Skip to content
40 wedding topics · 26 free tools · New: The Wedding Planning Command Center, from $48.50Look inside
THE WEDDINGBLUEPRINT
Shop

Bridesmaid & wedding party attire: Bridesmaid dresses

Matching, mix-and-match or one color in different styles — choose comfort and a budget everyone can manage.

The key points

  • Agree a budget first
  • Let people choose styles in one color
  • Order early for sizing
  • Comfortable shoes

Quick answers

Who pays for the bridesmaid dresses?

Traditionally each bridesmaid pays for her own outfit. If you choose something expensive or specific, consider covering part of it, or let people choose their own dress in a color.

Budget & who paysAll questions

Who pays for bridesmaid dresses?

Traditionally bridesmaids buy their own. If you choose an expensive dress or require specific hair and makeup, it is kind to cover part of the cost or make it optional.

Budget & who paysAll questions

Should bridesmaid dresses match the wedding colors?

They should coordinate, not necessarily match. Mixed shades of one color, or one color in different styles, often looks more natural.

Flowers, color & décorAll questions

What bridesmaid colors suit everyone?

Mid-tones like sage, dusty blue, mauve, terracotta and soft navy tend to flatter most skin tones.

The wedding partyAll questions

The planning letter

One calm, useful email at a time.

A short note for your planning season: one idea worth knowing, one tool to try, and a reminder of what matters this month. No spam, ever.

Occasional emails, easy unsubscribe. Privacy policy.

We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Functional cookies (session and page variant) are always set. See our Privacy Policy.