From a glitzy Gatsby affair to a simple summer garden wedding, we have chosen some of the best style bridesmaid dresses to suit all and any wedding theme. When it comes to a bride choosing her bridal party wear, there is no reason to follow set customs or rules. If you want your brides in white dresses alongside your own, then chose a white bridesmaid dress. If you want fur shawls in summer or powder blue pastels in winter, there is no one who is going to stop you. Your wedding can and will look however you want it to, regardless of the seasons or styles. Take a look below at some of our particular favourite dresses to suit each decor and trend, and see which ones you like most.
Tulle Gowns
Forever a classic, and for good reason, tulle gowns will always remain a firm favourite for bridesmaid dresses. The airy and romantic fabric never fails to disappoint in highlighting the carefree and whimsical atmosphere of a wedding. Have your bridesmaids sheathed in soft flowing gowns that will ooze romance and flatter your own wedding dress.
Dresses L-R: ASOS twist plunge bandeau skater dress, €75.34 | Chi Chi London premium metallic lace prom dress with bardot neck, €102.74 | Frock and Frill embellished top midi skater dress with tulle skirt, €171.23 | John Zack lace sleeved tulle skirt dress, €61.64
Springtime pastels
Always a fan of the classic, dusty and romantic tones that light pastels lend to a wedding, this is a bridesmaid trend that will never go out of fashion. There’s nothing better than staring at a doe-eyed, flushed cheek bride gaze at the one she loves surrounded by summarily pretty pastel-clad bridesmaids. These light colours lend an almost soothing tone to the entire wedding affair, and they create the perfect atmosphere of romance and celebration.
Dresses L-R: Virgos Lounge, shoulder strap wrap skirt dress, €177.61 | ASOS, pleated maxi dress, €116.13 | Self Portrait lace appliqued illusion neckline gown, €299.20 | TFNC, sweetheart midi dress, €54.60
Black bridesmaid dresses
Ok, so we know everyone instinctively thinks of a funeral when you imagine a group of women all dressed in black. But your wedding is a celebration of life, love and family and not a mourning (well, you might shed one tear for the old single gal in you, but who wouldn’t?) Therefore, it doesn’t matter what social stigma is attached to a certain gown colour. If you want your bridesmaids all in black for the big event, then so they shall be. Black is a colour that will always remain a classic and never go out of style. Better even than its timeless statue is the fact that a row of black-clad bridesmaids standing behind you is really going to make your wedding gown pop. For perfect symmetry and a very polished affair, you can't go wrong with a little black bridesmaid dress. And not only will you have the most ultimately stylish monochrome event around, you’ll also be giving your bridesmaids another classic LBD to hang up in their wardrobes for dance night. You’re welcome ladies.
Dresses L-R: AQ AQ, halter neck black maxi dress, €122.96 | Ted Baker, capped sleeve lace dress €312.86 | Elise Ryan, off shoulder wrap skirt dress, €65.58 | Lipsy, high neck monochrome dress, €95.63
White bridesmaid dresses
Ever since the popularity of the most recent royal wedding, not only have lace sleeves become hugely popular, so too have white bridesmaid dresses thanks to the famous sister Pippa Middleton. We know, for most brides the wedding day is about you wearing a pristine special white dress and you only. Of course, you are entirely at ease to have it that way on the day – a wedding dress is a very important style moment in a woman’s life. However, if you are not one to keep with tradition and if you want a bold yet united bridal party, then dress your bridesmaids in white. It doesn't necessarily have to be the same shade, the same style or the same length. But a bride who stands side by side with her friends all wearing the same honorary colour is a bride who is not only confident in herself and her appearance, but wants to share that confidence with her friends.
Dresses L-R: Jarlo, Bandeau Maxi Dress, €150.28 |Chi Chi London, lace sleeved A-line dress with scalloped hem, €102.74 | TFNC, shoulder capped wrap around dress, €65.58 | Chi Chi London, sweetheart neckline dress with printed skirt, €84.93
Sparkle
Even though we all know the big day is about focusing on the bride and her dress, it’s nice to give the bridesmaids something to smile about too. Inject a huge level of sparkle into the bridal party by having your bridesmaids wear dresses that are covered in sequins, metallic tones and embellished shoulders. Your wedding will be an affair to remember when people think back to the level of opulence and decadence that was in every little detail of the wedding, including the sequins glittering on the bridesmaid dresses.
Dresses L-R: Quiz, sequin high neck slit skirt dress, €91 | Little Mistress, sequin embellished flapper dress, €77.87 | Virgos Lounge, capped sleeve wrap skirt, €184.44 | Lipstick, bandeau thigh slit sequin dress, €98.37
Floral prints
We’ve already discussed, or more like gushed over, our love for the bold new printed wedding dresses that are emerging on the bridal scene. What’s better than a bride breaking tradition in a printed wedding gown than the entire bridal party getting in on the rebellion? Floral bridesmaid gowns will always be an admirable and loveable choice for the bridal party, because despite their soft appearance, lined up at the altar in bulk these gowns make a statement. Bright and bold in their own terms, these are dresses that are full of character and style. Floral bridesmaids are perfect for brightening up any wedding party, be it in the middle of June or December.
Dresses L-R: ASOS, high neck skater dress, €102.47 |ASOS, strap sleeved A-line dress, €65.58 | Ted Baker, capped sleeve skater dress, €271 | Chi Chi London, off shoulder A-lien dress, €84.70
Separates
As we mentioned before, this is an ongoing and ever growing bridal trend of 2015. Wedding co-ords and separates are no longer the stylish “it” trend confined to just the guests. With designers like Theia and Elie Saab creating beautiful white, metallic and pastel blue coordinating sets for the bride, we don’t see any reason that the bridesmaids should be left out either. Great for interjecting a little variety among the fashion stakes of the day and bringing a sense of whimsy to the ceremony, bridesmaid separates are a perfect accompaniment to any wedding dress. Light, colourful, girly and fun with just the right amount of formality thrown in for measure. This is a bridesmaid outfit that can be catered to suit the tastes and personalities of each and every one of your friends, a style choice that will no doubt keep everyone happy.
Outfits L-R: Little Mistress, houndstooth crop top, €18.44. & Little Mistress, A-line skirt €21.86 | Chi Chi London, metallic lace skirt, €61.48| ASOS, embroidered top , €41.09 & ASOS embroidered skirt, €43.83 | ASOS, crop top, €10.93 & Closet, A line skirt, €73.77
