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5 of the best bridesmaids dresses for 2021 weddings
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Last year thousands of weddings across the world were postponed due to COVID-19. This year, although many states in Australia are allowing small gatherings, the trend has moved away from big showy weddings to intimate, elegant occasions.
This trend is reflected in what bridal parties are wearing. Brides and grooms are wearing more unconventional attire, which means their bridesmaids are too.
Gone are frou-frou, pastel gowns, replaced with stylish - and sometimes surprising - dresses.
Here’s a rundown of this year’s bridesmaid dress trends.
Blues and greens
There’s a move away from traditional pastel pink dresses to muted blues and greens. Expect to see sages, olives, and dusky blues make an appearance at weddings this year - these colours are perfect for understated ceremonies and outdoor events.
This moss-coloured Tansy Satin Charmeuse Maxi Dress, $220, from BHLDN is chic and understated, and the cross-over neckline flatters larger busts too. It also comes in a dusty blue.
Prints
Prints on bridesmaids dresses can be a way to introduce some fun to a wedding party, and also as a way of ensuring the bride stands out against a sea of patterned friends.
The Marble Lilia Dress by Ginia RTW, $339.95, gives a sophisticated and subtle print in a beautiful cut.
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Darker colours
In a post-COVID world, classic is back - which means darker colours are becoming popular again in bridal parties.
To avoid dark colours looking boring, expect to see flattering silhouettes that show off flashes of skin - although not enough to detract from the bride, of course.
The Cosmopolitan Dress in Ink by Sheike, $169.95, is a great example of how dark colours can be elegant rather than staid.
Feature dresses
Although the bridesmaids should never detract from the bride, this year we're seeing small extra touches on bridesmaids dresses that give a subtle note of detail.
Expect to see interesting necklines, bows, low-cut backs and beautiful stitching on women in wedding parties this year.
These little touches, such as on the Baci Bow Midi Dress, $407.40 by Rebecca Vallance, look great in photos, and can bring a high-end feel to an otherwise low-key event.
Short dresses
As many weddings this year become less formal and more about having fun, short bridesmaid dresses are on the up.
Expect bridal parties to be sporting flirty gowns that are less about being demure, and more about getting the party started.
The Belle Printed Ruffle Mini Dress, $425, from Reiss is fun and fashionable - and would be great on the dance floor.
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