How To Choose The Best Fabric For Your Bridesmaid Dresses

Ouijoliebride • August 10, 2023

Amongst the many decisions you have to make for your wedding day lies the bridesmaid dress. Not only the bridesmaid dress but the color, fabric, and style. This can seem overwhelming when there are so many beautiful dresses to choose from. Bridesmaid dresses have evolved so much over the past few years. Now more than ever, you have plenty of options to choose from. In today’s post we’ll go over the many different fabrics you can choose from so you can see which is best for your bridal party. 

Choosing your bridal party is the fun and easy part of wedding planning. Choosing the bridesmaid dress is not always the easiest nor funnest when you have a crowd of women to please. You want to be respectful of each woman’s body type, size, and preference. All while still choosing a dress and color scheme that will fit the style and look of your wedding. When choosing the right bridesmaids’ dresses you want to consider the right fabric. It’s crazy to think, but the fabric of a dress can completely dress up or dress down your wedding. For instance, if you’re have a romantic night time wedding a beautiful velvet floor length dress would be perfect. If you’re having a casual day time beach wedding you may want to go with something more like charmeuse. It’s a silky, light, delicate fabric and won’t be overly hot in the summertime. 

Choosing The Right Style and Fabric for Bridesmaids

This can be a controversial topic so take it as it comes. When it comes to choosing the right fabric for your girls, keep in mind some fabrics will be more restricting than others. This can make it difficult for those who maybe need more of a forgiving fabric. It’s always a nice gesture when considering the fabric, to ask your bridesmaids their thoughts on what fits them best. That way you can get a general idea of where everyone stands and possibly meet in the middle with everyone’s needs/wants. You don’t want to be that bride that forces someone to where something that they just aren’t comfortable in. Another great idea is to go try on different dress with them so everyone can see how each fabric feels! 

Bridesmaid Fabrics For Summer Weddings 

Chiffon 

Chiffon fabric is amongst the most popular fabrics for bridesmaid dresses. It’s lightweight, soft, airy, and doesn’t cling to the body. A lot of brides like it because it is so versatile. There are many different types of chiffon like crinkle chiffon that has more of a wrinkled texture. All very breathable fabrics. Chiffon dresses would be perfect for beach weddings during the warmer months since it is such a lightweight fabric and your girls won’t get to hot. It is also more of a sheer fabric and is a good choice if you want that look for the big day. 

Crepe 

Crepe fabric can be used in the warmer months but only if it’s lightweight. Some crepe fabrics are made from wool making it less than ideal for a summertime wedding. It can also be made from silk fabric or a synthetic fabric that has a very distinct crinkle and bumpy appearance. Most also have a more matte finish as well. It can really be used during the warmer months or the colder months depending on the type you choose. Many find it a popular choice since it is versatile.

Jersey 

Jersey fabric is super stretchy and lightweight for the most part. It’s a stretchy knit fabric that is super soft and makes for a durable fabric. It can be worn in the warmer months or cooler months depending on the thickness of the material. Many people choose jersey fabric for the comfort and casual look it gives. This is an ideal choice if you’re going for comfort!

Lace

Lace is a classic fabric and adds a nice touch to your wedding decor. Having lace fabric on your bridesmaid dresses can really dress things up a bit. There are different styles of lace as well. It can be very lightweight for warmer months depending on the fabric underneath the lace. It’s a great option if you are going for a more vintage feel and would be beautiful for a garden wedding. 

Mesh

Mesh fabric is incredibly breathable. When most hear the word mesh they think cheap but there are actually some beautiful mesh dresses. It’s similar in weight to net and/or tulle. Many will find mesh dresses to have sparkling sequins or beads on them making them extra glamorous. 

Best Bridesmaid Fabrics For Colder Months 

Velvet

Such a rich & classic material. Velvet can be on the heavier side so it would be perfect for winter weddings. I have seen some wear velvet during warmer months but I can only imagine how hot that would be. Traditional velvet is woven and can be sort of stiff. They are usually made from poly knit fabrics with a velvet finish. Velvet gives the perfect look for evening wear and seems to be the most popular dress fabric for bridesmaid dresses, especially during winter months. 

Faille 

Faille is a woven fabric that is on the heavier side. It has a slight ribbed/crinkled texture that is on the stiff side. Many say it has a crisp texture. This dress is perfect with puffed sleeves or pleats because it holds structure very well. It’s the perfect choice if you like a structured look. This elegant fabric is perfect for evening weddings on a cooler night during fall or winter. 

Bengaline

Bengaline is a type of fabric that has a silk like sheen and is more of a stretch woven fabric. It’s also known as drapey bengaline and it’s very sturdy/durable. Perfect for structured silhouettes, it’s a excellent choice for a formula winter wedding or fall wedding. 

Tulle

Tulle can be born in cooler months depending on the amount of layers present. Sometimes tulle fabrics will come with many layers making it pretty warm. The layers are also necessary because tulle can be very sheer. Tulle has a similar feel to net and mesh. It can be soft or it can be rather rough deepening of the fibers being used. 

Where To Find Free Swatches?

Yes, you heard us, free swatches! This is a new thing many companies are offering so that brides can choose a fabric before placing an order. Birdy Grey is an online store that sells bridesmaid dresses, grooms attire, robes, pajamas and all wedding party related stuff! You can order up to 3 free swatches. This is a great way to get a feel for the fabric before ordering a whole dress/order. It’s also great for checking out colors too, you get the best of both worlds all in one place. We call that a win/win!

Of course there are so many fabrics out there to share about but these are the most popular. When looking for fabrics it’s always best to go to a store and try them on. There’s nothing quite like seeing and feeling something in person. So many online stores can be misleading when it comes to pictures so beware of shopping online. Whatever you choose, have fun and enjoy the process! This is bringing you one step closer to your wedding day and that couldn’t be more exciting! 

Let us know in the comments below which fabric you like best?

From all of us at Oui Jolie Bride, congrats!

White magnolia flower with text
September 2, 2025
Welcome to Oui Jolie Bride! We are located in a small but quaint French town known as Broussard, Louisiana. At Oui Jolie Bride (yes, pretty bride) we are dedicated to sharing our French charm and southern hospitality during your stay. It is our goal that you come and feel at home while saying Jai dit oui (I said yes) to your dream dress. Broussard is a tiny town but don’t let that fool you. We can promise there are many beautiful places to visit and see during your time here with us! If you know anything about Louisiana, it’s that we have phenomenal food, character, and good times. We hold nothing back when it comes to cajun cooking with our gumbo, jambalaya, boiled crawfish, étouffée, and so much more. During your stay here you can expect to go home full, maybe a little too full but totally worth it! There are so many interesting places, historic homes, local artists, and family fun tours in southern Louisiana. We promise you will have the best time exploring the natural beauty of the boot state. Depending on the time of the year that you come, there is always something to do here. During Feb or beginning of March we have Mardi Gras parades, which is what we are most known for. Usually in April we have festival international where people travel from around the world/country to come experience our culture and many others at the same time. In December Acadiana Village has a beautiful light display with old acadian style home, rides, live music, and food. Thankfully, if you come any other times of the year, there’s always beautiful sites to see and wonderful places to visit. Places to Visit in Louisiana near Broussard Louisiana Since we are in the small town of Broussard, some of the places listed below may be a bit of a drive. We recommend scheduling your reservation with us and planning out your days according to which sites you would like to visit the most! This can either be a great day trip or you can turn it into a weekend getaway. Downtown Lafayette Located 20 minutes away from Oui Jolie bride in the city of Lafayette. The downtown area offers many unique restraints and coffee shops. Our favorite coffee shop downtown is Reve, it’s locally owned and they harvest/roast their own coffee. Acadian Village Located 30-45 minutes away from our boutique, a little hidden gem awaits. During your time at Acadian Village you will get to experience what it was like in the 19th century cajun village. There is also a Native American museum for your viewing. Truly a great place to learn about cajun culture. Vermillion Ville 30 minutes away. Very similar to Acadian village but will a little more to see and do. You can enjoy true cajun cooking and experience beautiful vintage 18th century acadian homes just like they were back then. The staff dresses for the experience as well and demonstrates how people lived during the 18th century in South Louisiana. It’s the perfect place to experience Louisiana’s culture and food. Cajun Food Tours 30 minutes away. Explore some of the best restaurants Lafayette has to offer by taking a food tour ! This will ensure a great time and a full belly. Lafayette Farmers market Available every Saturday with local farmers and businesses who share their talents and handmade goods. A community and time like no other, you will also want to visit the brand new city park. Moncus park is located on the same grounds as our farmer’s market and is absolutely beautiful. This makes for one of the best day trips. Hillard Museum Located on University of Lafayette Louisiana’s campus. This beautiful home is an art museum that houses unique art from locals and all around the country. New Orleans 2-3 hours away- New Orleans AKA big easy is a big trip since it is a little further away. We do think you will enjoy the scenic ride there exploring swamp land. This is usually the most favorite day trips people from far look forward to. There’s a lot to see and do in New Orleans. It’s a place like no other with beignets at Cafe’ Du Monde, cajun cooking, and trolly rides to tour the city. The French quarter is one of the most popular places in New Orleans with historical sites and gift shops. New Orleans also has a fantastic national World War II museum if history is your thing and it’s great for the whole family. Honey Island Swamp Tour Located in Slidell, La near New Orleans. Take a ride on gator territory in a flat bottom boat. You’ll hear all about the swamp and learn about its natural inhabitants from expert captains and tour guides. You’ll get to see many of the wildlife reptiles and birds South Louisiana has to offer. Alligators, great blue heron, cranes, brown pelicans and so much more. They offer VIP tours, daily tours, and kayak swap tours. One of the most popular sites for New Orleans day trips. Whitney Plantation If history is your thing, this is the museum to visit. Located in Edgar, La and full of historical information about slavery in southeast Louisiana from 1752-1975. This historic plantation is housed on beautiful historic grounds where you get to take a self guided tour with and audio tour. This museum has historic structures that take you back in time and are truly breathtaking. Bogue Chitto State Park Located in Franklinton, La- If you are a nature lover and enjoy visiting state parks, this one is for you. Bogue Chitto is a beautiful state park located in South Louisiana with small streams, rolling landscapes, and upland forests. This beautiful state park has a beautiful nature trail and offers horse riding, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and hiking. There’s also the option to go tubing, kayaking, and canoeing in the river. Louisiana Cajun Mansion Bed Located in Youngsville 15 minutes away- Located in the middle of Cajun Country this bed and breakfast is the perfect getaway spot. If you’re not a hotel person, this is the place to stay. You’ll experience Louisiana and southern hospitality like it should be. The property is gated so you can feel secure during your stay at cajun mansion bed. These are few of the many wonderful places and attractions you can visit during your time here. If you have any questions or may be looking to do something specific, please reach out to us 337-330-2424. We are glad to help you plan your stay with us. Oui Jolie Bride’s team cannot wait to you and your family as you can find the dress of your dreams and enjoy an experience like no other.
Woman in strapless, embellished gown with tiara, posing in a grand, light-filled hall.
September 2, 2025
Every bride has a style when it comes to their wedding dress. When referring to a boho bride we like to think of them as care-free, easy going, with a unique personality, and truly a natural beauty. If this sounds like you, stick around because we have some gorgeous boho gowns you will love! One of the best parts about owning a bridal boutique is meeting all of our amazing brides. We’ve been in the bridal industry for over 25 years and each bride is so unique and lovely in their own way. We have fostered some beautiful friendships through helping brides find their perfect dress. During the process of helping our brides, we get to know the style of the bride. Boho has been an increasingly popular style over the last 5 years and it’s neat to see how this style has evolved. What Makes A Wedding Dress Boho? Many boho brides love the bohemian romance and the unique style of these dresses. Most will have very unique & bold lace, illusion necklines, bell sleeves, floral details, puff sleeves, and most importantly a comfortable fit. This effortless gown style is usually perfect for a beach wedding, romantic elopements, and any outdoor wedding really. Of course, this dress style can be worn for inside ceremonies as well. Most brides wear their boho style dress barefoot, with cowboy boots, or with strappy sandals. To top off the look brides will usually add either flower crowns, dramatic sleeves, or intricate embroidery. There are many variations to a boho style wedding gown and we will go over the differences below. It’s usually fairly easy to tell the difference between a traditional wedding gown vs. a boho style dress. Who Are Boho Wedding Dresses For? If you are a bride who tends to go barefoot any chance you get, pretty easy going, love adventure, love being outside, or tend to do your own thing rather than following tradition. It sounds like boho may be your style. Not always of course, we understand it’s difficult to put one person into one category since every personality is so unique. We have just seen a more adventurous bride gravitate towards a bohemian style dress. It’s usually the perfect match to go with their personal style for the special day. If that personality doesn’t match you and you love the bohemian look, that’s ok too! We are here for any and all types of bridal styles. Whatever makes you feel most confident and beautiful on your wedding day is what we go for when helping our brides. Boho Wedding Dress Styles Boho Wedding Dress Sleeve Styles In terms on sleeves on a boho styled wedding dress, there are several options. Some will have delicate flutter sleeves while others will have dramatic sleeves. This all depends on the unique style of the bride. Some other options would be: sheer long sleeves, bell sleeves, and puff sleeves. While most have sleeves there are boho style dresses that don’t have sleeves. So if a strapless dress is your style, boho is not out of the picture for you yet. The neat thing with boho styled dresses is that they vary and there are so many variations. Boho Wedding Dress Neckline Styles When talking about the neckline it really can vary. Most will have illusion necklines, subtle v neck, deep v, and even sweetheart. Most necklines will have unique scalloped edging or delicate lace details along the edges. Some bohemian style dresses will be completely free of lace and tend to be more minimalistic. That tends to be for a modern bride who loves the bohemian look without the floral lace. Boho Wedding Dress Fit Typically most boho style dresses will have flowy silhouettes, frothy skirts, flowing skirts or an A-line silhouette. Some may even lean more towards a dramatic mermaid fit. This is all dependent on what the bride likes and what her body type is. The perfect way to find your right fit is by trying on the many different style boho dresses that are out there. When talking about the dress style, bohemian wedding gowns usually have low cut open backs, soft fabrics, a comfortable cut, and simple silhouettes Designer Wedding Dresses That Are Boho Style The designer’s and dresses listed below can all be found in our bridal boutique, Oui Jolie Bride . Where we cater to brides who have a budget from $2,500-$12,000 and desire to have a unique designer wedding dress. We have carefully selected our designers based off of the quality and uniqueness of their gowns. We are proud to share our collection with you and would love to help you choose your dream dress for your special day. Pronovias Privée – Lucrezia This beautiful strapless wedding gown offers a unique boho style with so many gorgeous details by designer Pronovias. A semi-cathedral train, rich embellishment, and a floral embroidery design to compliment any boho bride. This dress is one of a kind and will compliment your dream day. Adi Shlomo – Gia We love how customizable Adi’s handmade wedding dresses are. This gown is from Adi Shlomo’s floral collection and can have a flare skirt (shown in the picture) or a more fitted skirt if that’s your style. Sleeves for this dress can either be worn or taken off easily. Depending on which boho look you are going for on your wedding day. Truly a unique and beautiful gown as the sleeves are removable too. Calla Blanche- This Calla Blanche gown is on the fitted boho side of the spectrum and is absolutely breathtaking. We love the fine details and how it will hug your curves in all of the right places. With a deep “v” neckline and corset bodice, you will wow your husband. The puffed, removable sleeves add a special touch to this gorgeous gown as well. Do you have a favorite designer? We’d love to hear which designer you love the most!