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Bridesmaids' dresses for chilled out wedding

30 replies

Smittenkitchen · 19/02/2023 20:25

Hi, I wonder if anyone has any suggestions for bridesmaids' dresses for an August wedding in the north? I'm going to be a BM for a relative with two others. I'm going to be 4 and a half months post partum and breastfeeding, probably size 14-16 (probably 16 is more realistic!) I think other two are around sizes 8/10/12 and they're also in their early 20's where as I am in my early-mid 30's. Ideally we'd all wear the same dress but could find two different dresses in very similar tones/from same brand etc. I've been looking mostly at wrap dresses or with buttons down the front, I find either or those options fine to bf in. Budget from £50-£150. Colour is quite open, we're all related and jewel tones work well for our colouring, also blues and some purples. Emerald green was what we were thinking for a long time but might have been abandoned now. Probably nothing too sweetly pink. We're all quite pale with blonde or mid-brown hair. The bride is wearing a lovely ethereal slightly fairy-like full-length slip dress with fluttery bits over the shoulder than run down over the back a short way. It'll be a relaxed quite informal sort of wedding. The family is fairly alternative, into environment, arts, vegetarianism, to give you an idea of the vibe. Non-church wedding, ceremony and reception at same not super formal venue. I'm in mainland Europe so would be great if it's a brand that delivers there without issue. There are of course lots of lovely dresses but fewer that are bf friendly so would love some suggestions!

OP posts:
YetMoreNewBeginnings · 19/02/2023 20:29

I was at a wedding last weekend where the BM’s had dresses from Dolly & Dotty. One was bf’ing and their dresses (mid calf 50s style) had front opening buttons.

they were lovely.

Smittenkitchen · 20/02/2023 07:52

Thank you!
*Hopeful bump

OP posts:
ChChChChangeName · 20/02/2023 08:22

Have a look in the Nancy Mac sale. They do lovely dresses in jewel colours and often a few different styles in the same fabric which would work for all of you. The main collection is over budget (approx £250 for a dress) but the sale stuff is affordable. Quality is great and their customer service is really helpful as well and can give you advice.

CMOTDibbler · 20/02/2023 08:52

I'd try ASOS - they have dresses in different styles (inc tall, petite, curve and maternity) but the same colour and are very reasonably priced with frequent discounts on top. Returns are v easy as well

Squiblet · 20/02/2023 09:07

One friend of mine had a lovely chilled-out wedding, and she told us bridesmaids that we could wear whatever we liked, as long as it was the same colour (black). It meant we could each choose something that suited us and that we could wear again afterwards. So that's an option.

mrssmiling · 20/02/2023 10:18

Agree that Nancy Mac dresses are gorgeous.
For a more reasonable option, Gabrielle Parker might be worth a look.
Lots of different styles, in a variety of fabric designs (some jewel tones), including wrap dresses - it might be possible to match colours/designs if people like different styles. The website includes options for delivery abroad.
shop.gabrielleparker.com/product-category/dresses/

Smittenkitchen · 20/02/2023 11:16

Thanks all. Nancy Mac dresses look gorgeous!
Obsessed with this:
www.nancymac.co.uk/collections/summer-archive/products/valeria-dress-in-periwinkle-blue-silk-organza-1
Out of budget though, unfortunately.
Gabrielle Parker slightly too casual I think.
The bride would really like us to be wearing the same dress or at least same print/collection.

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Smittenkitchen · 20/02/2023 11:19

Have looked a lot at ASOS and agree there are lots of advantages to getting the dresses from there. We haven't quite found anything on there that has completely convinced us though. There is lots of maternity stuff but not many bf friendly pieces. Think it would be easier if I were still going to be pregnant!

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sashh · 20/02/2023 12:12

I went to a wedding years ago, the BMs were both children and their mother was maid of honour. The girls had dresses but mum had a suit made in the same material.

Do you know any dress makers?

The other thing you could do is buy three white dresses and dye them the colour you like.

This is pretty, could easily be adapted eg not have the sleeves of make the skirt longer.

jaycotts.co.uk/products/m7892-misses-tops-and-dresses-sewing-pattern?_pos=74&_sid=2acd372de&_ss=r

Mummyingetc · 20/02/2023 13:11

Have you had a look at rewritten? I loved their dresses when I was looking for my sisters…

wearerewritten.com

Smittenkitchen · 20/02/2023 14:18

I'm very much a dress-wearer but a suit or jumpsuit could be a good option for some! I think having something made from scratch would be too tricky as we're in different countries but I love that pattern sashh and it's absolutely a shape I would wear!
Hadn't heard of rewritten before but some great options there along the lines of same colour and fabric but perhaps a different cut/style for each of us. Price point is just right too. Thanks!

OP posts:
Smittenkitchen · 21/02/2023 08:51

Any other suggestions?

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RockingMyFiftiesNot · 21/02/2023 08:55

We were at a wedding last year with the most gorgeous, classy but simple dresses. Turned out they were from New Look. I didn't know that was a thing. Google New Look bridesmaid.

GoldenCagedBird · 21/02/2023 08:57

Smittenkitchen · 21/02/2023 08:51

Any other suggestions?

There are tons of multi-way dresses out there. The ‘infinity’ dress is one brand, but they are all over Etsy, eBay and Vinted. Amazon too

you could get the same colour and tie it to suit your preferences. My bridesmaids have them and they must all come out of the same factory as the quality is great.

Veenah · 21/02/2023 09:02

Have a look at Folkster

bibbidybobbidyboo · 21/02/2023 09:04

What about Maids to Measure? They have lots of styles in the same colour so you could all pick something that suits you.

bibbidybobbidyboo · 21/02/2023 09:05

Oh also Rewritten (wearewritten.com) - Same idea as Maids to Measure

Alleycat12 · 21/02/2023 09:08

The Nancy Mac one you like is in the sale and less than £150 now

MichelleScarn · 21/02/2023 09:09

Agree with the multiway dresses, definitely could bf in them!

victorialou.co.uk/multiway-dresses/

Smittenkitchen · 21/02/2023 10:36

Alleycat12 · 21/02/2023 09:08

The Nancy Mac one you like is in the sale and less than £150 now

Ah yes, I had the prices in Euros so I thought it was £200. Thanks for pointing that out!

OP posts:
Smittenkitchen · 21/02/2023 10:41

RockingMyFiftiesNot · 21/02/2023 08:55

We were at a wedding last year with the most gorgeous, classy but simple dresses. Turned out they were from New Look. I didn't know that was a thing. Google New Look bridesmaid.

I wouldn't have thought to look there but I will, thanks!

OP posts:
Smittenkitchen · 21/02/2023 10:43

Bride isn't keen on multiway.
I'll have a look at Folkster and Maids to Measure, thanks!

OP posts:
Whattowearintheoffice · 21/02/2023 16:33

What about Silkfred, either search for their breastfeeding or wrap dresses (if you need ease of access) or just their bridesmaids dresses. I got a dress for a wedding there when I was breastfeeding and it was surprisingly good quality.

Toliy · 21/03/2023 06:07

You can look at ChicSew.co.uk,
I really like their satin gowns, the fabric is so smooth and the fit is great.
For example this chicsew.co.uk/products/chicsew-carla-sexy-one-shoulder-soft-satin-spaghetti-strap-side-slit-mermaid-floor-length-bridesmaid-dresses

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