25 Unique Bridesmaid Dresses from Real Weddings

Bridesmaids in Baby Pink Satin Dresses Smiling With the Bride — Photo by Will Reid

You’ve probably given a lot of thought to the dress that you will be wearing down the aisle, but another important attire-related task on your wedding to-do list is choosing your bridesmaids’ attire. In the past, the bridal party typically wore the same style gown in one specific hue, and while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a matching outfit for your group, many modern brides have been rethinking the traditional cookie-cutter attire to spotlight their crew’s individuality and ensure that they feel confident in what they’re wearing.

A majority of brides give their bridesmaids permission to pick a frock of their choosing (that suits their personal style and body type) as long as it sticks to a color palette that she designates, which might look like a single hue, different shades of a particular color, or multiple mismatched tones—from lilac and baby pink to emerald green and navy. Some even opt for getups with patterns or embellishments, like a floral print for a garden-inspired soirée or sparkly ensembles for a glamorous function.

Meet the Expert

Erika Plackowski is a bridal stylist based in Detroit, Michigan, who has 15 years of experience styling clients.

Whatever you choose, bridal stylist Erika Plackowski recommends considering the season, venue, and aesthetic of your wedding when selecting the colors, fabrics, and silhouettes of bridesmaid dresses, so you create a cohesive look. For instance, velvet burgundy gowns will draw on the surrounding landscape of an autumnal affair at a barn, whereas baby pink satin designs will work for outdoor nuptials in the spring. Another key factor to keep in mind, according to Plackowski, is coordinating your bridal party’s looks with your own wedding dress. “I tell my clients that when your bridesmaids are standing next to you, make sure you all look like you’re attending the same event,” she says.

Still unsure what your crew should wear on your big day? We’ve compiled a list of 25 unique bridesmaid dresses from Real Weddings that are sure to inspire you.

01 of 25

A Chic Champagne Dress Code

Bride in Lace Wedding Dres and Bridesmaids in Champagne Dresses — Photo by The Lockharts

Champagne is one the most sought-after bridal party hues at the moment—the light metallic color is chic, flattering, and extremely versatile. We especially love this shade when paired with satin or silk fabrics, particularly if your big day is taking place at an upscale location with a luxe aesthetic, like this French-inspired wedding at an estate in Texas. A pair of matching diamond drop earrings and bright-and-airy bouquets will tie your group’s looks together.

02 of 25

Garden-Inspired Getups

Bridesmaids in Pink Floral Dresses and Bride in Lace Wedding Dress Beneath Floral-Covered Tree — Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

If you’re hosting a wedding with a garden-inspired theme or you’re tying the knot outdoors in a blooming courtyard, bridesmaid dresses with floral prints will suit your celebration. Since these settings and aesthetics tend to fare best with warmer seasons and climates, try a bright-and-cheery color palette, like the various shades of pink at this fusion wedding in Amalfi, Italy, to evoke warmth.

03 of 25

Soft Pink With a Sleek Fabric

Bride in Galia Lahav with bridesmaids in soft pink silk dresses by The Bar — Photo by Will Reid

There are so many shades of pink to choose from for your bridesmaid dresses, but baby pink is a subtle tone that will complement your bridal whites and make a statement without diverting attention away from you. This light hue will look extremely ethereal and elegant when your crew makes their entrance at any type of affair, particularly spring or summer soirées. You can even take cues from this bride at her Italian-inspired wedding and highlight your maid of honor by asking her to wear a ruffled style, while the rest of your bridesmaids sport satin.

04 of 25

Cheery Yellow Frocks

Portrait of Bride and Bridesmaids in Yellow Dresses — Photo by Irina and Matej

A symbol of happiness and optimism, yellow bridesmaid dresses will lift everyone’s spirits. This color conjures up images of the blazing sunshine and blooming beds of flowers, making this the perfect choice for outdoor functions in warm weather. Instead of prescribing a singular shade, have your bridal party don various tones, from saffron to lemon (which this bride selected for her minimalist late-summer fête).

05 of 25

A Navy Blue Hue

Bride in Strapless Mermaid Dress and Bridesmaids in Navy Blue Gowns — Photo by Kelley Williams Photography

Navy is another versatile hue that works for virtually any setting, season, or theme, whether it’s a nautical seaside escape in the summer or an autumnal bash in the forest. This deep shade is always timeless, and it adds a formal feel to any event. You can even use it as a vibrant pop added to an otherwise neutral-colored affair, like this bash in California. Not to mention, picking this tone will adhere to the “something blue” wedding tradition.

06 of 25

Bright Orange Halter Gowns

bride with her wedding party in orange halter dresses — Photo by Alexandra & Vladimir Nadtochiy

Looking for a fun, distinctive color for your bridesmaid dresses? Consider a bright orange. This striking hue makes a statement just as much as other more traditional picks, like pink or green, but it doesn’t feel overdone. We also love how this color is adaptable—it matches the vivacious foliage in the fall, but it also speaks to the blossoming landscape in the warmer months. If cohesion is your goal, consider the same style dress, like these halter gowns that appeared at this modern soirée in Montenegro.

07 of 25

A Deep Green Palette

Bridesmaids Wearing Dresses in Various Shades of Green — Photo by Laura Murray

For those who want a consistent color scheme without looking too uniform, try a medley of hues in the same family for your bridesmaid dresses. Various shades of green, such as mint, sage, and teal (which were seen at this backyard affair in Los Angeles), will look stunning on display at a spring garden celebration or a summer beach bash.

08 of 25

Pale Purple Chiffon

Bridesmaids in thistle colored dresses holding bright bouquets — Photo by Molly Carr Photography

If you want to make a subdued splash with your bridesmaid dresses, stick to a light shade of purple, like the thistle tone of the gowns at this elegant function at a French château. This iteration of purple rivals a neutral shade, but it offers a gorgeous cast of color. A free-flowing, movable fabric, such as chiffon, will feel comfortable on your loved ones and look dreamy in the light tint.

09 of 25

Summery Sherbet Shades

Bride and Bridesmaids in Colorful Gowns — Photo by Liz Andolina Photography

Summer is one of the most in-demand seasons to tie the knot, so if you’re a summer bride, consider a dazzling mix of sherbet shades for your bridesmaid dresses, from fuchsia to canary. You can definitely stick to solid tones, but you can also pull in a few floral-printed designs, such as the ones at this colorful gathering in Vermont. For an out-of-the-box touch, swap traditional bridesmaid bouquets for parasols—both a practical and stylish accessory for the season.

10 of 25

Dusty Rose Ensembles

Brides in Strapless Mermaid Dress and Bridesmaids in Dusty Rose Dresses — Photo by Glorianna Chan

Another shade of pink that has a richer and more luxe feel is dusty rose. While light pink is better suited for spring and summer, this deep iteration is ideal for autumnal soirées, such as this romantic one in Atlanta. For black-tie weddings, opt for a silk or satin fabric. You can also add dusty rose blooms to the bridal and bridesmaid bouquets for a color-coordinated look.

11 of 25

A Creamy Ivory Base

Portrait of Bride and Bridesmaids in White Gowns — Photo by Bo Shim

Many brides want to have their moment in a white dress, but if cohesion is your priority, white bridesmaid dresses will deliver—just make sure that you choose textures and silhouettes that are wildly different from your gown. This creamy hue is timeless and versatile, so it complements any type of wedding, like this intimate affair at a Brooklyn botanic garden. The neutral shade also gives you the opportunity to play with color in your bouquets and ceremony design.

12 of 25

Fiery Red Attire

Portrait of Bride and Bridesmaids in Red Dresses — Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

What used to be a wedding fashion faux pas, wearing red to a wedding, is now a widely-embraced trend. This sultry shade can look moody or lively, depending on the coexisting décor, and it isn’t limited to a certain time of the year or venue. For example, at this fall wedding at a winery in Brooklyn, the bridesmaids sported red dresses that channeled the colors of the changing leaves and the harvested grapes.

13 of 25

Pretty in Pastels

Portrait of Bride and Bridesmaids in Pastel Dresses — Photo by Shannon Moffit

Pastels just scream spring. Millennial pink, peach, light azure, and tangerine (which appeared at this simple-and-sweet wedding in Virginia) are light-and-airy hues that will coordinate with the budding flowers that define the season. A flowing chiffon material will also work with the climate and color scheme.

14 of 25

All-Black Strapless Designs

Bridesmaids in Strapless Black Dresses With Bride and Flower Girls — Photo by Niki Marie Photography

Black used to be an overlooked color option for bridesmaid dresses, but it has become one of the top choices. This dark hue is flattering on everyone and suitable for any type of wedding—it can convey luxury, drama, or timelessness, depending on how you use it. For a classic, formal look, consider strapless floor-length gowns with all-white rose bouquets, such as the ones at this chic fête at a Chicago hotel.

15 of 25

Baby Blue Garments

Brides and Bridesmaids in Gray Gowns and Suits — Photo by Kristin La Voie Photography

Baby blue bridesmaid dresses radiate serenity and whimsy, and the color pairs beautifully with a white wedding dress. For a dreamy look and feel, opt for draped chiffon and free-moving flutter sleeves. You can also settle on a sleeveless design with a deep V-neck (like the cut at this botanical garden wedding in Chicago) for warmer-weather affairs.

16 of 25

Sage Green Slip Dresses

Bridesmaids in Sage Green Tea-Length Satin Slip Dresses — Photo by Meredith Campbell Photography

Sage green is another on-trend hue that’s dominating the wedding space. If you’re saying “I do” at a celebration with a botanical or nature-focused aesthetic or setting, this earthy, grayish-green color will mesh well with the décor and landscape. For cocktail or semi-formal dress codes, have your crew sport tea-length gowns, like the ones at this moss-covered bash in Savannah.

17 of 25

Colors of the Rainbow

bridesmaids in multicolor gowns create a rainbow lined up with bride — Photo by Studio This Is

Is color the focal point of your wedding, like this fun-filled celebration in Chicago? For technicolor affairs with a multitude of hues, a creative idea for your bridesmaid dresses is creating the rainbow. To pull this off, have each member of your bridal party don a different shade that’s found in this natural phenomenon: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. If you really want to go above and beyond, some of the group can even flaunt a different pattern.

18 of 25

All the Glitz and Glamour

bride with bridesmaids in gold shiny dresses — Photo by Kesha Lambert Photography

Glitzy weddings in a swanky ballroom, historic estate, or extravagant château are all excellent options to enact sparkly gold bridesmaid dresses. To make your choice, select a metallic sheen (like the garments at this elegant soirée at a Brooklyn boathouse) or a matte tint, and ones embellished with sequins or without any adornments.

19 of 25

Various Jewel Tones

Portrait of Bride and Bridesmaids in Blue and Purple Gowns — Photo by Sophie Epton

Sumptuous, saturated jewel tones mirror the chilly weather and extraordinary hues that mark the season of fall. Navy blue, plum, and teal (like the colors seen at this grand affair at a castle in Portugal) are all strong candidates, but ruby red, emerald green, and citrine yellow are also fair game. If your event and dress code fall on the more casual side of the spectrum, consider tea-length styles for your bridesmaid dresses.

20 of 25

An Earthy Rust Tint

Bridesmaids in Rust Dresses With Bride — Photo by Sarah Slover Brown Photography

Rust, a burnt red color, is eye-catching yet natural for your bridesmaid dresses. This reddish-brown tint is reminiscent of sandy shores and dusty deserts, providing a seamless look for these wedding locales. Of course, this color-focused hue will dazzle at a floral-filled ceremony and reception, like these festivities in San Miguel.

21 of 25

A Sea-Inspired Tincture

Bride with Bridesmaids in Mismatched Blue Bridesmaids' Dresses Holding Colorful Bouquets — Photo by Shannon Moffit Photography

Saying “I do” with your toes in the sand as the waves crash behind you? For coastal weddings, whether it’s on Martha’s Vineyard or in Thailand, draw inspiration from the sparkling ocean and blue skies by establishing a color scheme of assorted blue-and-green shades. A mix of turquoise, baby blue, mint green, navy, and seafoam green, for example, will prompt a tranquil, content feeling.

22 of 25

A Vibrant Pair

Bride and Bridesmaids in Pink and Orange Gowns — Photo by Hana Gonzalez

You can merge together as many colors as you’d like for your bridesmaid dresses, but for a more manageable plan, opt for two hues. Instead of wildly different options, choose ones that are complementary, such as the blazing orange and hot pink dresses that these women wore to a vibrant, personalized wedding in Maryland. While the different shades will certainly make each group stand out, you can even vary the lengths, such as alternating long styles with mini ones.

23 of 25

Rich Emerald With Ruffled Sleeves

Portrait of Bride and Bridesmaids in Green Gowns — Photo by Perry Vaile

Emerald green is an opulent jewel tone that isn’t bound by a certain time of the year. While the plush shade is most common for cold-weather affairs, the hue communicates growth and vitality as a grounding color in spring or summer nuptials. Take, for example, these figure-hugging emerald dresses with ruffled sleeves at this carnival-themed function in Virginia. The buoyant tone matched the lush landscape and provided a base for brightly-colored bouquets to shine.

24 of 25

A Neutral Cast

Bridesmaids wearing champagne dresses — Photo by Stephanie Sunderland

No matter where you’re throwing down or what your décor looks like, beige bridesmaid dresses are a no-fail option. This pale, sandy shade will pull together a timeless, minimalist color palette, but you can also use the color as a way to direct guests’ attention—if there are other elements at your wedding that will take center stage, a neutral hue won’t overshadow the focal point.

25 of 25

An Eclectic Mix

Bride and Bridesmaids in Different Gowns — Photo by For the Love of It

If you don’t have a strong stance on your bridesmaid dresses, like this bride at her wedding at an iconic Beverly Hills residence, give your group the freedom to wear whatever they want. This is the ultimate way to let your friends and family express their personality and style and choose something that they’ll look and feel their best in.

Who Pays for the Bridesmaids' Dresses?