For summer nuptials, you can't beat blue bridesmaid dresses. Because with countless shades that will all complement a white bridal gown perfectly, from powdery blues to navy, it really is one of the most wearable options.
But which blue is for you? Well, for hot-weather weddings, a paler shade works beautifully whilst, usually, it's autumnal or winter weddings where you'll see deeper colours such as navy. The mid-blues are ideal, meanwhile, for a destination wedding, where more vibrant shades of cornflower and azure will complement blue skies and white sands. If you're looking for something timeless and classic, try richer tones like royal blue or navy, where the deep saturated undertones mean these shades are flattering on all skin tones and hair colours.
For 2024, one particular shade has already emerged as something of a front-runner when it comes to bridesmaid dresses. At Monsoon, which has one of the best selections of affordable bridesmaid dresses on the high street, searches for 'dusty blue bridesmaid dresses' have increased by a significant 316%. For boho brides, its recycled polyester maxi dress, embroidered with a sprinkling of blossoms on the torso and skirt, is something a little bit different (£122.50).
Team Grazia has someone experience in the field when it comes to this very shade. 'For one of my trips down the aisle as a bridesmaid, I wore a very similar dusty blue in the form of a satin gown by Ghost (a bridesmaid classic),' says Natalie Hammond, Grazia's senior fashion news editor. 'It was an absolute scorcher on the day and, as you can see, the blue matched the colour of the sky to perfection, as well as contrasting to our white, cream and green bouquets.'
So, if you're looking for your something blue - scroll below to see the best blue bridesmaid dresses to suit everyone.
SHOP: The Best Blue Bridesmaid Dresses
www.monsoon.co.uk
Dusty blue dresses are trending at Monsoon, with searches up by 316%. I love this boho style with embroidered blossoms, which also has a delicate cut-out at the back.
www.ghost.co.uk
Ghost's deep navy satin midi dress is a winner if you want a darker shade for your bridesmaids - and it'll also be so easy for them to rewear.
rixolondon.com
Periwinkle and trimmed with lace, Rixo's satin midi dress almost looks vintage, which might appeal to some bridesmaids looking for a yesteryear aesthetic that's still bang on trend.
www.thereformation.com
Reformation's silk dress, which falls to the ankle in a fabulous shade of aquamarine, will make your maids very happy indeed.
www.nobodyschild.com
Nobody's Child has a brilliant selection of affordable bridesmaid dresses, including this slate blue style with an on-point cowl neck.
www.harveynichols.com
With a sky blue tint that instantly says 'summer', Kendall Jenner's favourite dress brand has sold us on this easy, breezy strapless dress.
kitristudio.com
This sky blue midaxi dress, printed with tulips and featuring a statement cowl neck, is brilliant if you want your bridesmaid to rewear their outfits.
www.karenmillen.com
The waterfall sleeve on this pale blue column dress will look spectacular in wedding photos.
www.net-a-porter.com
Self-Portrait strikes again with crystal-embellished cut-outs at the side of this crepe midi dress that make it more than a little out of the ordinary.
www.maidstomeasure.com
Maids To Measure allows you to shop blue bridesmaid dresses by four different shades - baby blue, light blue, midnight blue and navy blue - and this satin-tie style is one of our absolute favourites.
www.asos.com
ASOS is one of the most bankable high street destinations for bridesmaid dresses - and this dusky blue halter-neck style will be perfect for a height of summer wedding.
www.johnlewis.com
Now reduced to £72.25, Closet London's aquamarine bridesmaid dress is simple but effective.
www.net-a-porter.com
Elegant but oh-so-easy to wear, Saloni has struck gold with this luxurious velvet gown in marine blue.
www.coastfashion.com
Fluid and with one 'fallen' shoulder, Coast's satin bridesmaid dress is a subtle showstopper.
www.asceno.com
For a winter wedding, where no sleeves is a no-go area, Asceno's silk-velvet dress gets our vote.
What style of bridesmaid dress should I choose?
Whilst matching dresses work well for flower girl dresses, it's always great to give your bridal party some options as you want everyone to feel comfortable. Luckily, there's plenty out there to suit everyone's style. Sleeves can always be tricky when it comes to occasionwear as many gowns either have teeny spaghetti straps or no straps at all. Whilst these will look beautiful, many of us want a little more coverage over our arms or just thicker straps to make wearing a bra much easier. Try looking for capped or fluted sleeves - a delicate style that's super flattering by keeping shoulders and the top of the arm covered (these are also great for weddings in hot climates or on sunny days -nobody wants burnt shoulders).
If you opt for a longer dress - a style that will always look great - just be sure that you've had yours tailored to your height. When measuring the length try wearing the shoes you'll wear on the big day to get it perfect - nobody wants to be tripping over hems.
Julia Harvey has been Shopping Editor at Grazia UK for the past two and a half years, overseeing and editing all things shopping for the title from trend pages, gift guides and the best things to buy now in both print and online.