridal party to wear. However, many modern brides find more joy in deciding on one or two unifying elements and letting their bridesmaids select from a broader selection of mismatched bridesmaid dresses. If you choose to provide some direction, consider a maximum price point that works for everyone in your party and clarify which elements of the dress are must-haves for your preferred bridal party look. Do you want the same long-sleeved bridesmaid dresses but in various colors? Or perhaps you’re interested in champagne bridesmaid dresses with the style left up to the wearer. Clear communication keeps dress shopping fun and exciting.


    It’s crucial to start shopping for bridesmaids' dresses well ahead of the wedding date. This allows your bridesmaids the time needed to alter their gowns to get that extra boost of confidence and comfort on the big day. Remember to factor in the cost of alterations when preparing your bridal party for their total dress price, and leave ample time for alterations to be complete. Lined or layered boho bridesmaid dresses can take longer to alter. Local seamstresses and tailors may require up to four weeks to complete alterations, so make sure to plan in advance.