Bridesmaid Style Tips from the Experts
Selecting bridesmaids’ dresses can be a lengthy process and is always one full of opinions. With so many styles to choose from and aesthetics to consider with the overall look and feel, brides and their bridesmaids have tons of options to choose from as they create the perfect bride tribe vibe for the big day.
We reached out to the ladies at The Dress Bridal Boutique to give some insight on the style and trends they see emerging for the upcoming wedding seasons.
What new trends do you notice emerging for the 2019 and 2020 wedding seasons?
Things are definitely moving away from the bright, neutral palettes and airy chiffon that has been popular for so long. And we aren't seeing the gold and rose gold sparkle anymore. We’ve noticed trends edging toward warmer and richer colors, like rust, navy, wine, and forest green. The material preference is shifting toward crepe.
Photo Credit: Lindsey Beckwith Photography
We’re also seeing the continuation of the ombre trend for bridal parties and love that it gives a unique take on the wedding color palette. The bride will ask their girls to shop in a specific hue but then give them a choice on which shade they feel they look best in.
Print or heavily beaded gowns also continue to make a statement for brides seeking to stand out. These style choices can really help set the tone – from hippie chic to total glam, a statement gown on your bridesmaids can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your day.
Are there new color palettes and styles that are surprising or notably fresh?
The new palettes are definitely leaning toward a vintage feel. It’s a nice reprieve after the soft tones that dominated for so long. We’re also really loving some of the bold teal and purple choices we’re seeing.
What advice do you have for brides looking to be truly unique in their bridesmaid style?
Define your wedding style – know what vibe you’re looking to create and be true to what you want. Each bridal party is unique and each couple has a vision for their wedding. When selecting gowns for your bridesmaids, choose something that fits your wedding design and makes your girls feel beautiful and comfortable.
Photo Credit: Jessica Vidmar Photography
How do you recommend brides and bridesmaids to balance their wants when looking for a dress? We know that a bride has a vision, but her girls may not love the style or color she does. Do you have tips for navigating the process so that the bridesmaids love the way they look and the bride stays true to her aesthetic?
We always start by consulting with the bride to learn about her goals and the vision she has for her wedding. We consider both color and fabric choices and how they will impact the overall aesthetic of her day and truly focus on the bride’s goals.
For the most part, we find that bridesmaids are agreeable to the bride’s wishes and really care about what she wants. A lot of brides follow the practice of selecting a color (or color palette) and then allowing their girls to select the dress style they feel most comfortable in.
In cases where the bride wishes to be truly accommodating to her girls’ preferences, she may give them a general guideline (like flowy, vintage-inspired florals) and then give them a bit more free range as they find the dress they really love – and actually will wear again.
Photo Credit: Photography Anthology
Tell us a little bit about The Dress Bridal Boutique!
We offer brides and their bridesmaids a true shopping experience in our store. When you book an appointment with us, you can expect a fresh, vibrant approach to your dress search (not to mention the champagne!). Our staff is knowledgeable about the latest trends in the bridal industry and are expert stylists, so they can really help bring your vision to life.
Photo Credit: Kailey Marie Photography
Find them on Instagram @thedressmedina.