35 Unique Bridesmaid Dresses Your Girls Will Want to Wear
There are so many alternatives to traditional bridesmaid dresses. We've picked our favourites to get you - and your bridesmaids - feeling inspired, from cool and contemporary looks to romantic boho
The traditional bridesmaid look isn't for everyone. That's why we've put together an edit of beautiful, unique bridesmaid dresses that will keep everyone happy.
Just as there are many different kinds of wedding dresses, you have a range of alternative bridesmaid options to consider. Whether you're leaning towards boho, a mismatched bridesmaid look or sleek and contemporary, keep an open mind. The main things to bear in mind are your bridesmaids' personal styles and the overall feel of your wedding.
The amount of input you have into their outfits depends on who pays for the bridesmaid dresses. However you decide to play it, communication is key. Set up a WhatsApp group so everyone can share links to their suggestions and give (non-judgemental!) feedback.
You could start by sending them this unique bridesmaid dresses edit, to find out which are the looks they love. We've included plenty of gorgeous options, including dedicated bridesmaid brands and ranges as well as high street picks we think would be perfect for your maids. Of course, they don't all have to wear the same one - don't be afraid to mix and match.
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1. Halfpenny London Stone Dress - £175
We've always loved Halfpenny London's cool wedding dresses, so it's hardly surprising that we've fallen head over heels for their bridesmaid range, Sister. There are so many note-perfect styles in different colours, all of which pair beautifully together, and they're available in sizes 6-22. For us, the stand-out is the Stone dress, which features a contemporary fluid silhouette. If any of your bridesmaids prefers more definition, they can always add a belt.
2. KITRI Studio Manon Rose Print Dress - £155
KITRI's dresses have been all over the smartest Insta feeds for a while now, and this is a great brand to choose for a fashion-forward yet bewitchingly pretty bridesmaid look. We've pulled out the Manon dress because it's a shining example of what makes the designs so chic: an on-trend silhouette meets a vintage-inspired floral.
3. Rewritten Seville Dress - £195
Want a co-ordinated bridesmaid look without being too matchy-matchy? Check out Rewritten's ultra-chic collection. Their seven designs are available in 11 colours, so you can have your bridesmaids in the same dress but in different hues, or keep them in the same colourway but let them choose their own styles. If it's the latter, we bet several of them will be plumping for the Seville dress, with its shoulder ties and a-line skirt. Styles are made to order, but there are boutiques around the UK where you can try them on to be sure of the sizes.
4. Needle & Thread Rococo Bodice Maxi Dress - £240
Boho meets ballerina in this romantic Needle & Thread dress. The tulle skirt has shimmering sequins to catch the light, and it pairs perfectly with the floral bodice. There are other pretty styles in this bridesmaid collection, to create a beautifully mismatched effect.
5. & Other Stories Smocked Midi Dress - £75
This & Other Stories midi is giving us serious Marianne-in-Normal-People vibes - and that can only be a good thing. We think your bridesmaids will love the easy-wearing silhouette, with a fitted bodice leading into a flowing skirt.
READ MORE: Black Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Style of Wedding
6. Vanessa Cocchiaro Henrietta Dress - £405
There's a growing trend for white bridesmaid dresses, and that's a look we can get behind. You'll still stand out as the bride - unless, of course, you choose to put them all in wedding dresses - but the overall effect is very striking in photos. This Vanessa Cocchiaro dress is a real beauty of the bridesmaids-in-white genre, with the long sleeves and demure skirt offset by a plunging neckline and open back.
7. Zara Tie-Up Flowing Dress - £29.99
Traditional bridesmaid dresses are midi or maxi, but there's nothing to stop you from going for a shorter style. This Zara dress is the colour of a perfect summer sky, and the drapey silhouette makes it a good bet for higher temperatures. Your bridesmaids can each give it their own personal twist through shoes and accessories.
8. Grace Loves Lace Silky Satin Midi - £180
Grace Loves Lace are known for their boho-sexy wedding dress. This divine slip is definitely more on the sexy side, and we love every inch of it: just look at the way that silky satin caresses the body. It's also available in dusky pink and off white, but olive is ideal if you want to move away from pastels.
9. Maje Tie-Dye Scarf Dress - £290
Bridesmaid dress but make it fashion: this satin Maje gown has a bang-on-trend tie-dye print, making it ideal for brides and bridesmaids with their eyes on the catwalks. The side openings add an extra dose of freshness.
10. Reformation Butterfly Dress - £300
A real wear-again dress, Reformation's Butterfly comes in different patterns and colours, so your bridesmaids can co-ordinate in the same style while choosing something that suits their own aesthetics.
READ MORE: Bridesmaid Shoes: The Best High Heels, Mid Heels and Low Heels
11. Gini London at Silk Fred Strappy Pleated Mini Dress - £28
This pleated dress is both bargainous and beautiful. Have all your bridesmaids in white or, as it also comes in black, blue green and pink, ask each of them to wear a different shade.
12. Anthropologie Trixie Tulle Midi Dress - £160
As part of her Anthropologie collaboration, designer Alice Archer has taken the humble slip dress and elevated it with a tiered tulle overlay. This romantic midi makes for a bold, fabulous look for bridesmaids.
13. Cos One-Shoulder Organic Cotton Dress - £99
Here's one for the minimalist bridesmaids. This unique Cos dress has a cool, sculptural shape thanks to that twisted-drape front, and the dark grey fabric is sophisticated. Buy now
14. Show Me Your Mumu at Revolve Savannah ruffle dress - £173
If you're looking for unique bridesmaid dresses, we suggest considering a print that's an alternative to floral. This vibrant, lemon-print dress feels fun and fresh, and has a flattering silhouette. The straps are detachable.
15. Sézane Graziella Dress - £170
Add a note of French insouciance to your bridesmaids' look with this Graziella dress. It's a fabulously feisty floral, and we love the way its styled here with multi-layered necklaces, for a boho effect.
READ MORE: 16 Best Places to Buy Bridesmaid Dresses Online
16. H&M Lyocell-Blend Dress - £34.99
Lilac is a classic colour for a bridesmaid, yet this H&M style is anything but traditional. It features puff sleeves, plus an on-trend voluminous skirt, which can easily make a dress feel heavy. However, the fact that the skirt and sleeves here are part-transparent gives the look a summer-perfect delicate lightness. Buy now
17. Solace London Anya Midaxi Dress - £196
Solace London are known for the way they combine contemporary design with glamour - and the Anya dress is no exception. It has the elements of a classic bridesmaid dress: pretty mint hue; long skirt length (a 'midaxi' is almost a maxi); pleats. The shape and details, however, make the whole thing feel totally fresh.
18. Sister Jane Sky Plume Mini Dress - £75
Volume is key to an on-trend look - and this Sister Jane dress has plenty of that. The feather fabric is unusual, and we love the serene shade of blue.
19. Self-Portrait Cream Chiffon Midi Dress - £370
Self-Portrait have a real knack for coming up with those want-it-now dresses. Their tiered cream midi, for example, has that rare balance of romance and cool, and would be a delightful option for your bridesmaids.
20. Mango Short Sequin Dress - £79.99
Nothing says 'party' more so than sequins, as this dazzling Mango dress shows. Cocktail-hour glamour at its finest.
READ MORE: The Best High Street Bridesmaid Dresses
21. Cult Gaia at Revolve Izabel Dress - £601
Yes, it's a real bank-balance-botherer, but we had to include this Cult Gaia dress. The greenery print would work brilliantly for bridesmaids at a botanical-influenced wedding, whether a country garden party or a city celebration.
22. Zara Draped Dress - £59.99
This satin Zara dress is so sophisticated: fluid, figure-skimming and with a stylish high neck. Pared-back glamour at its finest, and perfect for an autumn wedding.
23. Rat & Boa Catarina Dress - £130
Fashion insiders' favourite Rat & Boa have some seriously sexy dresses. We were tempted by a see-through leopard gown, but decided that might be a bit too much for a bridesmaid. Instead, we're pulling out the Caterina gown, with its unique print, cowl neck and sultry silhouette.
24. Sézane Carlotta Dress - £175
Picturing your bridesmaids in an on-trend smock dress? The Carlotta smock is one to know - that poppy print is cool and unsual, and there's the perfect amount of volume without risk of totally swamping the figure.
25. ASOS Edition Mini Batwing Dress - £125
This easy-wearing ASOS Edition dress would be a real showstopper for bridesmaids at a winter wedding. The mirror discs will catch the lights beautifully as they head to the dance floor.
READ MORE: 21 Winter Wedding Tips: How to Plan the Ultimate Winter Wedding
26. Free People Darian Lace Mini Dress - £187
This lace beauty would sit perfectly at any kind of wedding, but we're picturing it at a boho affair. The silhouette is simple, all the better to showcase that luscious lace as well as any accessories your bridesmaids want to add.
27. Mint Velvet at John Lewis Janie Maxi Dress - £109
Ignore the ill-advised bra choice in the picture and focus on the joyousness of this floral maxi. The orange colour, geometric pattern and beaded embellishments make it ideal for a uniquely lovely bridesmaid dress at a festival wedding.
28. KITRI Studio Rochelle Vintage Floral Dress - £145
The '70s vibe of this heavenly floral dress keeps it on trend, while still being utterly romantic. The silhouette is perfectly judged, from the high neck to the fluted sleeves.
29. Karen Millen Ruffle Side Sequin Dress - £129
Let your bridesmaids shine in this unique sequin dress. We usually associate sparkle with metallics, so the pretty blush colour is a welcome change.
30. H&M Chiffon Dress - £24.99
We love the boho vibes of this bargain H&M dress, with romantic floral print and free-flowing shape. If you're looking for bridesmaid dresses with sleeves for summer, this is a great option.
READ MORE: Summer Weddings: 56 Gorgeous, Inspiring Ideas Your Guests Will Love
31. Rixo Carmen Dress - £295
We never knew folk could feel sophisticated - until we saw Rixo's Carmen dress. The prettiness of the floral embroidery is balanced by the plunging neckline and figure-skimming silhouette. This is one your bridesmaids will wear again and again.
32. & Other Stories Flowy Square Neck Dress - £65
Made from slinky cupro fabric, this & Other Stories dress is the perfect base for your bridesmaids to build their unique individual looks through hair, makeup, shoes and accessories. The square neck keeps it feeling current.
33. Mango Puffed Sleeves Sequin Dress - £119.99
If you want a fashion-forward bridesmaid look, this Mango mini has to be a contender. That strong, on-trend shoulder puff sets up a flattering silhouette.
34. Lemlem at Far Fetch Belted Ruffled Midi Dress - £355
What an absolute treat this summer dress would be for your bridesmaids. A magical colour combination; pretty ruffles; a unique bodice - and all from ethical designer Lemlem, who work with independent artisans in Africa.
35. For Love & Lemons at Revolve Versilla High Low Dress - £230
What a beauty: pretty without being sugary, For Love & Lemon's Versilla dress features perfectly judged ruching and a high-low hemline. A real winner for a summer wedding or celebration in sunnier climes.
Once you've agreed the dresses, it's time to think about those finishing touches - check out our edit of beautiful wedding jewellery for bridesmaids.
