The Bridesmaid Dress Guide
Everything you need to choose, style and order bridesmaid dresses — from picking colours that suit the season to dressing a whole bridal party in different shapes. Written by the team at Rewritten, designers of contemporary, mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses.
What colour bridesmaid dress is best for a winter wedding?
For a winter wedding, the most flattering bridesmaid dress colours are deep, rich tones: chocolate brown, burgundy and chianti, forest green, black, and burnt orange. These shades photograph beautifully against winter light and seasonal foliage. If you want something softer, champagne and warm neutrals give a winter palette a lighter, more romantic feel.
Explore the relevant ranges: brown bridesmaid dresses, forest green, black, dark and black-tie tones, and champagne.
What are the best bridesmaid dress colours for each season?
As a quick guide:
- Spring: blush pink, sage green, dusky blue and champagne — soft, fresh tones that suit lighter daylight. See blush pink and green.
- Summer: bright, saturated colours like hot pink and bold blue, plus airy neutrals for outdoor and destination weddings. See bright & colourful and blue.
- Autumn: burnt orange, olive and sage green, caramel and chocolate brown — warm, earthy shades. See burnt orange and earthy & neutral tones.
- Winter: deep berry, forest green, chocolate, black and champagne (see above).
How do you style mismatched (mix-and-match) bridesmaid dresses?
The easiest way to do mismatched bridesmaids well is to keep one element consistent and vary the others. Pick a single colour palette — for example two or three tones that sit together — and let each bridesmaid choose the neckline and silhouette that suits her. Alternatively, keep everyone in the same colour but mix the styles. This gives a coordinated look while letting each person feel comfortable and confident.
Rewritten dresses are designed to mix and match across colours and shapes for exactly this. See our full mismatched bridesmaids guide and order fabric swatches to check tones together before you commit.
How do you flatter different body types in the same wedding party?
The key is choosing one colour or palette and offering several silhouettes within it, so each bridesmaid can pick what flatters her shape. Halterneck and wrap styles suit those who want bust support; flowing A-line and bias-cut skirts flatter most shapes; and adjustable or tie details allow for a comfortable, personalised fit. Because every bridesmaid wears the same fabric and colour, the group still looks cohesive in photos even though the styles differ.
Browse silhouettes such as halterneck styles, and see our plus size options for extended sizing across the range.
How do you style a bridesmaid dress?
To style a bridesmaid dress, start with the dress as the anchor and keep accessories simple so the bridal party looks coordinated. Add metallic or nude heels, delicate jewellery, and a clutch or small bag; a wrap or shawl works for cooler venues. For a modern look, let the dresses do the talking and repeat one accent — the same shoe tone or earring — across all the bridesmaids. Many Rewritten styles are designed to be re-worn afterwards, so choose accessories you'd happily style again.
For finishing touches, see bags and hair accessories, and our blog for styling guides and wedding inspiration.
How far in advance should you order bridesmaid dresses?
We recommend ordering bridesmaid dresses at least 3 months before the wedding to allow time for delivery, trying on, and any alterations. If your party is spread across different locations, ordering early also gives everyone time to confirm sizing using a size guide or swatch.
How do I choose the right bridesmaid dress size?
Use our size guide to measure bust, waist and hips, and compare against the chart for each style. If a bridesmaid falls between sizes, size up — it's easier to take a dress in than let it out. You can also order fabric swatches to check colour and feel before buying, and most styles can be adjusted; see our alterations guide.
Can bridesmaid dresses be altered?
Yes. Most Rewritten dresses can be altered for a perfect fit — common tweaks include taking in the waist, adjusting straps, and hemming the length. We recommend having alterations done close to the wedding date once everyone's measurements are settled. See our alterations guide for what's possible.
What fabrics are Rewritten bridesmaid dresses made from?
Our dresses are made from premium crepe and satin fabrics chosen to drape well and photograph beautifully. You can order fabric swatches to see and feel the material and colour in person before ordering, and our care guide explains how to keep each fabric looking its best.
Can bridesmaid dresses be worn again?
Yes — Rewritten dresses are designed to be re-worn, not retired after one wedding. Many styles double as wedding guest, cocktail or occasion dresses, so bridesmaids get genuine wear out of them afterwards. Choosing a re-wearable style is also a more sustainable, better-value approach to bridesmaid dressing.
How much do bridesmaid dresses cost?
Rewritten bridesmaid dresses range from £90 to £175 in GBP. We also offer dresses under £100 and seasonal sale styles for budget-conscious parties.
Do you ship bridesmaid dresses internationally?
Yes. We ship within the UK and internationally. Delivery times and costs are set out on our delivery & returns page, and international customers can find duties and tax information on our international shipping page. Typical UK delivery is 2 working days; international is 5 working days.
Can I see the dresses in person?
Yes — you can book an appointment at our London showroom to try styles on and see colours in person. Book a showroom appointment here. If you can't visit, order fabric swatches to check colours at home.
Ready to start? Browse the full bridesmaid dress collection, or get in touch with our team for help choosing.