Casual vs. Black-Tie Weddings: Your Ultimate Bridal Party Dress Guide
These bridesmaid dresses are everything.
Whether you’re going for a super formal wedding with black-tie attire or the complete opposite, your bridal party dresses should absolutely fit the part. That’s why it’s important to understand and know the real differences between how to dress for black-tie weddings and how to dress for casual weddings. A black-tie wedding calls for long, formal bridesmaid dresses while a casual dress code is going to signal shorter hemlines, and lighter fabrics. Whether you’re going for black-tie or casual, here are a few of our favorite styles plus a few tips for the taking!
Black-Tie Bridesmaid Dresses
What to wear to black-tie weddings? Start by searching for floor-length dresses with added details like long sashes, allover beading, and heavier fabrics. Start right here with five of our favorite dresses for formal weddings.
1. This Black-Tie Bridesmaid Dress in Deep Ocean Blue
It doesn’t get more black-tie than a structured fabric in a fitted silhouette with off-the-shoulder sleeves. In a dark ocean blue color like this one, all you really need are the tuxedos.
2. This Black-Tie Cranberry Bridesmaid Dress
Black-tie dresses don’t have to be structured or fitted. Style this long flowy chiffon bridesmaid dress (pictured here in “cranberry”) with sparkly earrings and polished hairstyles (up or down!).
3. This Black-Tie Petal Pink Bridesmaid Dress
For a black-tie wedding in the summertime, try a soft petal pink color like this dress by Kleinfeld Bridal Party. The beading on the bodice makes it special, while the higher waistline is totally forgiving and easy to wear.
4. This High-Neck Burgundy Dress with a Lace Bodice
The lace bodice on this long burgundy bridesmaid dress is sophisticated enough for even the most formal wedding while the open back detail gives it that modern edge that your bridal party will love to wear.
5. This Long V-Neck Black Satin Bridesmaid Dress
Fitted, formal, and easy to wear–the perfect formula for a black-tie bridesmaid dress! (You’ll also love the super open back on this design by Kleinfeld Bridal Party.)
Casual Bridesmaid Dresses
What to wear to casual weddings? Our advice: Start your bridesmaid dress search by looking to patterned fabrics and lighter, casual colors like dusty blues and pinks and pastels. Start right here with five of our favorite dresses for casual weddings.
6. This Short, Casual Bridesmaid Dress in Skyway Blue
Casual weddings call for laid-back bridal party looks, like this knee-length chiffon bridesmaid dress with a halter straps and a sweetheart neckline.
7. This Casual Vine Printed Dress with Off-The-Shoulder Sleeves
For somewhere in between cocktail and casual, try a tea-length hemline. The silver and ivory vine print on this style gives it that something special that you won’t see at every wedding..
8. This Casual Black Floral-Printed Bridesmaid Dress
Talk about a wear-it-again bridesmaid dress style. This long, black, flower-printed dress with flutter sleeves and a V-neckline would be just right for a casual wedding in late summer or early fall.
9. This Pink Floral-Patterned Bridesmaid Dress
This one is easy to wear and just right for a summery ceremony and reception. Send a link of this pretty, patterned bridesmaid dress to your besties as your top pick, and they’ll love you forever.
10. This Casual One-Shoulder Bridesmaid Dress in Denmark Blue
It’s the asymmetrical neckline that gives this bridesmaid dress a casual vibe. Get it in this dusty blue hue for an outdoor casual wedding in spring or summer.