19 curvy bridesmaid dresses you are guaranteed to love (2024)

FAQs

What is the most flattering fabric for bridesmaid dresses? ›

For a more petite bridesmaid with a smaller chest, wearing any dress style without a bra won't be a problem. However, if you're curvier with a larger chest you might feel uncomfortable, unsupported, and even self-conscious in a bridesmaid dress without a bra.

The infinity dress offers an infinity of possibilities. It is a draped skirt on which are sewn two bands to tie. This is the way we tie the bands that will determine the shape you want to give to the dress.

Traditionally, the bride and her family are the ones who pay for the bridesmaids' dresses. However, it's becoming increasingly more common for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses. It's also traditional for each of the bridesmaids to wear the same outfit, which will complement the bride's beautiful dress.

Chiffon is airy and lightweight, making it ideal for daytime or warm-weather weddings. Mesh is made of a comfy stretch fabric that breathes well. Crepe is a soft, stretchy, and textured fabric that works year-round. Satin is smooth, silky, and luxe — ideal for spring, summer, and early fall weddings.

Choose Lightweight Fabrics.

For plus size bridesmaids, try to avoid clingy or tight fitting materials. Instead, we recommend a simple lace or lightweight chiffon that will drape over her curves.

Long or maxi bridesmaid dresses are certainly the most popular and commonly used in a wedding. They are designed to fall to below the ankle and possibly even touch the floor slightly.

Brides with a generous wedding budget may offer to pay for bridesmaids dresses, but it's customary (and expected) for bridesmaids to pay for their own dress. Brides may offer to help contribute to bridesmaids who are students or are between jobs.

While generous, that's still an exception to the norm. Generally speaking, bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories; they may also be required to foot the bill for hair and makeup appointments and transportation to the wedding.

What is an illusion wedding dress? ›

Illusion: A mesh, see-through component of a wedding dress. An illusion neckline refers to the mesh that holds the neckline together. An illusion back refers to a back that appears open but typically has buttons that line up in the center of the back.

Alternatively, some couples may even provide each bridesmaid with a portion of the cost. While this is incredibly generous, the modern approach is still very much the exception, and bridesmaids should still expect to pay for their own dresses and accessories, as well as hair and make-up appointments.

"We often see the maid of honor assist in covering the cost of the bridal shower (often in conjunction with a family member of the bride), covering her own costs and some of the costs of the bride for the bachelorette party (in conjunction with the rest of the bridesmaids), her own travel to and from the wedding, a ...

If you're being specific about what they need to wear, it's good form to pay for it or at least offer some money towards it. If you're not able to cover the cost of your bridesmaids' dresses, make sure you communicate this early on and are really clear about it.

That said, the bride or the bridesmaids will pay for the bridal party's hair and makeup. Some brides cover the cost of glam as a “thank you” to their friends for supporting the wedding. However, this isn't always the case. Weddings are expensive, and some brides can't afford hair and makeup for a large bridal party.

In general, A-line dresses, empire waist dresses, and wrap dresses are the most flattering. And remember…you can always add a belt to create the shape you want!

Flattering fabrics

Stretchy materials are usually best. You want something that pulls into you. Spandex blends are great. The key is to have the dress tight enough that it gives you a great shape, but not so tight that it shows every single part of you (and stops you breathing!)

Chiffon and satin and silk are all great fabrics and theres no rule about what materials make a black tie wedding black tie, but crepe just has a little elegant oomph to it. It has weight to it without being heavy and it has just a little bit of luster that catches the light.