Tips & Guide

How to Choose the Right Lilac Bridesmaid Dress

Oct 24, 2024 / Post by Emma Johnson in / 0 comments

So you’ve decided on a wedding color—congratulations! We know it wasn’t an easy decision, but we also know the color lilac never disappoints. It’s soft, romantic, and dreamy, perfect for a spring wedding under the trees. But how do you incorporate this fabulous hue into your bridesmaid looks? There are so many ways to style lilac and subtle shades to choose from. Today, we explore tips for selecting the best lilac bridesmaid dresses for your wedding vision.

Finding the Right Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses for Your Wedding Theme

What your bridesmaids are wearing says everything about your wedding theme. Not every lilac wedding looks the same—some are formal affairs while others are barefooted on the sand. The style of lilac bridesmaid dress you choose is an opportunity to amplify your look and feel and carry your theme through the ceremony to the reception.

Garden weddings—choose lilac bridesmaid dresses with floral elements to complement your venue. Think lace overlays and delicate, flowy fabrics.
Rustic weddings—look for relaxed styles with long, A-line skirts. Rustic weddings are about being comfortable enough to dance and socialize all night!
Whimsical weddings—up the magic with elaborate necklines and fairytale sleeves, or choose lilac bridesmaid dresses with romantic tulle skirts.
Traditional weddings—lilac has a long history as a wedding color and is perfect for old-school religious nuptials. Choose a classic silhouette with a conservative feel.

How Long Should Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses Be?

Lilac is such a versatile wedding color, so you have much to play with, considering the length. Lilac bridesmaid dresses look beautiful, long or short, depending on the vibe you’re trying to create. Go for floor-length dresses to unlock the formal side of lilac. Short or tea-length gowns are the top choice for daytime weddings and outdoor ceremonies, especially in flowy fabrics like chiffon.

Which Fabric is Best for Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses?

Lilac is delicate. Most assume it looks better in soft, flowy fabrics (like chiffon or cotton). True to some degree, but not always. You can also boldly style lilac by choosing a luxurious fabric like velvet. There’s also a jersey if you like some stretch and silk or satin if you want something fancy.

Choosing Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses Based on the Season

With lilac being a light and airy color, most brides choose it for sunny spring or summer weddings. In these cases, the color is easy to style. The green gardens will bring out its natural warmth, the bright skies will give it extra depth, and the blooming flowers will enhance its romantic qualities. But what about fall or winter weddings?

The little-known secret is that lilac looks stunning against rich autumn leaves. It’s the opposite of orange on the color wheel, so they pop when you put these two colors together. The only considerations you’ll have when shopping for a lilac dress for cooler seasons are the sleeve length and fabric thickness. Make sure you get something that will keep your ladies warm!

Choosing Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses Based on Your Bridesmaids

Always keep in mind that your bridesmaids also have a say. Nobody wants to be a bridezilla. If you’re still flexible on color and haven’t decided on lilac, you might want to think about how your friends will feel wearing it.

Which Skin Tone Suits Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses?

When it comes to skin tone, lilac is a tricky one. The color lilac is not always clearly defined, so you do get different variations. If your entourage has warmer skin tones on average, you might want to look for a lilac that tends towards pink. If they have cooler tones on display, think about lilac with a hint of blue. The saturation of the shade also matters. Pastels can wash out fairer skin tones, so play carefully—or have a group spray tan date before the big day.

Are Low Necklines Okay for a Wedding?

Some niche wedding colors can make finding bridesmaid dresses a nightmare. The same is not true for lilac! Use the diversity of dresses to your advantage by playing with different necklines. Low necklines are acceptable for a wedding, provided they suit your theme and your maids feel comfortable wearing them. Sweetheart, strapless and spaghetti straps are fabulous choices that let the ladies show off their collarbones!

How To Style Lilac Bridesmaid Dresses for Different Body Types?

Lilac can look lovely on everyone! You just need the right dress shape. Think about your friends’ body types before you get carried away on Pinterest. Bustier bridesmaids might appreciate a dress with more support, unlike strapless gowns. Those who like accentuating their curves might enjoy cinched waistlines or plunging V-necks, and athletic ladies love a good halter. If you’re a bride who wants her friends’ input, don’t be scared to ask for it!

Are Tight or Loose Dresses Better for Bridesmaids?

The silhouette of the dress is going to be the first thing your guests notice. Tighter fits feel more glamorous than loose or simple gowns, so choose wisely. If you want a casual garden wedding with lilac bridesmaids by your side, mermaid gowns with a thigh-high side slit may look slightly out of place. All silhouettes are acceptable—but make sure they don’t outshine the bride’s dress!

To Match or Not to Match?

Another option, if your bridesmaids are a diverse group, could be mismatched bridesmaid dresses. This approach gives everyone the comfort of choice and can help you avoid many arguments. Matching bridesmaids look more cohesive, but you can get away with mismatched dresses as long as they’re in the same hue. First, find a lilac color you love. Then, make sure the dress is available in different silhouettes of the same fabric, and voila!