From soft pastel shades to vibrant, saturated hues, there are a multitude of color options on the market for bridal party dresses. One enticing possibility that’s both attention-grabbing and timeless? Burgundy. This reddish-brown tint with a hint of purple radiates elegance and sophistication, and with a symbolic significance that denotes love and passion, this deep, rich tone is the perfect choice for a marital celebration. Not to mention, burgundy flatters every skin tone, making it a versatile, appealing choice for your bridesmaids.
As a jewel tone, burgundy is a popular pick for fall and winter nuptials—especially in thick fabrics, like velvet—but when set against springtime greenery or a summer sunset, particularly in silk or satin, the rich shade will certainly stand out. With its warm, earthy feel, this bridesmaid dress color coordinates with any bohemian, rustic, or vintage fête, though it also looks stunning at glamorous or romantic functions, given its luxurious, high-quality finish. Filled with organic undertones, burgundy complements a natural backdrop, whether it’s a prolific forest, a worn, wooden barn, or a greenery-clad vineyard.
If you’re considering this vivacious hue for your nuptials, there are many different ways to bring it to life. For a cohesive look that honors each bridal party member’s individuality, consider color-coordinated gowns with an array of styles and silhouettes. You can also combine the color with other complementary hues or use the tone to set your maid of honor apart. But that's not all, which is why we rounded up 10 beautiful burgundy bridesmaid dresses to help inspire your crew's look. Take a look at these stunning ideas from real weddings.
Vary the Neckline
Burgundy bridesmaid dresses in the same style will provide the utmost uniformity. But to give your crew a distinctive air—while still maintaining the cohesive spirit—consider varying the necklines. That way, each of your bridesmaids will be able to sport their preferred cut, from strapless to halter. For instance, at former NBA star Derek Fisher’s glamorous garden affair, the bride’s tribe all donned A-line burgundy gowns with a leg slit from Dessy Group, but they chose different necklines: a V-neck, a scoop neck, and a one-shoulder design, respectively.
Permit Different Silhouettes
If you’re aiming to have all of your bridesmaids match in the same shade, ditch the cookie-cutter look and give each member the autonomy to choose their own dress—one that suits their personal style and preferences. With all of your closest friends and relatives in the same hue, their attire will look color-coordinated—but, with a range of silhouettes (like these bridesmaids' gowns for a boho-chic garden wedding), your group will express their own uniqueness. Not to mention, your girls will feel more comfortable and confident in an outfit of their choosing.
Include Complementary Hues
For bold, boisterous bashes, have each of your bridesmaids pick a different color gown. For example, the women at this colorful, French-inspired soirée were clad in complementary hues of burgundy, teal, and cream with metallic embellishments—each piece was even composed of different textures, from pleated to ruffled. To make sure their frocks still correspond, consider using the color palette of your bouquet to inform the color scheme of their dresses.
Channel the Fall Season
Burgundy bridesmaid dresses are the epitome of fall. If you're organizing an autumnal affair, channel the season by including this dazzling tone in your bridal party's getups. For her black-tie, garden-inspired nuptials, this bride had her tribe don gowns in burgundy, along with orange, gold, and bronze—the same striking shades that color the trees every fall.
Highlight Your Maid of Honor
Since burgundy is a vivid hue that makes a statement, consider using it to set your maid of honor apart from the rest of your bridesmaids. Combined with lighter shades, like the pink and teal tones from Plum Pretty Sugar that the bride's tribe sported for her intimate ranch affair in Texas, your righthand lady will particularly stand out. Plus, with her own special hue, she'll feel appreciated and valued.
Add Statement Accessories
Accessories can instantly elevate burgundy bridesmaid dresses—while also reinforcing your wedding aesthetic. In the above photo, the bridesmaids are seen wearing refined formalwear: one-shoulder burgundy wrap dresses with sweetheart necklines and a layer of silk fabric. The same pair of dangling crystal-studded earrings on each also helps accentuate the luxe, glitzy feel of their gowns. This is a stunning choice for glamorous functions.
Create a Warm Gradient
On its own, burgundy has a rich, moody feel, but combining the reddish-brown tint with other lighter colors will emphasize the hue's warm undertones. This bridal party, who took on bridesmaid duties at the bride's fall wedding in Big Sur, sported burgundy frocks and other similar shades, such as rust and dusty rose. When presented beside one another, the burgundy ones appeared brighter and more vibrant.
Incorporate an Unexpected Pattern
Solid-colored dresses are a common choice for bridesmaids' outfits, but a printed gown is a fun and playful alternative—no matter your wedding theme. One bridesmaid was dressed in a rich-hued frock with a pattern reminiscent of splattered paint, a stylish look for the organic forest affair in California that she attended.
Mix Materials
In addition to selecting an array of silhouettes and necklines for burgundy bridesmaid dresses, you can also champion your friends and family’s individuality by fusing different textures. For instance, at this ombré-themed rooftop fête, the bridesmaids wore velvet, chiffon, lace, linen, or glittery gowns. Some even had on related shades of pink, which complemented the darker reddish-brown notes.
Select Silky Textures
Saying "I do" outdoors in a warm climate or season? Look to lightweight fabrics, like satin or silk, for burgundy bridesmaid dresses. When this bride and groom tied the knot in a rustic barn wedding in California, each bridal party member wore a sumptuous slip dress from Dessy Group, with either a cowl neck or halter neck. Not only are these textiles breathable, but they're also luxurious—perfect for formal dress codes.