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Bad bridesmaid dresses are something of a cultural cliché, with fluffy embellishments and too-sweet color palettes reinforcing the stereotype. So it’s no wonder brides are eager to steer away from the realm of bad pastel lore toward modern styles that don’t offend. Luckily, there’s a world of choice, and it’s absolutely possible to find bridesmaids’ dresses that complement both their personalities and your own wedding vision. After all, everyone should feel as good as they look (not to mention, the group photos will turn out far chicer).
Vogue’s Favorite Bridesmaid Dresses:
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Whether your bridal party is a close cohort of besties or a larger gaggle of your favorite people, finding the best bridesmaid dresses to punctuate this momentous occasion shouldn’t be a chore. As a bride, it’s always best practice to be mindful of varying budgets and body types, and if you have specific expectations, it’s up to you to communicate them. Begin with a color palette and decide whether you want to uniformly dress your bridesmaids in coordinating designs or have each wear an individual style. (The latter can be an especially nice choice to ensure they’ll wear their bridesmaid dress again for years to come, giving it new life as wedding guest outfit.)
Ahead, discover some of our favorite designs from brands like Khaite, Bernadette, Staud, Reformation, and more to kickstart your search for the best bridesmaid dresses—nary a fluffy chiffon tulle gown in sight.
Floral Bridesmaid Dresses
A romantic floral pattern is not just for spring or summer nuptials; the right palette can make all the difference. Go for ditsy florals in pastel hues for a subdued approach, or choose a bolder, livelier hand-drawn print. If you’re going for a mixed variety, keep an eye on diversifying the scale of each print in order to balance your bouquet of bridesmaids.
Champagne Bridesmaid Dresses
Both elegant and utterly timeless, a champagne-hued bridesmaid dress is worth toasting to. Plus, their season-less appeal makes them a lovely pick to wear year-round and practically glows next to the groomsmen in classic black tuxes.
Powder Blue Bridesmaid Dresses
Why not surround yourself with your something blue? The powdery pastel is a sweet yet sophisticated color choice for weddings year-round; it sits beautifully with terracotta and burnt orange tones in the fall, takes on a silvery sheen in winter, and of course pairs perfectly with a light palette for the spring/summer season.
Yellow Bridesmaid Dresses
Butter yellow is trending in fashion, but it’s also a timeless choice in the world of bridesmaid dresses. A step up from champagne or ivory, it’s a cheery burst of sunshine for celebratory occasions. Choose between uniform soft hues or a zestier saturation, or assign out a tonal palette of both for an array of yellows.
Navy Bridesmaid Dresses
Universally flattering, navy blue offers a sophisticated air to your bridal party. The deep hue lends itself well to an array of silhouettes, if you’d like to let your bridesmaids take their pick, and provides a perfect backdrop for every floral bouquet to pop.
Pale Pink Bridesmaid Dresses
Call it blush or bashful, pale pink is a quintessential bridal party palette that has been favored by brides for decades. Via demure column gowns with simple bow details or bias-cut satin slips that evoke old Hollywood glamour, pale pink bridesmaid dresses are a lovely complement to bridal white.
Black Bridesmaid Dresses
A classic for a reason, a bridal party in black makes for a dramatic and elegant statement. It’s also the perfect color assignment for brides who want to let their bridesmaids choose their own dresses—after all, it’s the most foolproof hue to match across brands.
Green Bridesmaid Dresses
From soft sage to olive and emerald, green is a dynamic choice that can fit into any wedding scenario, from quaint backyard affairs to church ceremonies and grand venues. If you’re after a uniform look, you may want to give your bridesmaids a clear color reference as greens can vary widely between cool and warm undertones.
Burgundy Bridesmaid Dresses
Ideal for fall and winter weddings (but also not off-limits for warmer months, with the right styling) burgundy-colored bridesmaid dresses are romantic and warm. Accessories and florals in pale pinks and ivories create a lovely soft contrast.
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Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses
For brides wanting to eschew the expected, dress your bridesmaids in a delicate shade of lilac. Softer than a true purple but more grounded than a pastel, lilac gives a feminine air to your bridal party and pairs well with both soft tones and rich accents.
When Should You Order Your Bridesmaid Dresses?
When it comes to putting together a picture-perfect bridal party, there’s no such thing as starting too early. Once your besties and kin are in, share your vision for their dresses as soon as you’ve settled on it. We recommend starting the process around 5-7 months before the wedding as you’re highly likely to encounter at least one hiccup, whether you’re having each look custom-made (which requires multiple fittings) or letting your party choose a favorite off-the-rack option (cue shipping times, sizing snafus, and tailoring needs).
If you do need to tailor a dress to perfection, alterations should begin 6-8 weeks in advance as tailors require time to do their best work—and no one wants a rush fee. In the final two weeks, take a moment to either get the group together or check in on everyone individually, in order to ensure everyone has what they need and you’re happy with the result. If you’re a long-distance bridesmaid who won’t arrive until days before, communication is key: Send lots of pics to avoid last minute surprises.