How To Choose The Best Fabric For Your Bridesmaid Dresses

Amongst the many decisions you have to make for your wedding day lies the bridesmaid dress. Not only the bridesmaid dress but the color, fabric, and style. This can seem overwhelming when there are so many beautiful dresses to choose from. Bridesmaid dresses have evolved so much over the past few years. Now more than ever, you have plenty of options to choose from. In today’s post we’ll go over the many different fabrics you can choose from so you can see which is best for your bridal party. 

Choosing your bridal party is the fun and easy part of wedding planning. Choosing the bridesmaid dress is not always the easiest nor funnest when you have a crowd of women to please. You want to be respectful of each woman’s body type, size, and preference. All while still choosing a dress and color scheme that will fit the style and look of your wedding. When choosing the right bridesmaids’ dresses you want to consider the right fabric. It’s crazy to think, but the fabric of a dress can completely dress up or dress down your wedding. For instance, if you’re have a romantic night time wedding a beautiful velvet floor length dress would be perfect. If you’re having a casual day time beach wedding you may want to go with something more like charmeuse. It’s a silky, light, delicate fabric and won’t be overly hot in the summertime. 

Choosing The Right Style and Fabric for Bridesmaids

This can be a controversial topic so take it as it comes. When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your girls, keep in mind some fabrics will be more restricting than others. This can make it difficult for those who maybe need more of a forgiving fabric. It’s always a nice gesture when considering the fabric, to ask your bridesmaids their thoughts on what fits them best. That way you can get a general idea of where everyone stands and possibly meet in the middle with everyone’s needs/wants. You don’t want to be that bride that forces someone to where something that they just aren’t comfortable in. Another great idea is to go try on different dress with them so everyone can see how each fabric feels! 

Bridesmaid Fabrics For Summer Weddings 

Chiffon 

Chiffon fabric is amongst the most popular fabrics for bridesmaid dresses. It’s lightweight, soft, airy, and doesn’t cling to the body. A lot of brides like it because it is so versatile. There are many different types of chiffon like crinkle chiffon that has more of a wrinkled texture. All very breathable fabrics. Chiffon dresses would be perfect for beach weddings during the warmer months since it is such a lightweight fabric and your girls won’t get to hot. It is also more of a sheer fabric and is a good choice if you want that look for the big day. 

Crepe 

Crepe fabric can be used in the warmer months but only if it’s lightweight. Some crepe fabrics are made from wool making it less than ideal for a summertime wedding. It can also be made from silk fabric or a synthetic fabric that has a very distinct crinkle and bumpy appearance. Most also have a more matte finish as well. It can really be used during the warmer months or the colder months depending on the type you choose. Many find it a popular choice since it is versatile.

Jersey 

Jersey fabric is super stretchy and lightweight for the most part. It’s a stretchy knit fabric that is super soft and makes for a durable fabric. It can be worn in the warmer months or cooler months depending on the thickness of the material. Many people choose jersey fabric for the comfort and casual look it gives. This is an ideal choice if you’re going for comfort!

Lace

Lace is a classic fabric and adds a nice touch to your wedding decor. Having lace fabric on your bridesmaid dresses can really dress things up a bit. There are different styles of lace as well. It can be very lightweight for warmer months depending on the fabric underneath the lace. It’s a great option if you are going for a more vintage feel and would be beautiful for a garden wedding. 

Mesh

Mesh fabric is incredibly breathable. When most hear the word mesh they think cheap but there are actually some beautiful mesh dresses. It’s similar in weight to net and/or tulle. Many will find mesh dresses to have sparkling sequins or beads on them making them extra glamorous. 

Best Bridesmaid Fabrics For Colder Months 

Velvet

Such a rich & classic material. Velvet can be on the heavier side so it would be perfect for winter weddings. I have seen some wear velvet during warmer months but I can only imagine how hot that would be. Traditional velvet is woven and can be sort of stiff. They are usually made from poly knit fabrics with a velvet finish. Velvet gives the perfect look for evening wear and seems to be the most popular dress fabric for bridesmaid dresses, especially during winter months. 

Faille 

Faille is a woven fabric that is on the heavier side. It has a slight ribbed/crinkled texture that is on the stiff side. Many say it has a crisp texture. This dress is perfect with puffed sleeves or pleats because it holds structure very well. It’s the perfect choice if you like a structured look. This elegant fabric is perfect for evening weddings on a cooler night during fall or winter. 

Bengaline

Bengaline is a type of fabric that has a silk like sheen and is more of a stretch woven fabric. It’s also known as drapey bengaline and it’s very sturdy/durable. Perfect for structured silhouettes, it’s a excellent choice for a formula winter wedding or fall wedding. 

Tulle

Tulle can be born in cooler months depending on the amount of layers present. Sometimes tulle fabrics will come with many layers making it pretty warm. The layers are also necessary because tulle can be very sheer. Tulle has a similar feel to net and mesh. It can be soft or it can be rather rough deepening of the fibers being used. 

Where To Find Free Swatches?

Yes, you heard us, free swatches! This is a new thing many companies are offering so that brides can choose a fabric before placing an order. Birdy Grey is an online store that sells bridesmaid dresses, grooms attire, robes, pajamas and all wedding party related stuff! You can order up to 3 free swatches. This is a great way to get a feel for the fabric before ordering a whole dress/order. It’s also great for checking out colors too, you get the best of both worlds all in one place. We call that a win/win!

Of course there are so many fabrics out there to share about but these are the most popular. When looking for fabrics it’s always best to go to a store and try them on. There’s nothing quite like seeing and feeling something in person. So many online stores can be misleading when it comes to pictures so beware of shopping online. Whatever you choose, have fun and enjoy the process! This is bringing you one step closer to your wedding day and that couldn’t be more exciting! 

Let us know in the comments below which fabric you like best?

From all of us at Oui Jolie Bride, congrats!