How To Shop For Bridesmaid Dresses: 10 Tips To Get Started

Wedding planning is a multi-layered affair – and when you aren’t busy hunting down caterers, stationers and a bridal wardrobe, chances are you’re trying to coordinate your wedding party. It’s no easy feat getting a group to agree on something, and brides are often left conflicted between pleasing their bridesmaids and pinning down the dresses of dreams. So, where to starts? We ask some of the UK’s top bridesmaid dress designers their tips and tricks for finding the perfect bridesmaid dress.

Expert Tips: How To Find The Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

1. First Things First: Decide On A Budget

Some general housekeeping might be needed before any shopping takes place. ‘While in some countries it’s tradition for the bride to buy their bridesmaids their dresses for the big day, in others it’s perfectly normal not to,’ notes  Kate Halfpenny, bridal designer and founder of Halfpenny London. ‘In either case, be transparent about what the plan is and your expectations with your girls before trying anything on so everyone knows where they stand. Make sure to set a budget, whether this is for a full purchase or a contribution to their outfits.’

2. Plan Together

Girls’ night in? Sounds like a dream. ‘Your bridesmaids will love being involved in the process of finding their outfits, and it gives everyone the opportunity to make suggestions,’ emphasises Kate. ‘If you have many bridesmaids though, remember to be careful allowing everyone to put their opinions forward as lots of ideas can be overwhelming and it’ll be hard to please everyone.’

(c) RIXO

3. Choose A Colour, Not A Silhouette

You can’t always have a ‘one dress fits all’ approach, even when it comes to bridesmaid dresses. ‘It’s not very often that you’ll have five bridesmaids in your wedding party with the same figure,’ confirms Kate. ‘People have their own individual insecurities and if you try to shoehorn all your bridesmaids into one dress style there’s a chance some of them will not feel confident on the day. My advice? If you want a cohesive party, try one colour rather than one silhouette.’

4. Cohesion, Rather Than Uniform

Following on from the above, you can also use the same principles to give your bridesmaids a cohesive look – but this time in style and print, as well as colour. Many boutiques will offer ‘families’ of gowns, where a number a certain pattern or hue will translate across multiple styles.

‘No two bridesmaids are the same, so we love the idea of offering a colour palette or print story but letting each bridesmaid pick a shape that best suits her body,’ notes Orlagh McCloskey, co-founder of London-based label RIXO. ‘A bias-cut silhouette might flatter one, while another might feel most comfortable in a high neck or a blouson sleeve style. This creates a bridal party look that feels thought through, yet individual.’

5. Go For Timeless, Rather Than Trend-Led

Wearability is also a major consideration to take on board. ‘We always encourage brides and bridesmaids to choose dresses they’ll love beyond their wedding day,’ notes Orlagh. ‘A timeless silhouette in a versatile print or block colour means the dress won’t just sit in your wardrobe, and it can be re-worn for garden parties, dinners, or holidays for years to come.’

(c) Halfpenny London

6. Don’t Feel Trapped By Tradition

But that doesn’t mean you should feel like there’s only one way to dress your bridal party. You can still go for timelessness while having fun. ‘Sometimes it’s just utterly gorgeous to do a whole mixture of prints and colours when it comes to bridesmaid dresses, rather than just one solid colour,’ suggests Kate. ‘Don’t feel like you have to stick to what’s been done before, branch out and find something you like (that’s not just the trend).’

7. Fabric & Movement Matter

And then there’s the fabric to consider – especially if you’re planning a summer or destination wedding. As Orlagh explains: ‘Weddings are long days of celebrating, socialising, and dancing. Lightweight silks or breathable fabrics are ideal for an elegant but feel effortless look. You want dresses that flow naturally and allow everyone to enjoy themselves without fuss and feeling comfortable.’

8. Celebrate Individual Style

While they might form a group, remember these are your nearest and dearest friends – and they all have their own preferences. ‘Above all, we believe each bridesmaid’s personal style should shine through,’ Orlagh adds. ‘If your best friend is a maximalist and another loves minimalism, celebrate that! Weddings are about love and personality and it’s beautiful when that extends to the bridal party’s looks.’

(c) RIXO

9. Confidence Is Key

There’s no point in getting dressed up if you don’t feel good in what you’re wearing – and the same ethos applies to your bridesmaids. ‘The most important thing is that each bridesmaid feels comfortable and confident in what she’s wearing,’ says Orlagh. ‘When someone feels good in a dress, it shows and will make the photos and the memories even more beautiful.’

10 .Think About The Practicalities

And lastly: ‘Your bridesmaids will be your go-to for help on your big day, so do consider having a balance of beauty and the practicality when it comes to their outfits,’ recommends Kate. ‘They may have to bend down to fix your train, for example, so some fashion tape may be necessary to keep their modesty!’