How to Style Your Bridesmaids for a Fall Wedding

Discover dresses and bouquets that complement the festive autumn season.

How to Style Your Bridesmaids for a Fall Wedding

bridesmaid-dress-style-inspiration-for-autumn-weddings
Photo: Gina & Ryan Photography

The temperatures may be dropping, but bridesmaid style is just beginning to heat up! While summer is a time for light, airy dresses and bouquets of fluffy blooms, fall begs for vibrant gowns, longer hems, and an emphasis on greenery and foliage. Say goodbye to little white dresses, and say hello to little black dresses. Get inspired by the changing leaves and crisp air, and choose gowns that project warmth and sophistication. 

When choosing bridesmaid dresses, you'll want to think about the temperature – your girls will thank you for not asking them to wear short, strapless dresses in November! Gowns in shades of grey, blue, purple, and green celebrate the season. Consider, too, the flowers you choose for the bouquet. Autumn is a wonderful time to incorporate herbs, grasses, branches, and even seasonal produce into floral arrangements. Check out real bridesmaid looks from fall weddings below, and get excited about this gorgeous season!

blue lace dresses

If you prefer the look of short dresses, choose a style with long sleeves so your girls don't get too cold! Lace offers a hint of sexiness, while bouquets of herbs and grasses complement the autumn season. Photo by 6 of Four Photography

Purple bridesmaid dresses

Fall is the perfect season for deep, jewel-toned gowns, like these rich purple dresses. Pair gowns with single-variety bouquets of calla lilies, or another refined, elegant flower. Photo by Ira Lippke Studios

gray long dresses

Want to keep your bridesmaids' style neutral? Consider grey as a modern, softer alternative to black. A half-updo and white accessories complete the sophisticated, yet feminine, look. Photo by Artisan Events

black and white dresses

Whereas black bridesmaid dresses may have appeared too heavy in the summer, they're chic for a wedding in cooler months! Be sure to pair with white flower girl dresses for an elegant, sophisticated style. Photo by Brett Matthews Photography

short gray dresses

In the fall, greenery, foliage, and plants take precedence over fluffy, bright summer flowers. Give your bridesmaid bouquets a dash of autumn spirit with leafy ferns! Photo by Chrisman Studios

green bridesmaid dresses

Take your green bridesmaid dresses from summer to fall by choosing a longer length and giving 'maids the option of wearing a style with sleeves. This mint green is gorgeous for an outdoor wedding during early fall. Photo by Regina Hyman Photography

blue bridesmaid dresses

If you're concerned about dark-colored dresses appearing too somber, take a hint from this bride and pair them with bright bouquets of flowers! This combination of navy bridesmaid dresses and hot pink flowers is delightfully unexpected. Photo by Justine Ungaro

black and gold dresses

As you head into the holiday season, there's nothing more festive than gold glitter! Who better to take advantage of this fun time of year than the flower girls? Shimmery frocks stand out against elegant black bridesmaid gowns. Photo by Gina & Ryan Photography

mismatched dresses

Allowing your girls to choose their own gowns can be nerve-racking, but they'll appreciate the chance to show off their own style! Ask them to choose dresses in an autumn color palette, like burgundy, silver, and brown. Photo by Paul Barnett Photographer

blue lace sleeve gowns

Let's just say it: navy blue is the new black! The lace sleeves on these elegant gowns echo the lace on the bridal gown – so pretty! The coverage is perfect for a celebration that's not too hot or too cold. Photo by Renee Sprink Photography

purple and white bridesmaids

Hang on to summer just a little longer by accessorizing deep purple gowns with fluffy ivory blooms. This look perfectly sums up fall style: rich colors and fabrics, paired with just a dash of feminine summer style! Photo by Victor Sizemore Photography