Choosing Bridesmaid’s Dresses

A wedding venue’s guide to keeping your girls happy, your style on point, and your wedding photos looking amazing.

Let’s be real, picking out bridesmaid dresses sounds like one of the fun parts of wedding planning until you actually try to do it. Suddenly you’re trying to please six different body types, color opinions, budgets, and vibes all while staying true to your own wedding vision.

Don’t stress. From our point of view as a wedding venue that’s seen hundreds of weddings in every style you can imagine, we’ve watched plenty of brides and bridesmaids figure this out in ways that keep everyone feeling confident, comfortable, and excited to stand by your side.

So if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, here’s our honest advice on how to choose bridesmaid dresses without losing your mind in the process.

1. Start With Your Wedding Vision

Before you even browse dress styles, take a second to think about your overall wedding aesthetic. Ask yourself:

• What’s the feel of your day? (Romantic and elegant? Modern and minimal? Rustic and relaxed?)

• What kind of venue are you getting married at? (Outdoors in the woods? Inside a barn? On a lakefront?)

• What season is it? (Pastels in spring hit differently than jewel tones in fall.)

Once you have a handle on the overall vibe, your bridesmaid dress choices will feel much clearer.

Venue tip: If you’re getting married in a natural setting (like at our Tennessee barn and lake venue), colors like sage green, dusty rose, burnt orange, champagne, and soft blues tend to complement the surroundings beautifully.

2. Pick a Color Palette

One big trend we’ve seen, and love, is choosing a range of shades rather than one exact color. It adds depth to your photos, feels more natural, and gives your bridesmaids some flexibility.

Example palettes that always work:

• Earthy neutrals: champagne, taupe, dusty brown

• Warm tones: rust, terracotta, peach, copper

• Cool tones: sage, forest, pale blue, steel gray

• Romantic hues: blush, mauve, wine, rose

Let your girls pick a shade from the palette that complements their skin tone and makes them feel good. It shows in the photos and in how confident they look walking down the aisle.

3. Let Them Choose Their Style (Within Reason)

Gone are the days of every bridesmaid wearing the exact same dress. And honestly, we’re glad. Your bridesmaids are all different people, with different bodies and preferences so giving them the chance to choose a style that works for them goes a long way.

We’ve seen a lot of brides do this successfully by:

• Picking a designer or brand, and letting bridesmaids choose their preferred neckline/sleeve style

• Giving them a general guideline (floor-length, satin fabric, no high slits, etc.) and trusting them to stick to the vision

• Sending out a shared Pinterest board or color sample to keep things cohesive

Just make sure you give clear communication and visual references up front. Otherwise, people will start guessing and that’s where it can go sideways.

4. Think About the Venue and Terrain

This is a big one that many brides don’t think about until the week of the wedding.

If you're getting married in the woods, near a lake, or at an outdoor barn venue like ours, you’ll want to consider:

• Length: Long dresses work beautifully but may pick up some dust or grass remind your bridesmaids to bring the right shoes.

• Fabric: Lightweight fabrics like chiffon and satin move beautifully in outdoor settings, while heavy fabrics (like velvet) can be great for fall/winter.

• Footwear: If the ceremony is on grass or gravel, high heels can be tricky. Encourage block heels, wedges, or even cute boots.

We’ve seen bridesmaids show up with sky-high stilettos only to sink into the grass at every step. Trust us—give them a heads-up.

5. Respect Everyone’s Budget

Your girls love you, but they’re also probably spending quite a bit to be a part of your day. Between dresses, travel, gifts, and hair/makeup, the costs can add up fast.

Be upfront and realistic about what you’re asking them to spend. If possible:

• Choose dresses under $200 (many great options are in the $100–$150 range)

• Look at retailers like Azazie, Birdy Grey, Revelry, or Lulus for budget-friendly styles

• Give plenty of time to order, try on, and exchange if needed

And if you do want something more custom or higher-end, consider covering part of the cost yourself if you’re able.

6. Plan for the Weather

Outdoor weddings are beautiful, but they come with the elements. Think ahead so your girls are comfortable all day.

Here are some extras to think about:

• Wraps or shawls for cooler evenings (especially in spring/fall)

• Fans or parasols for sunny summer days

• Clear umbrellas for unexpected showers (they look great in photos too)

We’ve had more than a few bridesmaids grateful for a denim jacket, blanket scarf, or backup flats tucked in their bag.

7. Coordinate Hair and Makeup Plans

While not directly tied to the dresses, hair and makeup style can make a big difference in the overall look. Once you’ve chosen a dress vibe, flowy and romantic? sleek and modern? share your vision with your bridal party.

It helps to:

• Decide if you're paying for professional hair/makeup or if it’s optional

• Communicate whether you want updos, soft waves, etc.

• Give everyone time to prep (especially if they need trials or appointments)

The more you plan ahead, the smoother the morning will go and your photos will have that extra-polished, cohesive look.

8. Don’t Forget Final Touches

Once the dresses are picked and ordered, be sure your bridesmaids have time for:

• Alterations (nearly all dresses need some tweaking for fit)

• Proper undergarments (nude, seamless, strapless bras, etc.)

• Matching accessories (or guidelines for jewelry, if you have a look in mind)

• Shoes that work with the dress and the venue

Remind everyone to bring their dresses steamed and ready to go especially if you’re traveling or staying onsite for a wedding weekend.

Final Thoughts from the Venue

We’ve seen bridal parties in full matching gowns, mix-and-match dresses, and even mismatched jumpsuits and the common thread in all the best ones? Everyone looked and felt like themselves.

As a wedding venue, we can’t stress this enough: when your bridesmaids feel confident and cared for, it shows in the energy of the day. The hugs are tighter, the laughter is louder, and the support feels real.

So take a deep breath. Pick a color you love. Give your girls some flexibility. And remember, it’s not about the perfect dress. It’s about the people wearing them and the memories you’re making together.

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