A Guide To Renting Bridesmaid Dresses In Every Style (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular material for bridesmaid dresses? ›

Of all the bridesmaid dress fabrics, chiffon is one of the most popular options for brides searching for a lightweight fabric — even more so for weddings in warmer months.

Bridesmaids usually wear a dress that's a specific style and/or color selected by the bride. The average bridesmaid dress costs $130 , and for about one-third of bridal party members, it's the most costly aspect of the event. But the total price can vary widely, especially if your outfit requires alteration.

Certain bridesmaid dress colors have stood the test of time. Blush pink, a perennial favorite, continues to be a top choice for its romantic and universally flattering appeal. Elegant and versatile, navy blue is another classic that complements a variety of wedding themes.

Green bridesmaids dresses are the all round popular choice, and works any time of year. It suits all skin tones and hair colours and becomes a sort of 'neutral' within a colour palette. You'll find that any colour flowers or accessories will work with green.

In the US, the tradition is for the bridesmaids to each pay for their own dress, regardless of who is making the final call on what the dresses will look like. The bride should try to be flexible about the kind of dresses she chooses for her girls.

If you're asking them to pay, give them as much notice as possible, so they'll have a long time to save. Asking bridesmaids at modern weddings to pay for their own dresses is relatively common, but it's important to give them plenty of time to afford it.

If your bridesmaids are paying for the dresses…

Then it usually makes sense to have them pay for the dress alterations as well. Unless all your bridesmaids live in the same area and will go to the same tailor, then letting them choose someone on their own and covering it themselves makes more sense.

We always suggest going with the larger size and having it fitted to your body. There is only so much that can be done when letting out a dress and doing so will most likely end up costing you more money. Trust the bridal shop and go with their size suggestion and consider alterations as a must.

Consider the Dress: When creating hairstyles for bridesmaids, it's important to consider the style of the dress. If the dress is strapless or has a low back, an updo may be the best option to show off the dress.

Putting together a look and choosing colors does not mean that the bridesmaid's dresses have to match the linens for the guest tables. In fact, they rarely do! Often the colors for a wedding come from the invitation since often that is designed quite early in the wedding planning process.

How far off the floor should a bridesmaid dress be? ›

Visualize them as curtains: Some bridesmaids prefer a length that sits 1 inch above the floor, while others like the dress to gracefully touch the floor. Alternatively, you can go for a slight puddle effect. While all three lengths are acceptable, a couple of factors come into play.

Ordering Your Dress Ahead of Time

In general, you should shop about six months out to allow for the order to arrive and any alterations needed. If you have a shorter timeline, shop our ready-to-ship bridesmaid dresses that will ship to you in just a few days!

For a more petite bridesmaid with a smaller chest, wearing any dress style without a bra won't be a problem. However, if you're curvier with a larger chest you might feel uncomfortable, unsupported, and even self-conscious in a bridesmaid dress without a bra.

Mikado, velvet, and jersey are among the most popular bridesmaids' dress materials.

Chiffon fabrics are perfect for casual summer dresses and beach cover-ups since they flow very nicely with the breeze. They can also be used for making formal evening wear such as homecoming dresses and bridesmaid dresses. Satin is very easy to care for because it can be machine washed, but must be hung out to dry.

Chiffon is airy and lightweight, making it ideal for daytime or warm-weather weddings. Mesh is made of a comfy stretch fabric that breathes well. Crepe is a soft, stretchy, and textured fabric that works year-round. Satin is smooth, silky, and luxe — ideal for spring, summer, and early fall weddings.

The 12 most common wedding dress fabrics include charmeuse, chiffon, crepe, jersey, lace, Mikado, organza, satin, shantung, silk, taffeta, and tulle. These fabrics can range from very lightweight, like taffeta and chiffon, to heavier fabrics, like satin and Mikado.