Planning a destination wedding is exciting, but let's be honest—getting your bridesmaids dresses for it comes with challenges you won't face at a local venue. Between travel logistics, climate considerations, and keeping everyone comfortable on a plane, you need to think beyond just picking a pretty color.
The good news? With a little strategic planning, you can find dresses that look stunning in photos and actually make sense for your location.
Pick Fabrics That Travel Well
This is huge. Your bridesmaids will be packing these dresses in suitcases, and nobody wants to spend their pre-wedding morning with a steamer. Look for wrinkle-resistant fabrics like chiffon, jersey, or crepe. These materials bounce back after being folded and won't look like a disaster when unpacked. Avoid anything with heavy structure, lots of layers, or delicate fabrics like raw silk that show every crease.
Bonus: lightweight fabrics are also easier to pack and won't eat up precious luggage space.
Consider the Climate and Venue
A heavy satin gown might be perfect for a ballroom wedding, but it'll be miserable for a beach ceremony in Mexico. Think about where your bridesmaids will actually be wearing these dresses. For tropical or warm destinations, go with breathable fabrics and lighter colors that won't absorb heat. Shorter hemlines or high-low styles work great for beach settings and won't drag in the sand. If you're heading somewhere cooler, you have more flexibility, but still consider whether your bridesmaids will be comfortable during outdoor photos or walking between venues.
Keep Alterations Simple (or Skip Them)
Here's something people don't always think about: your bridesmaids probably won't have easy access to a tailor at your destination. That means complex alterations are risky. Choose styles with adjustable features like tie backs, stretchy bodices, or multiple length options. A-line and empire waist silhouettes tend to be more forgiving and require fewer tweaks. If alterations are necessary, make sure they're done well in advance—not something you want to deal with the week before travel.
Think About Versatility and Rewear Potential
Your bridesmaids are already spending money on flights and hotels. Choosing a dress they might actually wear again isn't just thoughtful—it's practical. Simple, elegant styles in versatile colors work for future events. Convertible dresses or separates give your bridesmaids options beyond your wedding day. And honestly? When people feel good about their purchase, it shows in the photos.
Choosing bridesmaid dresses for a destination wedding takes a bit more thought, but it's totally doable. Focus on practical fabrics, climate-appropriate styles, and keeping alterations minimal, and you'll have happy bridesmaids who look amazing in your wedding photos.