There’s a lot to do when you’re planning a wedding. From the moment that engagement ring slides onto your finger, it feels like an endless list of tasks you need to check off in the run-up to your big day. From the food (are sit down meals better than buffets?) and the flowers, to deciding big things like where your ceremony should be or what kind of music the band should play.

One pressing thought will be not only your dress, but also how to dress your bridesmaids. No one wants to be the bride who puts her best friends in ugly dresses so they didn’t steal the spotlight. You want your bridesmaids to sparkle brightly and feel gorgeous.

But with so many fashion considerations to take into account, where do you even start? That really depends on not only your dress, but the overall aesthetic of your wedding. Read on to discover some stellar styles for beautiful bridesmaids.

1. Beautifully boho bridesmaid style

If you’re going for a natural, relaxed vibe for your wedding, then match your bridesmaids to the theme. A boho look is perfect for weddings that are primarily taking place outside. Choose looser, simple cuts of dresses without much sparkle, and accessorize the dresses with flower crowns for a chic and unconventional twist.

2. Change up the bridesmaid style

There is no need for your bridesmaids to match perfectly. Sometimes it can be difficult to get a group of people to agree on one cut of dress – so why not change it up with a little mix-and-match action when it comes to bridesmaid style? If you can settle on a color scheme or accents for the dresses, then your bridesmaids can wear the cuts and styles that suit their fashion sense. As long as the styles complement each other, this can be a fun and unusual look that can really make your bride squad stand out.

3. Retro style

Do you have a vintage vibe going on your wedding day? One way to make your bridesmaids stand out and also to differentiate their dresses from yours is to keep it short and sweet. Your bridesmaids can style gorgeous swing dresses with full skirts that fall just below the knee. This classic look is perfect for the summertime, as it is a little cooler and more casual.

It also means that your bridesmaids are more likely to wear the dresses again in the future, which is a more sustainable way to dress. With climate change a pressing issue, incorporating sustainable elements into the wedding will be a high priority for many soonlyweds.

4. Glitter and gold

Are you trying to create a fairy-tale scene? Give your bridesmaids extra glam by choosing dresses with a little glitter. Metallics are always stylish, and you can easily do a sparkly makeup palette to complement it. This can be quite a bold look, so keep hair styling simple to stop the style from being too strong.

5. Spring fling

You can keep it classic for spring weddings with simple pastels. The best thing about pastel shades is that you don’t need to choose one colour for all your bridesmaids. Choose a selection of pinks, purples, yellows and blues in these pale shades, and select floaty fabrics for a sweet and soft look that is perfect for the spring season.

Have you got some great ideas for how you want to style your bridesmaids? Don’t forget to ask for their input! They will love you for it.