If you're a bride-to-be planning your wedding, you'll want to know the hottest trends for your bridesmaids.
The good news is that you and your bridal party have a wealth of stunning options for dresses, hair, accessories, and more this year.
Here's an overview of some of the top bridesmaid trends for 2024 and a look at their strengths.
Bridesmaid Dresses: Matchy or Mismatched
One of the decisions you'll need to make is whether to match bridesmaids' dresses or allow some mismatched styles.
Matching dresses can create a very uniform, elegant look. But mismatched dresses are fun too—they let each bridesmaid's personality shine through.
For 2024, both matching and mismatched bridesmaid dresses are fashionable. Just pick the option that best fits your wedding vibe and bridesmaids' tastes.
If going matched, consider picking a style, designer, or particular color but allowing the members of your bridal party to choose their own silhouette or neckline to suit their body types.
For mismatched bridesmaid dresses, give your bridal party a color palette to pull from. That way they can pick unique dresses but that ultimately coordinate.
Here are a few more bridesmaid dress trends to be aware of.
Dress Colors
In terms of color trends for bridesmaid dresses, jewel tones like emerald, ruby, and sapphire are in. These rich tones pair beautifully with metallics like rose gold and gold for a luxe, opulent style.
Pastels are still pretty popular too, with shades like lilac, powder blue, and peach lending a soft, romantic vibe.
Navy is another safe classic that works for any time of year or wedding style.
When selecting colors for your bridesmaid dresses, think about choosing one dominant color like blue and then having each bridesmaid pick a different shade, like sky blue, navy, or dusty blue. This keeps things cohesive while still allowing for individuality.
Dress Materials
When it comes to the fabrics for your bridesmaid dresses, flowy chiffons, crepes, and lightweight satins are perfect for the warmer months. These materials drape beautifully and won't leave your wedding party sweltering.
For fall and winter nuptials, velvet, brocade, and heavier-weight satins keep bridesmaids comfortable and chic.
Lace bridesmaid dresses also work year-round and provide timeless elegance. Look for on-trend lace details like illusion sleeves or backs rather than head-to-toe lace dresses.
Relaxed Bridesmaid Dresses
In addition to more formal dress options, relaxed bridesmaid dresses are also a trendy choice. These comfortable, effortless styles allow your bridal party to feel at ease throughout the wedding day. Flowing chiffon, jersey, or satin wrap dresses are great examples of relaxed bridesmaid dresses.
Dress Patterns
For a whimsical spring or summer wedding, bridesmaid dresses in breezy floral prints are big this year.
Chinoiserie prints with watercolor blooms are one ethereal option for outdoor nuptials. Midi-length wrap dresses with bold, splashy florals are right on trend, too.
Elegant solids, metallics, or Art Deco-inspired patterns like geometric shapes or scallops make a rich style statement for a black-tie wedding.
Sleeves
The sleeves or sleeve length on bridesmaid dresses provides another opportunity to mix up your wedding party's look.
Off-the-shoulder and cold-shoulder styles are still a popular choice for tastefully showing some skin.
Long sleeves lend elegance for fall and winter.
For outdoor summer events, short and capped sleeves will help you make sure your brides feel comfortable.
Dress Cuts
When it comes to the silhouette and cut of bridesmaid dresses, there are lots of flattering options to suit different body types:
A-line dresses are universally flattering with their fitted top that flows out to a wider skirt. For curvier figures, an A-line with a V-neck helps draw eyes up. An empire waist A-line works well for petite brides.
Another great option is to go with wrap bridesmaid dresses, which cinch in the waist and hug curves in all the right places. Jersey wrap dresses are comfortable, while satin or lace wraps are more formal.
Slip dresses are effortless and elegant. Made of satin, silk, or chiffon, the slender column silhouette flatters taller, slender frames. Add a sheer overlay for more coverage.
Skater dresses have a fit-and-flare shape that flatters a woman's natural waist. The swingy, bouncy skirt is youthful and fun for casual or formal weddings.
Sheath dresses are figure-hugging with a slim skirt. Look for strategic ruching or shapely seams to accentuate curves. Sheaths work best for slender or athletic builds.
Trumpet or mermaid dresses accentuate hips and thighs with a narrow skirt that flares below the knee. These sexy silhouettes look gorgeous on hourglass figures.
Bridesmaid Dress Embellishments
Enhance your bridesmaid dresses with pretty embellishments. Here are some on-trend ways to elevate a dress:
-Sequins, crystals, and beading add eye-catching sparkle. Spotlight them on the skirt, bodice, or straps. Opt for artful, minimal embellishments rather than all-over bling.
-Lace elevates any dress style. Use it for sheer long sleeves, illusion necklines or backs, or as an overlay on skirts. Go for delicate rather than heavy lace.
-Ruffles bring playful movement to dresses. Cascading ruffles down skirts or sleeves add drama. Or just use some flirty trim.
-Cutouts show a tiny bit of skin tastefully. Keyholes above necklines or on backs work beautifully.
-Metallic fabrics like satin lend instant luxury. Try rose gold, silver, or bronze for shimmer.
-Add dimension with 3D floral appliques. Roses, calla lilies, or crystals clustered into corsages make a pretty focal point.
Necklines
Neckline details provide another opportunity to make bridesmaid dresses unique.
Off-the-shoulder and sweetheart necklines remain popular for showing just a touch of skin. More modest boatneck, jewel, and square necklines offer coverage while still being chic.
Consider mixing and matching different necklines within your bridal party. For example, you could do an off-shoulder look for some while others wear a high boat neck. Just be mindful of your venue and overall formality—more revealing styles may not suit a formal church wedding.
The key is finding necklines that flatter each bridesmaid while keeping an overall cohesive aesthetic on your big day.
Bridesmaid Hairstyles
You also have a wide range of trendy hairstyle options for your bridal squad.
Braided looks are still going strong, especially loose braided updos or fishtail braids.
Low messy buns are laid-back yet elegant.
For a more formal wedding, polished high buns or neatly straightened hair never go out of style.
Take the season and dress style into account when deciding on bridesmaid hairstyles. Make sure they'll match the formality of the dresses and accessories. It's also thoughtful to consider your bridesmaids' hair types and lengths, not just current trends.
Bridesmaid Jewelry
When it comes to bridesmaid jewelry, coordinating necklaces or earrings can add a synchronized touch without going overboard.
Simple pendant necklaces or dainty drop earrings in the same metal and color keep things unified but unfussy. For example, each bridesmaid could wear a small gold disc necklace paired with their unique dress choices.
Another option is to encourage each bridesmaid to pick her jewelry rather than matching everything exactly.
Shoes
Nude, blush, or metallic heels are solid choices for bridesmaids' footwear. The neutral or shimmery shades complement most colors.
Thin ankle strap sandals or classic pumps work for both formal and casual weddings. If wearing long dresses.
Consider letting your bridesmaids choose their own shoe styles since they won't be visible. Just set a heel height minimum to keep everyone even.
For warm-weather weddings, fun embellished flats, espadrilles, or block-heel sandals allow bridesmaids mobility and comfort. Add pops of color like bright blue or pink shoes under patterned dresses. Just keep things in the same color family.
Bridesmaid Bouquets
Cascading bouquets of lush blooms let bridesmaids make a stylish statement coming down the aisle. Peonies, roses, ranunculus, anemones, and hydrangeas make stunning handheld arrangements. For a unique twist, hang bouquets from wrist corsages to keep hands free.
Alternatively, a few stems make simple yet elegant bouquets. Have each bridesmaid carry just three to five stems of a coordinating flower like white Snapdragons or blush roses. The minimalist route creates an organic, effortless look.
These are just a few of the many trendy options brides have for dressing and accessorizing their bridesmaids. The most important tip is keeping their comfort, budget, and personal styles in mind while creating a cohesive wedding day look. Take inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram, but don't overdo matching details. Let your bridesmaids feel beautiful and like their best selves as you gather your close friends and family to celebrate your marriage.
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