Although the bride may have the final say regarding bridesmaid dresses, there's no reason why bridesmaids shouldn't be part of the process, especially when it comes to choosing plus-size bridesmaid dresses. After all, they're the ones wearing the dress, so their confidence in the final choice is vital. In the past, finding a correctly fitting plus-size dress could be tricky. Finally, however, brands are beginning to embrace more inclusive sizing, meaning shopping for plus-size bridesmaid dresses is not nearly as tedious as it once was.
A trend that's emerged in weddings of late is bridesmaids wearing similar colours but different tones, textures and fits. Music to the ears of bridesmaids everywhere, it means that each person can ensure they're wearing something that suits them and feels comfortable – after all, every person will be a slightly different body shape and size, so it's incredibly rare that one dress will work for a whole group of people.
Best plus-size bridesmaid dresses at a glance:
Best green plus-size bridesmaid dress: Reformation, Marguerite Silk Dress, £298
Best navy blue plus-size bridesmaid dress: ASOS Anaya With Love, Bridesmaid Dress in Navy, £80
Best satin plus-size bridesmaid dress: Maids To Measure, Cleo Burnt Orange Wrap Satin Dress, £150
Best black plus-size bridesmaid dress: Live Unlimited One Shoulder Midi Dress, £115
As far as selecting bridesmaid dresses goes, it's not just the fit of the dress to consider. It's also the time of year and the colour palette of the wedding as a whole. As you may have guessed, pastel shades and floral prints are still hugely popular for the spring and summer seasons. Sage green bridesmaid dresses, in particular, have been a hit, with Google searches constantly increasing.
Don't think you have to look for plus size brands only – some of the most beautiful bridesmaid dresses come courtesy of Reformation, Monsoon, Rixo and ASOS, all of whom have done a great job in offering inclusive sizing that extends up to a size 28 (in Reformation's case, while 24/26 tends to be the average for the other brands). It's no surprise that many of the larger sizes in many styles are the first to sell out, which only goes to prove how underserved so many women have been (and still are, in many cases) when it comes to finding great clothes which fit. If you do find the size you're looking for is out of stock, it's worth signing up for notifications so that you're alerted when a style is re-stocked.
Thankfully, most of these brands also have wedding edits to make it easier to shop for all of the wedding party, including flower girl dresses to match.
Shop our top recommendations for the best plus-size bridesmaid dresses, below.
Shop: The Best Plus-Size Bridesmaid Dresses
Best green plus-size bridesmaid dress
Reformationwww.thereformation.com
This dress combines a fitted bodice and elasticated back panel, meaning it'll fit really well without being uncomfortable. It has pretty tie straps, a draped skirt and is made from 100% silk, plus it's available in UK sizes 4-28, which is good news if the bride does want all her bridesmaids in exactly the same dress.
Best satin plus-size bridesmaid dress
Maids to Measurewww.maidstomeasure.com
While it's frustrating that Maids To Measure only shows its dresses on one model (as opposed to using different body shapes and sizes), it does offer some lovely styles which are available up to a UK size 24. With its V-neck and cape sleeves, this makes for a really pretty choice in a more unusual, striking colour. There are many other shades available, though, and you can search via colour to make things easier.
Best sage green plus-size bridesmaid dress
www.monsoon.co.uk
Something of an overlooked treasure on the high street, Monsoon has one of the most varied and lovely selection of bridesmaids dresses, all available up to a UK size 24. One of the most popular colour for bridesmaids continues to be sage green, and this Bardot style is elegant in its simplicity. It's a great choice, whether you're opting for all-matching dresses or different styles in the same hue.
Best plus-size bridesmaid dress with long sleeves
ASOSwww.asos.com
Although black used to be a controversial choice for a wedding, we're seeing a recent trend of black bridesmaid dresses, with celebrities like Sofia Richie choosing them for her own wedding. From ASOS, this dress is chic and super-affordable and it is available up to a UK size 30.
Best printed plus-size bridesmaid dress
rixolondon.com
Rixo has designed its bridesmaid dresses in a range of pretty colours and prints, for a contemporary twist on a more traditional approach. This means you can mix and match without worrying that your bridesmaids will clash. This peachy style is made of silk crepe with flutter sleeves, waist ties, and subtle frills, making it flattering and comfortable. It's available up to UK size 24.
Best black plus-size bridesmaid dress
www.johnlewis.com
If you're looking for a black bridesmaid dress, this is a really lovely choice from Live Unlimited, stocked at John Lewis & Partners. It has a chic silhouette, it's simple without being boring and it's available up to a UK size 26.
Best navy plus-size bridesmaid dress
www.asos.com
With an asymmetric neckline and tulle skirt, this is a lovely choice if you're on the hunt for a navy dress that your bridesmaids will actually want to wear. It's available in UK sizes 4-28, too, so if you do want to have a matching aesthetic, it's a great choice.
Best pink plus-size bridesmaid dress
www.needleandthread.com
Needle & Thread has a really beautiful selection of dresses that would be perfect for any kind of wedding. In UK sizes 4-22, there's a wide selection of colours and styles to suit every body shape. This pink gown is a show-stopper, available in three other colours, too. Ideal for brides who aren't having lots of bridesmaids, as it is more of an investment due to the quality of the material and the intricate embroidery.
Best gold plus-size bridesmaid dress
www.thereformation.com
One of the most-Googled colours of bridesmaid dresses behind navy and green, gold or champagne will add a luxe feeling to your wedding day. This printed silk dress would make for a glorious addition to any bridal party and it's available up to a size 28.
Where to shop the best plus-size bridesmaid dresses?
Along with the retailers mentioned in our edit, some of the best places to shop plus-size bridesmaid dresses are Rixo bridesmaids dresses, although like occasion dress brand Ghost, stock sells fast. Other brands that stock plus-size occasionwear that deserve an honourable mention are Abercrombie & Fitch, Coast and Phase Eight to name a few.
What style of bridesmaid dress is the most flattering?
Selecting something that has universal appeal might be the right idea when it comes to pleasing all of your bridesmaids. Styles that make popular bridesmaid dresses are A-line, wrap and fit-and-flare dresses - anything that has a fitted waist with a flare toward the hem flatters most. While you'll want dresses to fit your colour scheme, the right colour can make all the difference. Shades that work on all skin tones, like champagne bridesmaid dresses, are a choice you can't go wrong with.
Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Grazia magazine. In 2021, Sam began her journey as a Storytelling Executive at Closer and heatworld on an internship, creating beauty and fashion content across these brands. It was 2022 when Sam was employed as a Commercial Content Writer writing about Family Life on Yours, Mother & Baby and Spirit & Destiny. Now, she specialises in beauty, fashion and wellness content across many brands.