Your Comprehensive Guide to Shopping for Bridesmaid Dresses

Choosing the perfect bridesmaid dress is a crucial part of wedding planning.

With so many factors to consider, from the number of bridesmaids to the season and budget, it can feel overwhelming. 

Fear not! Our Wedded guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect bridesmaid dresses for your bridal party.

Wedded Week – Alamour The Label

From structured silhouettes to elaborate and heavily embellished fabrics, Alamour The Label certainly has something for everyone.

NUMBER OF BRIDESMAID DRESSES

The first consideration is the number of bridesmaids in your party. 

Large bridal parties may require more coordination to ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident. Consider the varying body types and preferences of your bridesmaids when selecting styles and sizes.

Wedded Week – White Runway

White Runway offers an incredible range of dresses for your bridesmaids, catering to every style and size, and to compliment your overall wedding theme.

SEASON

The season of your wedding plays a significant role and is one of the most important factors to consider. 

Will your bridesmaids need sleeves in the cooler weather or need more breathable fabric to sustain any heat?

Light, airy fabrics like chiffon or lace are perfect for spring and summer weddings, while heavier fabric gowns, like satin or velvet are ideal for autumn and winter affairs. 

Additionally, consider the colour palette that compliments the season’s ambience.

Wedded Week – SI&EM Couture

Sydney-based custom couture designer SI&EM Couture creates bespoke gowns that are sophisticated, elegant and radiate timeless beauty.

BRIDESMAIDS’ STYLES

Each bridesmaid likely has her own unique style preferences. 

While it’s essential to consider your wedding style, allowing your bridesmaids some flexibility in choosing their dresses can lead to happier, more confident bridal party members. 

You may choose to opt for a cohesive look by selecting a colour palette or fabric and allowing your bridesmaids to choose styles that suit their individual tastes.

Wedded Week – Effie Kats

Effie Kats’ Bridesmaids Edit features simple yet effortless styles to suit all preferences. The simplicity of these designs in the collection transcends the confinements of a single occasion, promising your bridesmaids to find joy in wearing these dresses at various future events.

YOUR WEDDING STYLE

Your wedding style sets the tone for the entire event, including the attire of your bridal party. 

Whether you’re planning a formal black-tie affair or a casual beach wedding, ensure that the bridesmaid dresses align with the overall theme and aesthetic of your big day. 

Consider factors such as venue, decor, and wedding dress color scheme when selecting dresses to complement your wedding style.

Wedded Week – Ryan Patros

Ryan Patros’ silhouettes and modern lines will ensure your bridesmaids will effortlessly compliment the style of your wedding day but also allow your girls to feel confident and comfortable.

BUDGET

Budget is a crucial factor when shopping for bridesmaid dresses. 

Be upfront with your bridesmaids about the budget for their dresses and consider options that are both stylish and affordable. 

Keep in mind additional costs such as alterations, accessories, and shoes when budgeting for bridesmaid attire. Focus on dresses that offer value for money without sacrificing quality or style.

If you opt for custom made bridesmaid dresses, ensure you are budgeting appropriately for fabric costs and fees of dressmaking.

Wedded Week – Farage

For the contemporary, unconventional yet practical bridesmaids, why not consider an elegant yet sophisticated suit? Farage Australia specialise in ready-to-wear and customised suits that are comfortable and easy to wear without compromising on style.

OUR BEST TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL DRESS SHOPPING

• Start early to allow ample time for browsing, ordering, and alterations.
• Communicate openly with your bridesmaids about their preferences and budget constraints.
• Consider shopping at bridal boutiques, department stores, or online retailers for a wide selection of dresses.
• Keep swatches of your wedding dress colors and any fabric samples you may have to ensure the bridesmaid dresses complement the overall wedding palette.
• Schedule a fitting session for your bridesmaids to try on dresses together and ensure a cohesive look.

Shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be a fun and rewarding experience with careful planning and consideration of factors such as the number of dresses, season, bridesmaids’ style preferences, your wedding style, and budget. 

By following our tips outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find the perfect dresses for your bridal party, ensuring a beautiful and harmonious wedding day ensemble.

Be sure to stay tuned for Wedded Week, the world’s largest wedding event of the year where you can find all the mentioned designers, labels and brands in this article along with some amazing partners and ambassadors!

READ MORE: TRENDING LOOKS FOR BRIDESMAIDS AS SEEN AT THE 2024 GOLDEN GLOBES

FAQs

When should I shop for bridesmaid dresses?

In general, the earlier the better! You should shop 6 months in advance from your wedding for your bridesmaids to allow time for shipping, alterations and final adjustments in the leadup to the wedding.

Who pays for bridesmaid dresses? Do bridesmaids pay for their own dresses and is it rude to ask bridesmaids to pay?

It is completely at the discretion of the bride. Asking bridesmaids at modern weddings to pay for their own dress is relatively common, but it’s important to give your girls as much notice and time in advance.

How much should you spend on bridesmaid dresses?

If the bride asks her bridesmaids to pay for their dresses, it is important to keep in mind budgets and ensure everyone is comfortable with their dress and the price tag. Anything starting from $200 AUD should strike a great balance between beauty, practicality and affordability.

What is the average bridesmaid dress?

The cost of bridesmaid dresses can vary depending on the suitability and preferences of the bride and her bridesmaids. On average, bridesmaids can expect to spend anywhere from $100 to $300 AUD or more on their gowns, particularly for custom couture.

READ MORE: TRENDING LOOKS FOR BRIDESMAIDS AS SEEN AT THE 2024 GOLDEN GLOBES

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