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The Ultimate Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping
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Updated on 09/15/22 01:26PM
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From affordable brands to designer labels, plus-size bridal party dresses are more fashion-forward than ever. Whether you're looking for a long, midi, or above-the-knee silhouette, plus-size bridal party dresses run the gamut. When shopping for a bridesmaid dress, you'll want to consider the comfort level, fabric, length, and silhouette. "An A-line dress is universally flattering and especially pretty for wedding parties," says Grace Lee, the founder and CEO of Birdy Grey. "Most of our bridesmaid dresses are A-line for this very reason! It naturally accentuates the waist and because there’s a slight flare at the skirt, it provides balance to your overall silhouette." A lace or ruffled dress is also sweet and feminine for a classic look, while a ruched or wrap shape is a gorgeous way to feature your waist and compliment your curves. Or you might consider a halter neckline, strapless, cold-shoulder, or one-shoulder silhouette to emphasize your upper body. From luxe styles in velvet, satin, and lace to metallic fabrics and wispy chiffon, we've researched various bridal party dresses with these key features in mind. If you're looking for a stunning satin number, our favorite finds are the BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress and the Birdy Grey Lisa Long Dress Curve. Want something sweet and dreamy for a spring ceremony? We love the Boohoo Plus Angel Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress and the Azazie Linda Dress in Lilac. Read on for the best plus-size bridal party dresses for any style, budget, and season. Our Top Picks Best Satin Dress: Best Burgundy: ASOS DESIGN Curve Pleated Midi Dress With Kimono Sleeve And Tie Waist at Asos (See Price) Best Off-the-Shoulder: David's Bridal Off-the-Shoulder Dress at David's Bridal (See Price) Best Floor-Length: Best Simple Design: Best Lace Overlay: City Chic Impressions Dress in Navy at Citychiconline.com (See Price) Channel '90s minimalism in this simple slip midi dress. The rust color is so on-trend and gorgeous for an Autumn wedding. This berry-colored kimono dress is a lovely tone for a fall or winter wedding. The soft pleats will flow gracefully from the aisle to the dance floor. This flowy frock is spot-on for a spring or summer wedding. Even better, this off-the-shoulder design will draw attention to your neckline oh-so beautifully. What's more stunning for a chic city wedding at a luxury venue than a rich shade of bold blue? This wrap silhouette is more than flattering but ultra-comfortable for dancing the night away. No rule says a bridal party dress must be ankle-length. Enter this floral-print above-the-knee design to mix and match with other prints or solids at a casual spring ceremony. This rich blue gown is timeless and elegant, featuring a wrapped V-neckline and kimono sleeves. The A-line skirt will flow effortlessly throughout the evening, whether you're giving a toast or catching the bouquet. For a neutral bridal party lineup, this champagne-colored maxi dress is simple and chic. It also comes in navy and emerald green if you're looking for a richer color! For a daring bridal party look, this V-neck gown is alluring as ever. Enhance the metallic sheen by styling with delicate jewelry that glimmers in the light. Not all bridal party dresses require frills or lace. This sleek, tuxedo-inspired design is modern and smart for those with sophisticated taste. Feminine to a T, this off-the-shoulder lace dress is utterly striking. The classic navy blue shade makes it ideal in the fall or winter, while the lace detailing captures a timeless vibe that will look stunning on every member of the bridal party. This powder-blue dress from Boohoo is so sweet and on-trend for a spring wedding. The woven pleated fabric and the wrap design are both flattering and comfortable enoughfor all of your bridal party duties, from bustling the bride's dress to dancing after the toast. For a wedding during the holiday season, this metallic gown is ultra-festive. We can picture it with black heels and dazzling earrings for a major "wow "moment as your bridal party walks down the aisle. "Our number one bestselling dress is theGrace Convertible Dressand the dress is so ethereal and flowy while giving each bridesmaid the option to style the top however they’d like," says Lee. This sweetheart strapless gown is a stunning cross between minimal and romantic styles. If the wedding is taking place during the spring, look no further than this timeless design in a dreamy blush color that couldn't be more perfect for a garden ceremony. For those with fashion-forward tastes, this fluid sage green gown is so elegant. The ruched bust and eye-catching satin will stand out from the ceremony to the reception, while the slit makes it easy to walk and dance in. Bring on the glamour! This sparkling gown channels Old Hollywood style while being perfect for a black-tie wedding. The elegant long sleeves paired with shimmering midnight fabric and a flattering black belted waist are sure to turn heads as your bridesmaids make their entrance. Flouncy and fresh, this embroidered dress is the prettiest take on fall florals. We can picture it in the mix with raspberry, black, and blush-colored bridal party dresses. Pair it with simple accessories to let the dress do all the talking. You simply can never go wrong with an all-black bridesmaid dress. This timeless tie-front design is perfect for those craving both comfort and style. Dial it up with statement accessories or keep things sleek with a minimal heel and stud earring. The Ultimate Guide to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping This shining dusty blue dress is ideal for a spring or summer wedding by the beach. The satin sheen will catch the light perfectly, while the cowl neckline and leg slit offer a bit of sexy flair. For the perfect finish? Silver heels and pearl earrings will do the trick. It doesn't get more luxe than a velvet jewel-toned dress for a winter-appropriate wedding. This one features a complimentary V-neckline and body-skimming silhouette to effortlessly highlight your figure. Go bold with blooms in a gorgeous tiered midi dress with wispy chiffon. The dark tone works well for an evening wedding any time of year, but we can especially picture this frock for a ceremony in the fall. If you're seeking a universally flattering dress that will add a pop of color to the wedding day, then you've met your match in this maxi dress. It's a glamorous bridal party look in the fall or winter, particularly with bold earrings and metallic shoes in the mix. This sweet blush gown is dreamier than ever, featuring a sweeping skirt, elbow-length sleeves, and flattering V-neckline. It's idyllic for an outdoor wedding in a blooming field of wildflowers or amid a woodsy landscape. Talk about pretty in pink! This ultra-flattering number from David's Bridal combines a classic silhouette with a bold and modern color. The surplice neckline and soft flutter sleeves perfectly complement the all-over ruching, creating a romantic and on-trend look. The unique asymmetrical hemline makes this stunner a must on our list. Feminine and luxe at once, this charming tea-length dress makes for a modern bridal party moment. We love it for a fall or winter wedding with metallic accessories and dazzling jewels. Available in a multitude of colors to match your dream wedding aesthetic, this simple tank design is elevated with a flowing pleated skirt. We're especially drawn to this whimsical lilac option that gives an elegant yet light and airy feel. "What you want to remember is that being a bridesmaid is hard work! Style and comfort are equally important," Lee says. "You want to look elegant for your best friend’s wedding but you also want to be able to easily crouch down to help the bride bustle her dress or help put on her shoes.Chiffonis the traditional go-to material for weddings because it’s ethereal and airy, but it’s also flowy which allows for better movement. Ourcrepedresses, while sexy and body-skimming, have some stretch, which makes bridesmaid duties easier." "At the end of the day, you want something that aligns with the bride’s vision, first and foremost. Just remember that you’re going to be in the dress all day, so opt for a dress that makes you feel great–you’ll want to spend your energy celebrating the bride with your friends, not fussing with your dress!" FAQ Where can I find a plus-size bridal party dress? There are more options than ever for buying a plus-size bridal party dress. Online retailers like Reformation, Birdy Grey, David's Bridal, and Azazie offer inclusive sizing in a range of styles and silhouettes. What should I wear under my bridal party outfit? "Before you decide what to wear underneath your bridesmaid dress, think about two things: the fit and the fabric," Lee advises. "Does your dress have a low back? Then you want to opt for asticky braor abackless plunge bra. Chiffon dresses don’t cling to your body and are usually flowy, A-line silhouettes, so you can choose a standardseamless bikini underwearor a thong. However, if your fabric iscrepeorsatin, you’ll want to wear specificshapewearso your silhouette looks sleek and snatched!" Who pays for the bridal party outfits? Generally speaking, the bridal party is expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories, as well as potentiallyhair and makeupappointments and transportation to the wedding. Contributing writerLaura Lajinesis a writer and editor covering all things fashion. Prior to her work withBrides, she served as the senior fashion editor at theZoe ReportandPopSugar. Her work has also been featured inElle,InStyle,Glamour, Refinery 29,Well+Good, and Barneys New York. The 18 Best Plus-Size Dresses for Engaged Brides-to-BeBest Burgundy
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