Choosing a bridesmaid dress is almost as a big as a decision as choosing your wedding dress. When your ladies make their entrance, it sets the style and tone for the whole day. Do you want a chic dark tone or a fun bright pastel? Maxi dress or short? Sequined sparkle or muted bo-ho? Cap-sleeves or no sleeves? V-neck or high neck? The choices can seem overwhelming.
What’s more, whatever you choose has to flatter all your friends. After all, you want your besties to feel beautiful and comfortable as they stand by your side.
What should I look for in a bridesmaid dress?
Here’s some pointers to get you on the road to finding that perfect dress.
Your dress
You are the star of the show and your bridesmaids are there to support you, not outshine you. If you’re going for a lace and sequins with your wedding dress, consider a more simple gown for your bridesmaids.
However it’s important the bridesmaids’ dresses complement your dress. If you’re going for a particular look with your wedding dress, your bridesmaid dresses and flower girl outfits should match.
Season
Bridesmaid dress traditionalists prefer pastel like pinks and lilacs in summer and darker tones, like navy, greys and dark reds, in winter. But don’t be afraid to buck the trend. It’s more important for your bridesmaids to be dressed weather-appropriate than seasonally themed.
For a summer wedding in Australia, consider a shorter skirt and no sleeves, and for winter think heavier long skirts and a shawl. They might look fab, but your bridesmaids won’t forgive you if they’re sweating or shivering while trying to pose for your wedding album.
Budget
In Australia, it’s common for bridesmaids to pick up the bill for their own outfit. If your ladies are buying their own dresses, you need to consider what they can afford. If your dream dresses come with a sky-high price tag, it might be best to rethink or look into rental options.
But cheap and cheerful doesn’t have to mean tacky. Shop around for best value.
Body shapes
We come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s good to check whether your dress comes in tall or plus-sized versions. Will your dress choice flatter your bridesmaids? Is a strapless dress going to cause bra dramas for bridesmaids with larger assets?
A-line is often a safe bet for all body shapes, particularly ones with a higher waist band. And dress with structure is more likely to suit everyone than a silky slip.
You might even want to let each lady choose their own preferred dress-shape while sticking to your colour theme.
Navy bridesmaid dresses
One colour that’s proving popular this season is navy. As a darker colour, it can help give the appearance of a smooth silhouette. And it looks good on everyone from pale roses, to tanned beach babes to dark-skinned beauties, and suits brunettes, blondes and red-heads.
Elegant, classy and timeless, it works in spring, summer, autumn or winter.
And, if your bridesmaids are choosing their own style of dress, navy can be an easier colour to co-ordinate than the million shades a pink or peach can come in!
10 Best Navy Bridesmaid Dresses in Australia
Dress shopping can be stressful. But we’re here to help! Here’s our pick of the best navy bridesmaid dresses available in Australia.
10. Chen Halter Neck Gown
Forever New $189.99
A simple but stylish halter-neck at the front, this bridesmaid dress will look gorgeous without upstaging the bride. But the dramatic back will turn heads and elevates this navy dress from wedding guest to bridal party.
Available from The Iconic
9. Sheath/Column Scoop Neck Floor-Length Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress With Ruffle Split Front
JJ’s House $147.00
With a scoop neckline, this flattering floor-length Grecian inspired gown is a bridesmaid’s dress with a difference. Pair this ruffle-skirt with sandals and a flower crown, or heels and a tiara, either way it’ll make your bridal party stand out from the crowd.
8. Navy Arianna Dress By Elle Zeitoune
White Runway $420
With a gorgeous train, this strapless curve-hugging dress pours on to the ground. It’s sweetheart neckline and waist-cinching band help create and hourglass figure and it includes detachable straps. It’s the most expensive dress on our list, but if it fits your budget it’s worth every cent.
Available to hire from $130 from Dress For A Night
7. Sparrow Midi
Pilgrim $179.95
Available in sizes six to 18, this cross-over bodice creates a gorgeous neckline while still being high-backed. And the drape over skirt flatters all hips. Your bridesmaids will be able to wear this one as a party dress once your big day is done and dusted.
6. Melody Love Dress
Review $329.99
This sleeveless and flowing dress will be perfect for a warm summer’s day. And the sequined cut-out bodice adds a touch of modest sparkle without being gaudy. Team with a navy court for a classy and elegant look.
5. Ali Bridesmaid Dress by Jenny Woo
Bridesmaids Only $380-410
4. Still Love You In Navy Dress
Showpo $99.95
This floor-length dress also comes in blush, but this navy shade has the wow-factor. If you’re not afraid to get leggy, the gorgeous split adds a touch of sexiness while the neckline is all sophistication. And it flatters shapes from petite to plus-size for an affordable price. Win!
3. Bella by Tania Olsen
Tania Olsen $299
The navy lace detail on this bodice is divine and the uneven waist band is playfully kooky while still being elegant. The flowing skirt adds a real sense of occasion and makes for a beautiful, flattering silhouette.
2. A-Line/Princess V-neck Floor-Length Chiffon Bridesmaid Dress
JJ’s House $186.00
Princess is the perfect name for this beautiful dress that’s fit for a queen! It’s simple, yes, but timeless and the floor-length skirt and small V-neck is a classy combination that suits many shapes. And with your bridesmaid looking quietly radiant, it’s your time to shine!
1. Luna Lace Cap-Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress
Forever New $189.99
This stunning navy lace dress from Forever New is our number one gown. The timeless lacy cap-sleeves and bodice ooze sophistication, while the sheer neckline makes it extra-special. It’s fully-lined to help give a gorgeous silhouette and made to flatter. For $189.99 it’s excellent value. We love it!
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