Published on,
August 27, 2025
Being the maid of honor isn’t just about planning a killer bachelorette party or holding tissues during the vows. You’re standing up there with the bride, front and center. Your dress? It needs to work hard, flattering you, fitting the vibe, and not clashing with the carefully curated wedding aesthetic the couple’s been dreaming about for months (or years).
If you’re wondering what kind of dress you should wear, don’t worry. We’ve got ideas for every type of wedding. From beachy to black tie, romantic to rustic, you’ll find options that look good and make sense.
Romantic Garden Weddings
Picture the scene: soft lighting, flowers everywhere, maybe even a harpist in the corner. How do you fit in? One thing is sure: if the wedding’s happening in a garden, your dress should feel just as dreamy. Imagine yourself in floaty fabrics, soft colors. Oh, and one more thing you need to consider: your dress details should whisper instead of shout.
Go for:
-
Pastels: Dusty rose, soft lilac, pale blue, or sage green work beautifully outdoors.
-
Chiffon or tulle: These light, breathable fabrics catch the breeze (and look amazing in photos).
-
Floral accents: Embroidery, prints, or subtle appliqué that adds a romantic touch.
What we recommend:
-
A floor-length blush chiffon gown with a draped neckline and flutter sleeves.
-
A midi-length dress in soft lavender with a low back and floral embroidery around the hem.
-
Pale green wrap dress with tiny buttons and a subtle print—like flowers, but make it grown-up.
Here’s a pro tip: Leave the heavy makeup and heels at home. Garden weddings are more “twirl in the grass” than “pose on marble.”
Modern Minimalist Ceremonies
Clean. Simple. Elegant. Many couples go for these ceremonies nowadays. These weddings usually happen in art galleries, minimalist event spaces, or modern lofts. There’s probably a color palette involving black, white, and one very specific shade of beige. The vibe? Simple, somehow lowkey, but totally curated.
Go for:
-
Monochrome or neutral shades: Think charcoal, cream, taupe, or soft olive.
-
Streamlined silhouettes: Column dresses, sheath styles, slip dresses.
-
Minimal detailing: Maybe one striking feature like a low back or sharp neckline.
What we recommend:
-
A matte satin slip dress in champagne with a square neckline.
-
A floor-length dress with clean lines and an open back—elegant but not extra.
-
A midi-length halter in dove gray, with nothing but perfect tailoring to make it pop.
Our pro tip: Don’t overdo it with accessories. Get a simple but impactful bun, and pick small studs. For makeup, try a bold lip if the bride gives the green light.
Glamorous Black-Tie Events
Now we’re talking full glam. If the invite says black-tie, this is your chance to dress up like you’re heading to the Oscars, but bridal edition. Expect chandeliers, champagne towers, maybe even a string quartet.
Go for:
-
Deep or jewel-toned colors: Emerald, burgundy, navy, or black (yes, black works).
-
Rich fabrics: Velvet, satin, silk blends.
-
Shine: A little sequin or beading goes a long way.
What we recommend:
-
A fitted velvet mermaid dress in wine red with an off-shoulder neckline.
-
A dark navy satin gown with a thigh-high slit and simple spaghetti straps.
-
A black sequin column gown, if the bride’s okay with it, it’s drama in the best way.
Our pro tip: Just make sure your dress doesn’t overshadow hers. The goal is elegance, not “oops, I stole the show.”
Beach or Destination Weddings
Sun. Sand. Salt spray. Sounds fun, but it’s not the place for five layers of tulle and heels that sink into the sand. Destination weddings (especially the beach edition) are going to be fun, but also perfect for light fabrics, playful colors, and feeling chill.
Go for:
-
Lighter fabrics: Linen blends, chiffon, soft cottons.
-
Brighter shades or tropical prints: Coral, turquoise, butter yellow, or leafy green.
-
Easy silhouettes: A-line, wrap dresses, high-low hems.
What we recommend:
-
A sky-blue maxi with a slit and spaghetti straps.
-
A wrap dress in a light floral print with ruffled sleeves.
-
A coral one-shoulder dress made for sunset ceremonies.
Our pro tip: Skip the stilettos, your feet will thank you! Wedge sandals, barefoot sandals, or even cute flats will save your feet (and your sanity).
Boho & Rustic Celebrations
These weddings usually happen in barns, forests, or backyard settings with fairy lights and handmade touches. The bride might be wearing boots under her dress. The vibe is relaxed but intentional.
Go for:
-
Earthy colors: Rust, mustard, sage, terracotta.
-
Boho details: Lace, embroidery, tiered skirts.
-
Unstructured shapes: Flowing cuts that move easily.
What we recommend:
-
A mustard lace midi with flutter sleeves and a low back.
-
A sage green gown with a gathered waist and lace panel.
-
A cream maxi with crochet trim and a vintage feel.
Our pro tip: Add a flower crown if you’re feeling the vibe of the event. Don’t overdo it. If you’re not feeling the flowers, you can never go wrong with soft curls and simple jewelry.
Tips for Matching Without Blending In
Okay, now let’s talk about balance. You’re not a bridesmaid, but you’re still on the bride’s team. Your dress should stand out a little, but not scream, “look at me.” Here’s how to get it right.
Keep these in mind:
-
Ask the bride what she wants. Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Some brides want the maid of honor in a different color or silhouette. Others want you to match the bridesmaids perfectly.
-
Try not to outshine her. This isn’t your wedding (though yes, you look incredible).
-
Coordinate, don’t copy. If the bridesmaids are in navy, you could wear a slightly lighter shade, or a different texture.
-
Fit the theme. Think about the location, season, and vibe. A velvet gown in August? Nope. A strapless dress at a mountain lodge in winter? Also nope.
-
Consider photos. Your dress should look good next to the bride and the wedding party. Think “ensemble,” not solo act.
If you’re unsure, send the bride a few photos. She’ll probably appreciate the effort—and you’ll avoid surprises on the big day.
You’re Important. So Is the Dress.
Being the maid of honor is kind of a big deal. You’re the bride’s right-hand person, a shoulder to cry on (or laugh on), and you’ll be in a whole bunch of the photos. Your dress should reflect that role. It should fit the setting, match the mood, and feel great on you from start to finish.
You don’t have to spend a fortune. You just have to think about what works—and what doesn’t.
Looking for something that checks all the boxes?
Explore our maid of honor dresses at New York Dress. From soft and flowy to sleek and modern, we’ve got you.
You hold the bouquet. We’ve got the dress.
