It’s the New Year and whether you’ve recently said yes (congrats!) or are finally buckling down on planning the wedding, 2018 calls for making moves. You already know there is a plethora of to-dos to check off on the list, from booking a DJ to brainstorming the menu, and one of the most challenging decisions to make is on bridesmaid dresses. We're here to help by breaking down the latest bridesmaid dress trends.
It’s undoubtedly an honor to be a part of a bridal party, but your longtime beloved confidantes deserve to equally look and feel gorgeous and confident as you do on the big day. So, where do you start? How do you narrow it down and choose an option your girls will actually love and wear post-wedding? After securing your wedding dress, color scheme and vibe of the ceremony, we suggest browsing the latest bridesmaid dress trends for a stylish, fresh result that will never read dated or overdone.
This year’s trending designs are chicer than ever, swapping traditional silhouettes for those more elevated and fashion-forward. Think standout details and unexpected fabrications from elegant shoulder-baring stunners to glitzy sequin gowns that won’t upstage the bride.
Take a peek at the 7 bridesmaid dress trends of 2018 and shop our favorite picks your squad will adore.
See more: How Much Is Too Much to Make My Bridesmaids Spend on a Dress?
Cold Shoulder
Off-the-shoulder dresses aren’t new, but the latest iteration of the cold shoulder achieves utter elegance. Slinky long sleeves, floaty frilly armbands and slung-over draped fabrics reveal skin in the chicest, modest manner, while lending interest to her silhouette.
Long sleeve cold shoulder chiffon bridesmaid dress, $179.95, White by Vera Wang available at David’s Bridal
The Angela, $234, Fame and Partners
Style 21551, Price on request, Morilee Madeline Gardner
Cold-shoulder blouson chiffon bridesmaid dress, $159.95, David’s Bridal
Florals
Painterly botanicals are perfect for spring and summer nuptials and is a beautiful choice if you don’t want to restrict yourself to just one color. It adds dimension and pops against your white dress.
Farrah print printed chiffon, $285, Jenny Yoo
Brianna long print, $290, Joanna August
Style 1571, Price on request, Allure Bridals
Rome dress, $428, Reformation
Beaded
If you’ve chosen a princess look for yourself, opt to dress your party in ornate beaded designs that suit both full-lengths and minis. We recommend ethereal shapes in soft, delicate hues for a dreamy moment you and the girls will never forget.
One shoulder beaded gown, $300, Adrianna Papell
Beaded trumpet gown, $300, Hayley Paige Occasions
Climbing blossom embellished embroidered tulle mini dress, $500, Needle & Thread available at Net-A-Porter
Sequins
Are you a glamorous bride who leans away from anything remotely dull? Coincidentally, sequins rendered in deep hues are increasingly popping up and are guaranteed to brighten up fall and winter weddings. Outfit your ladies in moody sparkles that will complement your gown, not overshadow it.
Elle sequin, $281, After Six available at The Dessy Group
Elson, $330, Watters available at Brideside
Tiered Ruffles
Stacked frills are unabashedly romantic for weddings. They’re made modern when finished off with a flirty neckline such as a V-neck or crossover shoulders that read fashion-forward over saccharine.
Alice tulle, $210, Weddington Way
Tiered dress, $328, Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids available at Shopbop
Danielle Off the Shoulder Tiered Crepe Dress, $172.00, WAYF available at Nordstrom
Velvet
Seeking an alternative to the usual lineup of crepe and chiffon? Velvet for bridesmaid dresses is unexpected and provides a hint of drama thanks to its luxurious touch. Colors appear rich against the lush fabric, an exquisite style your bridesmaids will cherish.
Katia dress, $240, BHLDN
V-neck velvet sheath dress, $99.95, Teeze Me by Choon available on David’s Bridal
Pleated Velvet Kimono Midi Dress, $72, ASOS
Celestial Inspired
Another 1990s trend making a major comeback for bridesmaids (and brides too!) is all things celestial-inspired. We already love celestial manicures and hair accessories, and we're predicting we'll see loads of cosmic bridal parties this year.
(Michelle Star dress in Tulle, $325, Joanna August)
Chelsea dress in starry night embroidered tulle, $325, Jenny Yoo
Brenda dress in star tulle, $325, Joanna August
