Weddings are S-T-R-E-S-S-F-U-L. Between the vows, venue, flowers, food, guest list and gown, wedding plans have a way of taking over your life. And maybe that’s to be expected…a little. After all, it’s your wedding. You want it to be great! And that’s why you’ve asked some of your closest friends (and that one cousin your mom insisted you include) to be a special part of the big day. But how stressful do you want your wedding plans to be for them?
They’re already planning the shower and the bachelorette party and have marked off a big summer weekend to celebrate your love. Are you really going to make them do it in something that looks like leftover curtain fabric? We’ve assembled a handy list of beautiful, flattering, fashionable bridesmaid dresses that won’t make anyone rethink that fateful day their friend requested them after a second-year keg party. And these dresses will look gorgeous grouped together next to you and your life-partner-to-be! To keep things extra-friendly, we’ve included cheaper versions of dresses over $150. Celebrating your union shouldn’t leave anyone bankrupt, and it doesn’t have to!
Another option, and one that’s often forgotten, is letting your friends choose their own fashionable bridesmaid dresses.This is the holy grail of bridesmaids’ experiences. It’s so unbelievably hard to find a dress that works on all body types and with all skin tones and makes everyone feel equally comfortable. Letting your individual friends pick their own dresses is really the only way to 100% guarantee everyone’s happiness. This might mean letting go of plans you had for photos or a colour scheme, but isn’t it ultimately better to have everyone around you as happy as possible on the so-called happiest day of your life? THINK ABOUT IT.
1/10
bridesmaid dresses jcrew
Why they’ll love it: Ain’t no one gonna be mad at a classic LBD, least of all this one from J. Crew, who have the “elegant but relaxed wedding” game on lock.
J. Crew Elsa Dress in Leavers Lace
($275, jcrew.com)
2/10
bridesmaid-dresses-zara-crochet
Why they’ll love it: All white for your bridesmaids will have them feeling like boho Pippa Middletons or a bunch of Kate Moss’ bridesmaids. White is a fun, summery colour, and having the entire bridal party in white is a nice way to unify the group and take the pressure off the couple. Plus, high street stores like Zara, TopShop, and H&M are brimming with white dresses in the summertime.
Why they’ll love it: An A-line shape flatters almost every body type, while the V-neckline elongates necks and allows a hint of cleavage to attract some groomsmen. Plus: no bridesmaid in history has ever been mad at a sleeved dress.
Jasmine Wrap Front Dress With Full Skirt($43, asos.com)
5/10
asos-maxi-pleated-dress
Why they’ll love it: A maxi dress can be a problem on shorter gals, but if everyone is wearing heels you’ll just have a bunch of tall gorgeous creatures and no one will be too upset. Straps are important, because the truth of the matter is no one wants to wear a strapless dress at an event that includes both shooters and a photo shoot.
Why they’ll love it: The colour and cut are flattering on a variety of body types, and this is, no foolin’, something you could actually wear again. How perfect would these look at an afternoon garden wedding?
Ivy Terrace Embroidered Dress from Ruche ($65, shopruche.com)
9/10
bridesmaid-dresses-modcloth-kimono
ModCloth has this fun, flattering kimono for $29.
Jack by BB Dakota Blue and Me Forever Dress($29, modcloth.com)
10/10
bridesmaid-dresses-two-birds-convertible
Why they’ll love it: You can wear this dress up to 15 different ways, just by tying the top how you’d like it. So ladies who want to wear a bra can do so, and your boyfriend’s sister who just haaaaas to have her shoulders out can do so as well. Basically, it gives your bridesmaids the illusion of control, but still lets you pick their dresses.
 to be a special part of the big day. But how stressful do you want your wedding plans to be for them?
They're already planning the shower and the bachelorette party and have marked off a big summer weekend to celebrate your love. Are you really going to make them do it in something that looks like leftover curtain fabric? We've assembled a handy list of beautiful, flattering, fashionable bridesmaid dresses that won't make anyone rethink that fateful day their friend requested them after a second-year keg party. And these dresses will look gorgeous grouped together next to you and your life-partner-to-be! To keep things extra-friendly, we've included cheaper versions of dresses over $150. Celebrating your union shouldn't leave anyone bankrupt, and it doesn't have to!
Another option, and one that's often forgotten, is letting your friends choose their own fashionable bridesmaid dresses. This is the holy grail of bridesmaids' experiences. It's so unbelievably hard to find a dress that works on all body types and with all skin tones and makes everyone feel equally comfortable. Letting your individual friends pick their own dresses is really the only way to 100% guarantee everyone's happiness. This might mean letting go of plans you had for photos or a colour scheme, but isn't it ultimately better to have everyone around you as happy as possible on the so-called happiest day of your life? THINK ABOUT IT.
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