Bridesmaid

How to pick fantastic bridesmaid dresses you'll love to see at your wedding

So, you’ve just asked the ladies close to your heart to be part of your bridal party; here comes the next part: choosing the bridesmaid dresses! There’s nothing more exciting than shopping for a special day, but sometimes it can be challenging to figure out where to start. 

Well, luckily for you, St Frock has your back as you prepare for your dream wedding. Read on as we walk you through the basic steps on how to choose bridesmaid dresses: 

Step #1: Choose a colour palette

First up is figuring out the colours! Before anything else, it’s important to rule out colours that’ll clash with your decor. So, referencing your wedding theme and decoration plans is crucial here.

Highlight your bridal party 

If you want your bridesmaids to stand out from the crowd, you can also just stick to options that complement but aren’t identical to colours in the dress code palette you’ve included in the invites. This way, the bridesmaid dresses won’t look too similar to the wedding guest dresses your other friends and family may show up in. 

Cohesion is key

You should also select a colour palette that makes sure your lovely bridesmaids look cohesive. While the easiest, tried and tested way to do this is to go for one colour, you don’t have to limit yourself to that. Choosing a base colour and letting each bridesmaid pick a different shade within that palette will also maintain that harmony while adding a bit of interest to the group’s look

Want a bit more variation? Go for it! Mismatched dresses are super stylish and fun as well. Just make sure there’s a common theme that’ll tie all the dresses together. For example, you can ask your girls to only pick sunset colours or jewel tones.

Step #2: Pick a flattering silhouette

Choosing flattering silhouettes ensures everyone feels confident and comfortable, which is why we’ve got dresses for women of all body types. Yes, the newlyweds are the main stars of the occasion, but we know you want your bridesmaids to look and feel their absolute best too!

While a classic choice would be to choose a single silhouette that works for all your bridesmaids, it can be difficult to decide on just one. After all, bodies come in various shapes and sizes, and chances are your group’s body types are beautifully diverse. If that’s the case, you can let each bridesmaid pick a silhouette that suits her best. 

Don’t worry; your chosen colour palette will tie the looks together. If you want to strengthen the cohesion, though, you can make sure their dresses have similar elements, like the hem length. For instance, you can let them pick any silhouette, as long as it’s a midi dress. 

Step #3: Order and try in advance

To avoid any last-minute fashion emergencies, order and try on the dresses months in advance. This way, you and your girls can know ASAP if there are any issues when it comes to sizing or achieving your aesthetic vision for the wedding. 

Plus, trying on their bridesmaid dresses will help them gauge if they’ll be comfortable on the day. After all, your bridal team will be with you the whole day of the wedding, from helping you set up to getting ready to dance the night away during the reception. So, it’s essential they have a dress they can stand, sit, and move freely in.

At St Frock, we offer a 60-day free return policy.* If a dress isn’t perfect, simply send it back to us for store credit and choose a different one that fits better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should bridesmaid dresses match the bride’s gown?

Bridesmaid dresses don’t need to match your wedding dress but should reflect the same level of formality and overall style. For example, they should be in full-length formal dresses if you’re going to be wearing a classic ball gown. However, short bridesmaid dresses may work if your wedding dress has a more laid-back, boho style. 

Can bridesmaids wear dresses with patterns or prints?

Absolutely! While it’s more traditional to go for solid colour fabrics, wedding fashion has evolved and proven that patterns and prints are a great way to add a bit of fun flair to your bridal party’s overall look. So, if you’re going for a more vibrant or modern feel, go ahead and let your gals pick a pattern or print that works for them. 

Just make sure that the patterns they pick out still match the wedding theme. For instance, floral print is a great option for bridesmaid dresses for outdoor wedding ceremonies. 

How to determine the correct size for bridesmaid dresses?

Whether you’ve opted for flowy and long bridesmaid dresses or fitted cocktail dresses for your bridal party, getting the right size is simple at St Frock. We offer handy size guides for all our garments, which are hand-measured and fit-tested for accuracy by our awesome styling queens. 

For our dresses, our sizing is based on bust, waist, and hip dimensions. Here are some tips on measuring correctly: 

• Bust. Measure around the fullest part of the chest. During measuring, bridesmaids should wear the bra they’re planning to wear on the day of the wedding.

• Waist. The natural waistline is the narrowest part of the waist and is typically one to two inches above the belly button. 

• Hips. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the hips and backside. Bridesmaids should stand with their feet together when measuring.

Dresses that make every day special 

At St Frock, we’ve got dresses for every woman and for every occasion. Our shop isn’t just the best place to find bridesmaid dresses. We also have fun sequin party dresses for nights out, strapless dresses for casual brunches on a warm day, and way more. 

With a wide selection of styles and up to 100 new drops every week, we’re sure you can always find something fresh, exciting, and chic at St Frock. So, shop now and enjoy free shipping on eligible orders!*