Bridesmaids - SouthBound Bride

Long Mix & Match Pastel Bridesmaid Dresses

1 October, 2015 by gaby

While it may be October officially today, we’re sticking with spring pastels for one more day so I can bring you this lovely roundup of long pastel bridesmaid gowns. Because really, this mini trend is too lovely not to. And, while I still love cute little ice cream pastel dresses on BMs, the latest version of the look is a little softer and a little more grown-up, with pale pastel shades and long lengths. Whether they’re paired with boho flower crowns or lush bouquets, these mix and match lineups of long pastel bridesmaid dresses are sure to make both your girls and your photographer very happy. I’ve gathered some lovely inspiration from real weddings, as well as some pretty dress options for mix and match pastel dresses for you to shop.
*Shopping sources in this post use affiliate links. This means SBB may earn a commission if you make a purchase from our links.

10 Ways to Style Sequin Bridesmaid Dresses

28 August, 2015 by gaby

You’ve probably figured out by now that sequin bridesmaid dresses are kind of a favourite here on SBB – let’s be honest, they look completely gorgeous and glamorous and they always make our pretty-loving hearts lift a mile. But by now you also know there are a ton of options for how to actually put that sparkly ensemble together. Long or short? Solids or skirts? Same dresses or mismatched? Well, we can’t make the decision for you, but we can do what we do, and bring you some delicious, glittering inspiration!Read More

Donna Morgan Serenity Collection

10 August, 2015 by gaby

Since glamour is the word round SBB this month, I can’t think of a better time to share this particular little collection with you! You’ve probably figured out by now that beautiful, glam, embellished bridesmaid dresses are a big fave for me, so I was absolutely over the moon when I saw Donna Morgan’s latest collection, Serenity. Not only are these dresses GORGEOUS and versatile, and will be a real focal point for any wedding, but they’re that rare and wonderful thing: bridesmaid dresses your girls will want to wear again afterwards. And with this much glitter and sparkle (as well as dreamy chiffons and soft floral prints), in a range of beautiful, ready-to-mismatch colours, who could blame them? I suspect we’ll see a couple of brides turning up in them too!Read More

Get the Look: Floral Print Bridesmaid Dresses

30 July, 2015 by gaby

Floral print bridesmaid dresses are taking over the world, you guys. Or at least, the catwalks, as well as our pretty little wedding corner of the world (which basically means you’re spoilt for choice if this is the look you choose this season). I probably don’t need to wax lyrical about how pretty and versatile floral patterns are, but just in case you’re not yet convinced (see our previous roundup here), I’ve rounded up some fresh inspiration from around the web. And just to make it extra sweet, you’ll find some gorgeous shopping suggestions for flower print bridesmaid dresses below too, so you can get the look for your own grown-up flower girls.
This post includes affiliate links. SBB may receive a commission on any sales made.

Flower Dresses for Flowergirls

20 July, 2015 by gaby

Since we’re already head over heels for everything floral print this month, from cakes to wedding dresses to bridesmaid dresses, we certainly couldn’t leave out the little ladies that make up the short end of your bridal party – after all, they’re called flower girls! As it happens, there are so many gorgeous floral mini-bridesmaid dresses, many so gorgeous that I wish they made them in big-people sizes too. Even if you don’t incorporate any other floral or botanical elements in your wedding, I can’t think of a prettier way to dress the little ones for a spring or summer celebration. So let’s get inspired! As always, you can click on any of the product images to shop, and visit our brand new Flower Girl Boutique board on Pinterest for regular finds.

Ruffled Bridesmaid Dresses

22 June, 2015 by gaby

We already know that you brideys love a bit of ruffle on their wedding gowns (and their wedding cakes, for that matter) – and why wouldn’t you? Ruffles are awesome. But I also LOVE me some ruffly bridesmaids dresses! Whether it’s just a little bit of a rosette detail on a colour or cuff, a softly ruffled chiffon number, or a full scale ruffly skirt or dress, it always catches the eye. It’s the texture, of course – and I also think that ruffles have a bit of whimsy and romance to them. A bit of Parisian froufrou maybe? I don’t know. Whatever it is, I thought it was high time we got some inspiration, both from real brides, and from our favourite shops.Read More

DIY Beauty Gifts for Bridesmaids

10 June, 2015 by gaby

I remember when I was little – every Christmas my mom would go to Woolies and pick out little gifts for her girl friends – sniffing all the different flavours of soap and talcum powder (do they even still make this?) and hand cream. I loved helping her, but I didn’t totally get why she would buy them all something similar when she was such a thoughtful gift giver – it seemed like a token gift. Roll on adulthood, and I totally got it. Because when you give someone you love a little something for bath and body, what you’re really giving them is a moment of personal indulgence, an excuse to pamper themselves, a tiny break from the rigours of daily life. Personally, I really love getting little pamper gifts and for a while I’ve been wanting to try making them (because something homemade is always extra special). As it happens, I think these would also make great budget-friendly bridesmaid gifts, especially if you make up a basket for each of your girls to let them know how much you appreciate all the spoiling they’ve been giving you. Here are 15 fab DIY tutorials that will help you do just that.Read More

Bridesmaid Dresses with Long Sleeves

20 May, 2015 by gaby

You know what always makes me feel a bit sad? You know when you see those pictures of a winter or autumn wedding, and there’s the bride in some fancypants wrap or fur-look stole or whatever looking snug and cold-weather-stylish, and then you see the bridesmaids and they’re standing there in the same little strappy dresses that their summer cousins were wearing, freezing their bazoomas off. Shame. Of course, stylish wraps for the entire party are always an option, but recently a chic (and practical) option has been popping up in more and more real weddings – long sleeve bridesmaid dresses! Yep, dresses with long sleeves aren’t just for the wedding gown now. From shiny sequined minis to sleek long black dresses, we are absolutely loving this look. So let’s get inspired! And shop. Because we can. *Shopping sources in this post use affiliate links. This means this site may earn a commission if you make a purchase from our links.

Floral Print Bridesmaid Dresses from Plum Pretty Sugar (PPS Couture)

4 May, 2015 by gaby

Well, this morning we were all about autumn, but this afternoon we’re taking a step back into spring and summer for a second, because I have the most beautiful collection of bridesmaid dresses to share with you from Plum Pretty Sugar‘s new PPS Couture line. I mean, I’ve seen and been crushing on floral print dresses for some time, but these really take the cake. You may already have spotted them on a couple of the US wedding blogs, but with gowns this gorgeous (and dreamy pics by the legendary Jose Villa), I just had to share them with my lovely South African brides too. The four gowns in the collection are made from silk and chiffon, and are full of pretty little details to complement the ethereal floral prints (which just happen to mix and match to perfection). With boys names (cute!) but a distinctly feminine aesthetic, I have a hard time picking my fave. And just in case you think they’re out of local reach, you’ll be happy to know that PPS ships worldwide.Read More

Embellished Bridesmaid Dresses

17 April, 2015 by gaby

One of my favourite types of SBB post is our bridesmaid fashion posts, because it gives me a chance to indulge in the latest fashion and lust over some gorgeous gowns and gown trends. And if there’s one current gown trend that really makes me get my ‘ooh’ on, it’s long, embellished dresses – those beaded and sequined beauties that immediately raise the style stakes when you see them on a bridal party. Even better, a mismatched bridal party, so there’s multiple dresses to fall in love with. If you’ve been loving this trend, you’ve probably noticed that there are a couple of specific dresses that have become synonymous with this look, and that those dresses happen to have been designed by one label, Adrianna Papell. Available in both the US and UK (and of course, shipping to SA from either), I’ve seen these gowns on everything from whole bridal parties, to maids of honour, to brides themselves (they’re perfect for an elopement or reception dress, or for a really chic engagement shoot look). Basically, we love Adrianna. So I thought it was high time that we did a post specifically dedicated to her dresses, and to this absolutely gorgeous bridesmaid look. As always, just click on any of the product images below to shop (or for UK shopping links click here).Read More