Bridesmaid Dress Shopping Guide
When it comes to bridesmaid dress shopping, it can be hard to know where to start. From how much bridesmaid dresses cost, to where to shop, to how to go about alterations, there are many factors to take into consideration when shopping for bridesmaid dresses. If you’re a first-time bridesmaid, the process can be daunting, as it varies greatly from your day-to-day shopping. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve answered all of your burning questions when it comes to bridesmaid dress shopping from price range to silhouettes and more. Consider this your all-inclusive guide to bridesmaid dress shopping, and be sure to bookmark this page to help you every step of the way.
How much is the average bridesmaid dress
Bridesmaid dresses can range in cost depending on where you purchase them. According to The Knot 2023 Real Weddings Survey, the average bridesmaid dress cost in 2023 was $130 per person. While this is an average, some bridesmaids can end up spending $300+ on a bridesmaid dress. It’s important for the bride to have an open conversation with her bridesmaids to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to expected costs. For bridesmaids on a budget, Azazie offers an abundance of stylish and affordable bridesmaid dresses, with many styles falling at under $100.
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Where to buy bridesmaid dresses
Bridesmaid dress shopping today looks very different than it did 20 years ago. Today’s bridesmaids have the option to shop for bridesmaid dresses online, alleviating a lot of the stress and logistics that may come with shopping for bridesmaid dresses. Azazie is a top choice for brides today because of its wide assortment of size-inclusive bridesmaid dresses in every color, silhouette, and style you can imagine. Azazie offers sizes 0-30 as well as free custom sizing. All of our dresses are made-to-order, which helps us lower our carbon footprint to reach higher standards of sustainability. At home try on is made easy with the option to choose up to three dresses to try on in the comfort of your home and send back the ones you don’t get. You can even order three free swatches to see your color options in person before ordering. And when you’re thinking about how the dress will come across on camera, our NYC wedding photographer who knows how dresses look in real life can help.
Tips for choosing bridesmaid dresses based on wedding theme or style
It’s important to ensure your bridesmaid dresses go with the overall theme and style of the wedding. The easiest way to land on a bridesmaid dress color is to nail down the wedding color scheme. Ideally, you want the bridesmaid dresses to match the decor at the venue for a cohesive look.
The venue and overall vibe of the wedding will also inform your bridesmaid dress style. A black tie soiree will call for formal, floor length gowns while something more laid back will allow for more flexibility in the bridesmaid dress selection.
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Another factor to consider is the season of the wedding. Light and bright colors are best for spring and summer months while jewel tones and darker shades shine in fall and winter. While these are not hard and fast rules when it comes to bridesmaid dresses, it is important to keep in mind if you want the wedding to be seasonally appropriate.
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Bridesmaid dress silhouettes
When it comes to silhouettes, there are a few different options for bridesmaid dresses. Some of the most popular silhouettes include A-line, princess, sheath, column, empire, trumpet, and mermaid. Flowy silhouettes like A-line, princess, and empire give off a romantic, whimsical vibe and are often a comfortable choice. Fitted, structured shapes like sheath, column, trumpet, and mermaid are often best for more formal, classic weddings.
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Factors to consider when shopping for bridesmaid dresses
Timeline
If you are ordering made-to-order bridesmaid dresses, like the ones at Azazie, you’ll want to factor in transit time to ensure the dresses arrive in time with a buffer for any potential alteration needs. Production times for Azazie dresses are 2-4 weeks on average, so you’ll want to allow extra time when shopping for bridesmaid dresses.
Additionally, many bridesmaids opt for extra alterations to ensure a perfect fit. This can take up to a month in some cases, so you will want to factor that into your time frame. It’s recommended to select bridesmaid dresses about six months before the wedding to be sure there’s plenty of time.
Color consistency
If you are ordering multiple bridesmaid dresses in the same color, you’ll want to place your order for all of them at the same time to ensure all of the dresses come from the same dye lot. If you order multiple dresses in the same color months apart from each other, there’s a risk for slight color variance.
Sizing
Bridesmaid dress sizing standards may vary across companies, so it’s important to refer to the size chart to get the right size for you. The easiest way to make sure your dress will fit well is to use your bust, waist, and hip measurements to decide on which size is best for you. If you are ordering from Azazie, you can also take advantage of the free custom size option to ensure a bespoke fit.
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Fabric
The fabric of the bridesmaid dresses will largely depend on the season, vibe, and formality of the wedding. Soft, airy fabrics like chiffon, mesh, and taffeta lend a romantic feel to the wedding and are great for warmer climates. Heavy, rich fabrics like velvet, jacquard, or satin tend to be reserved for more formal events and are great for cooler temperatures.
