How to choose bridesmaid dresses
Choose bridesmaid dresses in this order: colour, fabric, length, then shape. The colour ties the group together. The fabric and length keep the group looking like one party in photos. The shape is where each bridesmaid can choose for herself.
Match the dress to the wedding. A formal or black tie wedding calls for maxi length in satin, crepe or chiffon. A daytime, garden or beach wedding suits a midi or a lighter fabric. Check the season too, since a strapless satin dress is hard work at a winter ceremony.
Who pays for bridesmaid dresses?
Who pays for bridesmaid dresses varies by country and by couple. In Australia and the US, bridesmaids often pay for their own dress. In the UK the couple more often pays. Couples who ask bridesmaids to pay often cover hair and make-up.
Whoever pays, the fair approach is the same. Say who is paying when you ask someone to be a bridesmaid, set a budget together, and choose a dress that can be worn again.
When to order bridesmaid dresses
Order bridesmaid dresses six to eight months before the wedding where you can. That leaves time for delivery, exchanges and alterations. Order the whole group at once and from the same shop, because a colour with the same name can vary between labels and between batches of fabric.
Can bridesmaids wear different dresses?
Yes. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses, also called mix and match, are common. The group needs one thing in common so it still reads as one party.
| Approach | What matches | What varies |
|---|---|---|
| Same colour, different shapes | Colour and fabric | Neckline, sleeves, sometimes length |
| Same dress, different colours | Shape and fabric | Shades from one palette |
| One palette, free choice | A range of colours | Everything else |
| Maid of honour stands out | The bridesmaids | One different colour or shape |
Keeping the length the same is the easiest way to make different dresses look planned.
What a bridesmaid should check before buying
- The exact colour name and the shop, confirmed with the couple
- The delivery date against the wedding date
- Whether the dress can be exchanged or returned
- That you can lift your arms, sit and walk in it, since you will be doing all three
- Whether the hem needs altering for the shoes you will wear
Shop the dress code
See all bridesmaid dressesCommon questions
Who pays for bridesmaid dresses?
It varies. In Australia and the US bridesmaids often pay for their own dress, though some couples cover it. Whoever is paying, agree on a budget before anyone starts shopping.
How far ahead should you order bridesmaid dresses?
Aim for six to eight months before the wedding. That leaves time for delivery, exchanges and alterations, and for everyone to order from the same batch of fabric.
Can bridesmaids wear different dresses?
Yes. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are common. Most groups keep one thing the same, usually the colour or the fabric, and let each bridesmaid choose her own neckline, sleeves or length.
Can bridesmaids wear black?
Yes. Black bridesmaid dresses are a common choice for evening, formal and black tie weddings. Black suits most people, is easy to match across different shops, and is one of the easiest colours to wear again.
What length should bridesmaid dresses be?
Match the length to the dress code. Maxi length suits formal and black tie weddings, and midi length suits cocktail, garden and daytime weddings. One length across the group looks the most planned in photos.
Does the maid of honour wear a different dress?
She can. Some couples put the maid of honour in a different shade or shape so she stands out, and others keep the whole group the same. Both are common, and it is the couple's choice.
Compare bridesmaid dresses across shops