We know that sometimes our box-ticking readers scour our Real Wedding section looking for inspiration for one specific thing at a time. Whether it’s a pretty bouquet, ideas for table names or a hairstyle, there’s no better way to judge what a certain style or idea really looks like then by seeing it in action at a real wedding. This couldn’t be more true than for wedding and bridesmaid dresses – and sure when it comes to wedding dresses how many times has the dress actually looked way better on a real, fully-formed, smiling bride than on an over-shopped model with a sour face (all the time as you can see from this forum post)?! The same goes for bridesmaid dresses, so today we thought we’d do a bit of the leg work for those of you currently on the lookout for something beautiful for your girls by putting together a few of our favourite looks from real bridesmaids at real weddings. Enjoy!
Wrap dresses are hugely popular for brides these days as they allow everyone to create their own style and can be worn again and again in a variety of ways. These elegant Eliza & Ethan wrap dresses in midnight blue worked beautifully with the groomsmen’s electric blue suits to create a popping palette at Fiona and Alex’s romantic castle wedding. And the citrus bouquets to finish off the look? Perfection! Photo by David Duignan Photography
Our Editor Pamela’s wedding was a beautiful and eclectic mix of old and new – her sister Carol’s bridesmaid dress being the perfect example! They both knew what they wanted but instead of spending weeks on a dress hunt they went straight to their own personal seamstress – their mother! Pam’s mom created a lemon lace dress modelled on one of Carol’s favourite gunas and the result was the perfect summer sundress for a super stylish wedding. Photo by Moat Hill Photography
Aoife wanted her girls to look fab and be comfortable on the day, so she went for a mismatched look that would complement each of the girls individually. And these pastel gunas from Oasis and Monsoon look perfect together at this relaxed wedding in Ballymagarvey Village. Photo by Michelle Prunty
The four bridesmaids at Caroline and Joe’s destination wedding in Schloss Prielau, Austia, looked nothing short of incredible in knee length, long sleeve navy dresses from Coast, which they accessorized beautifully with some faux fur stoles. There’s some serious inspiration for our winter brides in this magical wedding. Photo by Claire Morgan Photography
These dusty pink floor length Jenny Packham bridesmaids dresses look like an absolute dream to wear and the girls at Marie and Daniel’s pretty wedding at Dundrum House pulled them off with their beaming smiles! Photo by Aileen Kennedy Photography
Some cute cream cardies gave these pretty knee-length black bridesmaids dresses a cosy feel at Mary and David’s snowy destination wedding in Germany. The dresses were sourced online at Dressale.com. Photo by Melanie Hold
Alice’s bridesmaids perfectly encapsulate modern romance with their pink lace tea-length dresses from Ariella at House of Fraser. The dresses were finished off with a similar shade peep-toe heel from Nine West complemented by the prettiest bouquet made up of flowers from the Irish countryside. The wedding at Lough Rynn was just as romantic and pretty and brilliantly shot by Michelle Prunty
Tara took a bit of a risk when she trusted her bridesmaids to find their own dresses for her Big Day celebration in the Carlton Hotel Kinsale (she was planning from abroad!). The risk paid off with these stunning jewel tone one-shoulder gowns from Dessy. Photo by Insight Photography
Some of our favourite gowns from the last few months are these ultra glam navy one-shoulder numbers from Sinead and Gerard’s elegant wedding in Tulfarris Hotel, Wicklow. The floor-skimming dresses, from the JS collection from House of Fraser, had detailing on the side and shoulder which brought out the beautiful belt feature on Sinead’s gown. Swoon-worthy. Photo by Insight Photography
These pretty short ivy green dresses from Dessy bridesmaids set a great tone for Ailish and Vinny’s fun Fota Island wedding. The girls accessorised with navy pumps and a gorgeously full white bouquet. Definitely dresses that’ll be worn again. Photo by Insight Photography
Paige’s girls all chose their own style of dress in champagne and the overall look was just fabulous, complementing the bride’s gown perfectly. A neutral tone is a timeless look that works at any style of wedding – we can see these gunas getting a few more outings for years to come! Photo by Circus Photography
Silver bridesmaids dresses are the way to go for the ultimate winter wonderland wedding. These beautiful floor length lace gowns from Pamela Scott at Dundrum were ideal for Amy and Ross’s stunning winter wedding at Faithlegg House, Co. Waterford. Photo by DKPHOTO
We love some pastel styling here at weddingsonline and when it’s done with some brilliantly mis-matched gunas, all the better! These Ted Baker dresses from Yvonne & Richard’s perfect pastel wedding at the Landmark Hotel show how to pull off the trend-du-jour with formal gowns while still creating a relaxed and fun feel. Photo by Michelle Prunty
With two pregnant bridesmaids Ailbhe thought she’d have to think outside the box when it came to dressing her beautiful ladies. Luckily that wasn’t the case when she came across the Belsoie collection from Truly Bridal, Naas. These glamorously flowing deep burgundy gowns were ideal for all three of the girls and were accessorised perfectly with some cute little cream jackets from Penneys to keep the girls warm! Photo by Paul Andrews Photography
Main Image courtesy of The Jersey Maid
