Best bridesmaids dresses for all shapes and sizes
Let's be honest, shopping for bridesmaids dresses is often far from the idyll of a fun bubbly-fueled day out, especially if you have a lot of ladies with different tastes, in different shapes and sizes, and maybe even a pregnancy bump or two to consider. It can feel impossible to keep everyone happy!
Long gone are the days of forcing all of your bridesmaids into the same style dress. What a relief! The key consideration is that everyone feels comfortable in whatever they wear and your friends will really appreciate you taking the time to choose gowns that will help them feel their best. Not sure where to start? Read on for our top tips for finding the best bridesmaids dresses for all shapes and sizes, with lots of inspiration for those shared Pinterest boards.
Choose a color, not a style
One of the post popular bridesmaid dress trends for 2022 and beyond is to choose a color and ask your bridesmaids to select their own dresses. This creates a cohesive yet relaxed feel, and giving your girls the freedom to choose a style they feel comfortable in is sure to go down well. If you go for this option, bear in mind that whatever color you choose can be interpreted differently (there are many shades of pale blue, for example) but that is all part of the charm of this stylish monochrome look. Selecting black or white will limit the variety of tones.
Dresses: Park and Fifth Co. | Photographer: Alix Gould | Planning and design: Pretty Plans
Dress (above right): Convertible maxi dress from Free People
Dresses: BHLDN | Photography: Molly Carr Photography | Planning and design: Waterlily Weddings
One brand, many styles
If you prefer the dress color to match perfectly for more formality but still want to offer some freedom over dress style, many brands like Cicinia, Lady Black Tie and Birdy Grey offer a huge choice of different styles in a kaleidoscope of colors, often in curve sizes up to X3 . Once you have selected a fabric in a shade that fits your wedding color palette, your friend can choose their own bridesmaid dresses from a choice of different lengths, waist lines and sleeve styles to find a gown that highlights their best bits and skims over any parts they may feel self-conscious about.
Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids | Photography: McSween Photography
Dresses (above left): Fame and Partners | Photographer: Emily Michelson | Dress (above right): Trinity in taupe from Cicinia
Photography: Sidney Leigh Photography | Planning and design: Sweetgrass Social
Consider multi-way dresses
Multi-way dresses from bridesmaid brands like Two Birds and Willow and Pearl are a great option if you want the ease of buying one style in one color, with no alterations. The versatile designs and stretchy fabric are maternity friendly for pregnancy or nursing and there are different styling options for different body types, whether you'd like some upper arm coverage or more chest support.
Dresses: Birdy Grey | Photography: McSween Photography
Above left: Cicinia Katherine dress in dark navy | Above right: Photography: Lissa Ryan | Planning: Pamela Barefoot Events & Design
Photographer: Donny Zavala Photography | Planning and design: Centro Rose Un Tulipano
Bridesmaids Dresses: Lady Black Tie | Photographer: McSween Photography | Planner: Belle Beauty Events
Dress (above left): Marchesa in blush from Bella Bridesmaids | Dresses (above right): Jenny Yoo | Photographer: Nikki Santerre | Planning and design: The Blush Events
Dresses: BHLDN | Photographer: Peter and Veronika | Planning and design: A Very Beloved Wedding
Dresses: David's Bridal | Photographer: Marshall Arts Photography,
Dresses (above left) David's Bridal | Photography: McSween Photography | Dress (above right): Hutch lindy in black from BHLDN
Dresses: Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids | Photography: Vicki Grafton Photography | Planning and design: East Made Co.
Play with pattern
Pattern is a great way to add color and style to your bridal party and often compliments plus-sizes more than a solid block of color. You could dress everyone in the same pattern; add a couple of patterned dresses to the line up or suggest a color palette for your bridesmaids to choose their own patterned dresses from. Brands like Birdy Grey make it super simple to select a collection of complimentary dresses in plain and patterned styles, with different silhouettes, straps and sleeve options.
Dresses (above): Alamour The Label | Photographer: Marni Wishart Photography
Photography (above left): David Abel | Dress (above right): Birdy Grey Kira dress in sage bouquet
Mismatched dresses
Why not break with tradition and let your bridesmaids wear whatever these choose? The beauty of mix and match dresses is that everyone gets to express their individual style and choose a shape, color and fabric that best suits them. You could set a few guidelines (like color palette, length or material), which your bridesmaids may appreciate for some direction, or simply give them creative freedom, resulting in a cool and relaxed bohemian look for your wedding day.
Photography: Jainé Kershner Photography
Photographer: Kati Rosado | Planning and design: Pamela Barefoot Events & Design
Photographer: Clay Austin Photography | Stylist / Planner: Alyssa Jean Signature Events
