Velvet has a wonderful sheen, depth of color and drapes beautifully. 

And if you're planning a winter wedding or a wedding during the cooler months, it's the perfect fabric. 

All velvet

Dessy has created a number of bridesmaid dresses in velvet, in different styles, to suit different girls and different wedding moods. 

For a formal wedding and top notch glamor, choose Style 2998 which has a diamante belt feature. Add some chandelier earrings and diamante detail on the shoes and you're dressed to perfection. 

Of if you want to mix it up a bit, try Dessy's velvet skirt matched with a silk, strapless fitted camisole. 

The Studio Design Collection Style 4506 featured above has a black velvet bodice with a flattering sweetheart neckline, which is matched with a floaty tulle skirt available in a variety of different colors from blush to burgundy. 

Or what about separates? Choose the velvet top shown above, style Dessy T3032 and match with one of Dessy's other skirts. Choose a matte finish for the skirt in a heavier fabric or a lighter tulle for a summer wedding. 

Or maybe T3031, which has a different cut. 

Choose a velvet dress for your girls and they'll certainly want to wear it over and over again. A velvet dress is a timeless classic that every girl should have in her closet. 

So here's the thing. You're having an evening 'do' and you want your bridesmaids to look chic and elegant. 

But you don't want them to wear black. (The bride above chose midnight blue for her girls and don't they look classy)

 

A post shared by The Dessy Group (@dessygroup) on Aug 8, 2018 at 8:26am PDT

Magic in midnight. Dessy style 6767

 

A post shared by The Dessy Group (@dessygroup) on Jul 14, 2018 at 3:49pm PDT

You want them to look classy, sophisticated and stylish during evening dinner and for the dancing.

But black bridesmaid dresses? Not really. Maybe you're a little superstitious about the color. Maybe you find it a little draining on some skin tones. Maybe ... you just don't want to. 

Well, there are other colors than black which offer evening elegance and style. 

 

A post shared by The Dessy Group (@dessygroup) on Jul 4, 2018 at 8:26am PDT

Dessy style 8183

Think about some different shades of drama

If you want to go for the drama of dark shades then are plenty of hues to consider. Midnight blue - the new black. A deep aubergine. Burgundy. The darkest of dark green. Perhaps an eyecatching dark ruby red. 

You could also opt for sequins, which would work dazzlingly from day through to night. Your maids would just love wearing one of these bridesmaids dresses to channel their inner diva! 

  Left After Six Bridesmaid Dress 6786, right   After Six Bridesmaids Style 6784

A dress your maids will want to wear again and again.

One of the advantages of choosing a long bridesmaid dress in a dark color that's suitable for an evening wedding is that your maids will probably want to wear it again to another smart event because it doesn't scream 'bridesmaid'. Like a school prom if they're teenagers.

These dresses aren't going to linger in the closet unworn. They're much too glamorous. 

Left After Six Bridesmaid Dress 6794, right Jenny Packham Bridesmaid Dress JP1011

Left Studio Design Collection Style 4538, Jenny Packham Bridesmaid Style JP1005 

Think about the shades and colors that are found in the natural world and you'll realise that Nature doesn't get it wrong when it comes to blending hues.

To illustrate the point, we picked out two weddings featuring deep earth tones combined with neutrals - and we think you'll agree the color combo is perfection. 

Because there are so many shades of both, you can create a fabulous palette that will suit everyone's style and complexion.

Beach wedding

At this gorgeous beach wedding shown above, the groom and groomsmen are in cream and the bridesmaids in a rich brown - and set against that beautiful blue sky with the greenery waving in the summer breeze, the photograph taken by the talented Gia Canali makes you almost taste the salt in the air and feel the sand between your toes. Even the celebrants are working the colors.

The groom and the groomsmen are perfectly dressed for the beach in their neutral suits, color merging the two sides. (Check Dessy's similar men's classic summer suits in neutral here.)

The bride at the wedding below, photographed by the wonderful Tucker Images, chose a variety of earth tones and neutrals for her bridesmaids and just see how great they all look. She's chosen strapless gowns for all her girls - but you could mix and match the necklines as you wish. However, it's usually best to keep to one skirt length, whether you go for cocktail style or ground sweeping. 

If you're having a beach wedding, remember to choose dresses for your girls that won't float up too much (because you don't really want any of your girls having a Marilyn Monroe moment at your wedding ceremony, do you). 

All the ones we've picked out here by Dessy are suitably airy - but won't fly up in the breeze!  You're looking for a breezy, fluttery effect but with some structure. 

Left Alfred Sung Style D538, right After Six Bridesmaid style 1505

Left After Six Bridesmaid Dress 6786, right After Six Bridesmaid Dress 1515

Bateau, boat neck, off the shoulder, Bardot  - whatever you prefer to call it, this neckline is having a real moment and we think we know the reason why. 

 

A post shared by Duchess of Sussex (@meghan.markle19) on Jun 25, 2018 at 9:18am PDT

It's probably Meghan Markle - now the Duchess of Sussex - who has done the most to popularise the style, having chosen a bateau neckline for her beautiful wedding dress. 

From left: Studio Design Collection 4513, Dessy Style 3002

Who should choose a boat neckline? 

• It's great if you want to show off a slim neck and shoulders
• If you have a large tummy or bust it's flattering because it draws the eye upwards
• Good for pear and hourglass figures
• Off the shoulder - can sit on the shoulder or just below it

From left: Bella style BB112, Dessy Collection Style 3016

Remember to think about your underwear when you're choosing this style as visible bra straps are an absolute no starter. Choose a good strapless bra instead. 

Bateau necklines look wonderful with a hat as they leave a clear neckline, allowing the dress to work with the hat and vice versa. In the case of your bridesmaids, you might want them to wear flower crowns or some sort of fascinator in their hair. 

Talking of hair, a bateau neckline works best with an updo. It doesn't have to be super formal - a messy bun like Meghan's is a fantastic choice. Chandelier earrings also look amazing. 

 From left: Alfred Sung D686, After Six Style 6763

• If you leave locks long and flowing it will detract from the line of the dress - so put that hair up!  
• The other name for this neckline is a 'Sabrina' after the Audrey Hepburn film in which the heroine wears just such a style. 
• It's supremely elegant and timeless, so it will look good in your wedding photographs for a long time to come. 

However, as you know, it's always best to choose bridesmaids dresses that flatter your girls - so if one of your maids is self conscious about her waist or has a larger bustline, then a bateau neckline probably isn't for her. Ask her what she'd like to wear and browse through some alternative styles. 

Jenny Packham Bridesmaid Style JP1001 in Midnight Blue

Of course you want your maids to look wonderful as they walk behind you up the aisle. 

But when you think about it, how they look from behind is important too. (And it's how one Pippa Middleton almost stole the show at her sister's wedding.)

All eyes are going to be on your bridesmaids as they hold your train and accompany you, and people are going to be judging and thinking about what your girls are wearing. 

So you really owe it to them to make sure that they look pretty from all angles. 

Making the back special 

Take a look at these dresses, which all share something in common. They look as good from the front as from the back. We've used lace, ties, ribbon, pleats, folds ... 

Left: Dessy Collection Style 3014 Midnight Blue  Right: Dessy Collection Style 3014 shown in Platinum

Let's start with lace. This is a supremely elegant style that is 'covered up', yet superbly glamorous. Lace details are very on trend and your girls would love the form fitting cut of this design. Choose from a light, muted shade or something darker and more dramatic. Ideal for a winter wedding, don't you agree? 

Left: Alfred Sung Style D751 in Silverstone Right: Alfred Sung Style D751 in Aubergine

Here's another form-fitting dress, with quite a different look. It's probably more suitable for a spring or summer wedding but either way would translate well from afternoon through to evening. In a rich, luxurious fabric with a sheen, the criss cross back is eye-catching - as is the off the shoulder neckline. 

Left:  After Six Bridesmaids Style 6779. Right: Jenny Yoo Bridesmaid Style JY540. Both in Suede Rose. 

Ruffles are coming back into weddings big time. You're going to see them on chairs, on table displays and on bridemaids dresses, as here. If a ruffle isn't your thing, then maybe a simple tie back and a higher neckline would suit. Love this colour too. It's Mist. 

Left: Bella Bridesmaids style BB111. Right: Dessy Collection Style 3022

We think the style on the left is just shouting out to be worn at a beach wedding. It's simple and unfussy. On the right there's another idea for working with ruffles. The front of the dress is relatively unadorned, whilst it's all happening in the prettiest way possible at the back. 

Well, it's about time. Why should your maids all wear matchy matchy? The picture above shows just how cool mixing it up can be (here with sequins and chiffons).

• One style is unlikely to flatter all
• One color can look a little 'samey'
• Why not blend colors a little?

Brides are going for similar NOT identical

These days brides are starting to veer a bit away from the traditional one-for-all mentality when it comes to their bridesmaids. Instead they are opting instead for similar, but not identical styles.

This trend is catching fire. Why's that? 

• Bridesmaids get to have some freedom in their dress choice (who knew?).
• Everyone ends up looking like themselves and feeling (and photographing) their best!

Elegant summer blue! Style 2970 and 2989 in mist. 
Picture by @lindsay_hackney

By default, girls are going to choose something that's flattering and that they feel confident wearing.

A bridal party with a view. Doesn't get much better than that! Everyone is in our Alfred Sung collection in Pearl Pink

Going rogue is not an option

Giving your best gals some freedom of choice doesn't mean that you let them go rogue though. It's important to set up some pretty strict stipulations to keep everything look organised and elegant. We've outlined the rules that will ensure everyone is happy and that your bridal party looks chic and sophisticated.

1. COLOR - Choose one or two Pantone shade(s) for your ladies. If you have just a few bridesmaids (like four or less) you could get a little risky and let them choose within a color family (like deep blue). A color story is a MUST, so this point is non-negotiable. We recommend following the outlined color rule and combining it with one or two of the tips below:

2. FABRIC - Whether it's lace or lurex (just kidding!) give your girls a fabric that they must stick to. Chiffon and silk crepe are both awesome!

3. LENGTH - Just below the knee, tea length or gown length are all great options. Something we love is having your maid of honor wear a gown while all other bridesmaids go for a shorter length.

4. NECKLINE - This is less popular, but it's still a noteworthy idea. Keep it sweetheart, one-shoulder or a classic scoop and then let them run a little wild with the length and fabric!

Running to the reception in Hunter Green

Fun fact

All images used in this post are from real Dessy weddings featured on our Facebook page! And just how fabulous do these real life girls look! 

Classic, elegant, flattering for all skin tones and never dates - look at the burgundy bridesmaid dresses shown above at real weddings by Dessy and we think you'll agree. 

Burgundy (or maybe think of it as claret, merlot or deep red) is a shade that looks good on blondes, brunettes, girls with fair skin and freckles and girls with darker skins. 

Match it with lighter pinks in your bouquets and greens and you've got a really beautiful wedding theme going on. (Take a look at our Burgundy wedding theme ideas here for inspiration). 

Your little flowergirls are going to feel very grown up wearing this shade and if you don't want a block color, then match a Dessy flowergirl dress in white or cream with a burgundy sash. Very sophisticated for a little lady. 

As for your bridesmaids - the hardest part is going to be choosing which style. We're loving the mismatched bridesmaid dresses this bride chose. (Bet her friends loved having individual styles too). 

Sequins are really on trend just now and if you're having an evening wedding and want your bridesmaids in something a little slinky, then these burgundy sequin bridesmaid gowns would look completely fabulous. Choose either strapless, spaghetti strapped or maybe opt for burgundy sequin bridesmaid separates? 

And if one of your friends has announced her pregnancy you'll find burgundy maternity bridesmaid dresses here. They're so flattering and pretty for ladies in waiting!

Sometimes it's hard to decide whether your girls should wear long or short bridesmaid dresses. It really depends on your style of wedding day. If you're getting married earlier in the day and it's hot, then a short dress could be perfect. Short cocktail-style bridesmaid dresses also look sassy at evening weddings if you're having a buffet style event rather than a formal sit down dinner. The best thing to do is look at plenty of different styles and ask your girls what they think. 

We're big fans of dressing your bridesmaids in individual styles because every girl has a different shape and different styles will flatter (and disguise). So some of your girls might be happier wearing a burgundy bridesmaid dress with sleeves whilst others are happy in strapless or spaghetti straps. 

 All burgundy bridesmaid dresses featured here by Dessy - discover the full range here. 

We girls come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are tall and some are small. Some are curvy and some skinny. And many of us are between.

So when you're choosing your maids you're almost certainly going to find that different girls suit different dresses. Which we understand completely at Dessy.

That's why we've designed a range of gowns to suit every girl (and even bridesmaid dresses for pregnant ladies).

Above I've picked one of the Dessy colors - blush - and picked out four completely different dresses to show you what I mean.

For girls with curves

All of our bridesmaid dresses are available in sizes 00-30W, plus extra length for those of you who are 5'7" and taller. 

So you can browse through all our styles and know that whatever size or height you are, you're going to be able to find your dream bridesmaid dress. 

Above we have style 6706 from the Dessy Collection.

This style suits curvy girls beautifully, making the most of their figures so they look and feel fantastic. We've shown it in blush but remember with all our styles available, you can choose from an almost limitless selection of fabrics and colors. 

And your flowergirls

Being a flowergirl is an exciting moment in a little girl's life and having a pretty new dress to wear is all part of it. Our flower girl dresses range from traditional to a little more contemporary - you could even have a white or cream frock and add a colored sash if you like. We've created a range so the little ones fit in perfectly with the big girls ... and feel like a princess.

Shown above is Dessy Flowergirl style 4021 in blush.

That in-between age

Some girls are too old to be dressed as flowergirls, but too young to fit adult bridesmaid dresses - so that's why we designed our Junior Bridesmaid range. There's nothing childish about the styles or over sophisticated - we've created a flattering and pretty range so that the pre-teens feel grown up and confident.

Junior Bridesmaid dress style JR545 is shown above. How pretty is this ...

Finally, your bridesmaid friends

You want your besties to feel amazing in their bridesmaid dresses - not as though they are swamped in ruffles and frills. So our bridesmaid dresses are elegant and classic, whether you go for cocktail or full length. And we can safely say that many Dessy bridesmaids wear their dresses over and over again at posh events - they're too pretty to be left in the closet.

Above is Jenny Packham Style JP1007.

We also have some fabulous maternity bridesmaid dresses for your friends who are on the way to becoming moms. 

Have a look around our website and you'll be dazzled by the colors and choices. And check out the accessories too. You could share images with your friends on Pinterest and set up your own moodboard for your wedding. Enjoy.

As part of your wedding planning, I think you really should take time out to watch that classic old movie 'My Fair Lady' with Audrey Hepburn. It's beautifully photographed (by Cecil Beaton), romantic and funny and the most beautiful scene shows the ever-elegant Miss Hepburn dressed in black and white at Ascot.

Her outfit is the most perfect blend of sophistication and beauty and when it was last sold, in 2011, it set the new owner back $3.7 million dollars - thank goodness they threw in the hat too!

Black and white dresses are so chic

If you like the idea of dressing your bridesmaids in black and white you'll discover some fabulous two tone bridesmaid dresses at Dessy. Here are a few ideas ... 

This first one is Social Bridesmaid 8162 , a full-length, strapless dress (although spaghetti straps are optional) with a pretty marquis lace bodice and a sweetheart neckline. The scallop-edge detail at the empire waist sets off the trumpet skirt wonderfully creating a stylish hourglass shape that is SO elegant. But the dress doesn't stop there! There is a fabulous cutout detail at the back too.

Dessy Collection 2956 shown above is a striking two tone gown which you could have predominantly in black (left) or white (right). Or perhaps you'd have your bridesmaids in a combo of them both! The full-length, strapless lux chiffon dress has a sweetheart neckline and draped bodice and skirt, providing a very relaxed, easy style to wear.

For a similarly bold but totally different look, check out the sateen twill Alfred Sung D724P with its slightly shirred black and white chevron skirt (below left). Again, this full length strapless dress has optional spaghetti straps included.


I think that possibly my favourite of all has got to be the dress on the right above, Dessy Collection 8163. This full-length, nu-georgette dress has a graceful halter neckline with a framed trim at the bodice and inset waistband. And the back view? Just check this out!

How beautiful is this bow at the neck closure and gorgeous pleated detail on the back skirt?

This is one very dramatic dress that a confident bridesmaid would love to wear. 

There's no doubt about it, these two tone bridesmaid dresses from Dessy are giving Cecil Beaton's original a run for his money! I wonder which one Audrey would have chosen?

You can't have a wedding day without flowers. And florals are having a real moment right now. 

And there are some really, really pretty bridesmaids dresses around in florals for you to be thinking about. 

You can go for a bold splash floral or something a little more subtle in a faded chintz. 

Mix block shades with florals

The key is not to overdo it. In fact, some of your maids may rather not wear a floral inspired gown. In which case, dress them in a block color that complements the floral fabrics (as we've shown here). On the floral gowns you can pick out greens, blues, purples, yellows or even whites or ivory for your other maid's dress. 

Mix it up a little bit as well with different necklines. However, we suggest that you keep the base fabric similar - so the weights are the same. Also the style of gown. Florals tend to suit something more flowing than fitted, so choose block colors that echo the design.

The strapless Dessy gown on the left also comes with detachable spaghetti straps, whereas the gown on the right has a flattering off the shoulder ruffled neckline, that will be perfect for girls with smaller busts. 

Here we show you how to work color play. The chiffon gown on the left in a soft green works beautifully with the subtle florals on the right. We've chosen green but you could match with deep pinks, greens or even a gentle apricot shade. 

For a rather more dramatic effect, mix up a dark blue gown with big splashy florals. Or you could use charcoal shades here to match the flowers.

Blues are a perennial wedding favourite. This color combo would suit a romantic wedding perfectly. The dress on the left is so pretty, we're sure it won't be left languishing in the cupboard after the bridesmaid has done her duty. The windsor blue gown on the right has flattering pleating and sets off the floral fabric to perfection. 

As for accessories, if you're dressing your bridesmaids in floral gowns, then don't overdo the flower motifs on shoes, earrings, bags. Best to keep things plain and simple. However, for your maids in block colours, you can include the floral theme, maybe with some floral necklaces, drop earrings and a corsage? 

Have fun planning your floral wedding theme. 

All bridesmaid dresses featured here by Dessy.