Yay, bridesmaids! As y’all have probably picked up by now, BM fashion is one of my fave parts of wedding design- even after doing this job for so long, I always do a big OOOOOH! at any perfectly styled bridesmaid party! And just when I thought I’d seen it all, this year’s bevvy of bridesquad beauties came in and made everything fresh and pretty and awesome once more. From mismatched lineups to ladies rocking the same gown, every one of these 20 examples is sure to inspire! And not just for bridesmaids, for the love of fashion too! Which makes it extra handy that we’ve included lots of shopping options. (Post includes affilate links – SBB may receive a commission on any sales.)
from LYNN-MARIE & ANDRE’S INFORMAL FOREST FEAST WEDDING
Photography: Alicia Landman Photography | Bride’s dress: Gelique
Lynn-Marie says: “I had three bridesmaids. My only requirement was that they wear short, white lace dresses. Each then chose their own dress. Although the dresses were similar, I liked the fact that each looked different.”
from MARNÉ & LUAN’S RUSTIC ROMANCE FARM WEDDING
Photography: Rensche Mari | Co-ordination: Vanilla Pod | Bride’s dress: Bridal Room
Marné says: “My bridesmaids could choose their own dresses. I felt that each bridesmaid should wear a dress that they were comfortable with and that it should be a dress that they would choose to wear. I only had two requirements: they should all be long dresses and they had to fit with our warm wedding colours, i.e. shades of pink and gold.”
from MARIKE & TOBIAS’ WHIMSICAL VINTAGE WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Joss Bridal | Photography: Claire Thomson Photography | Co-ordination: Anna H | Bride’s dress: Joss Bridal
Marike says: “I chose short dresses due to the time of the year and also because I wanted to have a contrast between myself and the bridesmaids. I choose a mauve colour dress that was fitted at the top and then had almost a tutu look at the bottom, which I must say I loved!”
from SALOME & LOURENS’ MINT & BLUSH BARN WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Davids Bridal | Photography: As Sweet As Images
Salome says: “I had five bridesmaids, all different shapes, hair colours and personalities. I decided I wanted them all in mint green dresses but they all needed to pick a dress that they loved and felt beautiful in. Each dress looked stunning and matched them and their personalities perfectly. To round off the beautiful dresses, they each had a flower crown as part of the focal point for their outfit.”
from DOMINIQUE & JOSH’S DURBAN NORTH COAST TROPICAL WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Rooi Rok Bokkie | Photography: Luke Patterson Imagery & Roxanne Davison Photography | Event design & co-ordination: Oh Happy Day
Dominique says: “I wanted my bridesmaids to be in a flowy skirt and a bodysuit top. The material of the skirt was another one of my favorite parts of the wedding. When discussing what I wanted them to wear with Jo she remembered a similar type of material that she had seen a Durban designer create (Tarryn Shepard aka Rooi Rok Bokkie). She gave me Tarryn’s number and from there we just changed the colour pallette and printed the material specifically for the wedding. It was really special!”
from JESSICA & BRENT’S ROMANTIC BAROQUE WEDDING
Photography: Roxanne Davison | Bride’s dress: Casey Jeanne
Jessica says: “I had four amazing bridesmaids, each with their own personal sense of style that I wanted to showcase through their dresses. For this reason each dress was different but followed a similar design – long, black lace with plenty of drama. I wanted the dresses to evoke the romantic moodiness that permeated the wedding on many levels.”
from CARA & MIKE’S VINTAGE GLAMOUR WINTER WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Phenomena at YDE | Photography: Jani B | Co-ordination: Neva Ward for Bright & Beautiful | Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero at Eve’s Bridal Wear
Cara says: “I think my bridesmaids are all the fiercest, most glamorous, gorgeous girls that ever walked the planet, and their dresses needed to show them off! I chose full length gold sequinned gowns that were basically both backless and frontless… and with a slit! They all looked absolutely incredible in their dresses and it made me so happy every time I caught a glimpse of one of them at the reception!”
from ANNEEN & COENRAAD’S COZY COUNTRY WEDDING
Photography: Disco Road Photography | Bride’s dress: Anna Georgina from Calegra Bridal House
Anneen says: “Although the wedding colours were dark green, I wanted the bridesmaids’ dresses to be a different colour. I do not necessarily like perfect colour coordination and due to the simple décor (especially in the chapel) I felt like the dresses should stand out. We went to go look for styles together and everyone liked the greyish blue floral patterned skirts. Kaapsehoop can be quite cold, thus the long skirts worked perfectly and looked beautiful on the day.”
from ANTHEA & BRENDAN’S RADIANT MIDLANDS WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lipsy | Photography: BrightGirl Photography | Co-ordination: Midlands Style Events | Bride’s dress: Joss Bridal Gowns
Anthea says: “My bridesmaids were very set on a navy blue colour. The girls were amazing in their dresses, they were skin tight and the silver piece over the shoulders was so delicate.”
from JESSICA & RENIER’S SCANDINAVIAN GOTHIC WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Margie Green (Bride’s mother) | Photography: Vanilla Photography | Event design: Oh Happy Day | Bride’s dress: Francois Vedemme
Jessica says: “I wanted a very slick look and something to complement my dress, super sexy and no lace. The fabric selection in SA is very limited so we had to improvise while shopping. Thank goodness for my extremely talented mom, who was literally sketching in the store. Thanks mommy for the hottest bridesmaid dresses, legs and cleavage for days! “
from KIRSTY & WES’ ROMANTIC ROSE GOLD FARM WEDDING
Photography: Tanya Jacobs Photography | Bride’s dress: Bride’s mother
Kirsty says: “My bridesmaids wore dusty pink vintage stretch lace with a high neck and down to the floor. The subtle shine of the satin through the lace looked stunning on them with a glam rose gold effect.”
from LEANDRI & ALTUS’ BERRY TONE WEST COAST WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Family member | Photography: Kusjka du Plessis | Bride’s dress: Urban Bride
Leandri says: “I chose a two-piece playful and whimsical look with a berry tone pallette my bridesmaids could choose from for the skirts. The wedding venue only allowed flats, so they chose the same sandals with gold embellishment on the top. They wore rose flower crowns and minimal jewellery.”
from CHANTÉ & FANIE’S DREAMY RUSTIC WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: YDE | Photography: Stella Uys | Bride’s dress: Casey Jeanne from Calegra Bridal House
from LUZAHN & RIAAN’S COPPER, PASTEL & GREENERY WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Hanni Design | Photography: JCclick | Bride’s dress: BHLDN
Luzahn says: “I wanted something plain and simple (to suit the theme/vibe of the wedding), yet modern and flattering for all body types. Something all of them could wear again after our wedding. I used the design of one of my own dresses in my cupboard to make their dresses. A good friend is a clothing designer with her own brand, called Hanni Design, and she made the dresses. They were in our colour scheme, with rose gold jewellery.”
from MEGAN & ANDREW’S COUNTRY GLAMOUR WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Charlotte Francina Designs | Photography: Susie Leblond | Co-ordination: Event Affairs | Bride’s dress: Charlotte Francina Designs
Megan says: “I really wanted my bridesmaids to be comfortable but I did want them more uniform than not. We decided to use the same design concept and material for all five dresses but changed the neckline according to the preference of each bridesmaid so their unique style came through. I think they all looked stunning. They are definitely unlikely to wear them again but that’s fine with me!”
from KIM & JONATHAN’S ROMANTIC FOREST WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Catherine Deane | Photography: Knit Together Photography | Bride’s dress: Catherine Deane
Kim says: “I was not the only one lucky enough to wear Catherine Deane on the day of my wedding. She also did the bridesmaids’ separates. The ensemble was the Mia cami and Anika skirt. These were done in custom colours. I had four bridesmaids, and two we did in a light sea foam, and the other two a slightly darker shade of the same colour. I decided on the separates for three reasons: the sizing in separates is quite simple, I wanted each girl to feel comfortable and they are re-wearable together or apart. Cath also dressed both moms and sisters.”
from TANYA & MIKE’S BOHO BEACH WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Woolworths | Photography: Andy & Szerdi Photography | Bride’s dress: Julia Ferrandi
Tanya says: “I always knew that I wanted my bridesmaids to wear white with me, and their dresses were one of the first wedding purchases that I made! They were white boho dresses from Woolworths and I knew they were the ones the minute I saw them! My girls were such a vision walking down the aisle, with their golden tans, blonde hair and the most beautiful greenery, ribbon and flower wreaths! They all wore matching nude shoes from Mr Price (such a bargain!) and I got them all a matching bracelet which they received as a gift from me on the day!”
from CHANEL & RIKUS’ WINDSWEPT MODERN WEDDING
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Forever New | Photography: Pritti | Bride’s dress: Diaan Daniels
Chanel says: “I decided that, for my bridesmaids, “that little black dress” would be ideal – it was elegant, flattering and absolutely timeless. Considered by many to be unconventional for bridesmaids, I believed that these black dresses were gorgeous, versatile, and something that could always be worn again. We added zest to the outfit with matching jewelry and shoes – I think they looked absolutely gorgeous – even Rikus was teary when he saw them coming down the aisle.”
from SONÉ & BARRY’S MOZAMBIQUE DIY BEACH WEDDING
Photography: Maryke Albertyn Photography
Soné says: “The outfits were island-style chiffon over a plain golden dress. Each chiffon was a different shade of coral/pink and the maid of honor wore a floral chiffon that was a combination of all the other colours. These were also made by me with help from my dearest mother.”
from CATHERINE & PAUL’S MODERN BLUSH WEDDING
Photography: Cheryl McEwan | Wedding planning & co-ordination: Creation Events | Bride’s dress: Pronovias
Catherine says: “As my bridesmaids were located across three cities on two continents, I opted for mismatched dresses, which they could choose. I gave them a budget, a neutral colour range of blush, nude and champagne, and said it must be long, so they could wear flats or heels if they wanted to. “
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