Selecting who will stand by your side on your wedding day is a huge honor and chances are you want to ensure your bridal party feels as special as they are on your big day. If you’re trying to narrow down your choices, be sure to consider velvet dresses. The luxe fabric is becoming an all-season favorite for wedding parties far and wide. Between its undeniably rich texture and entirely unexpected bridal party look, this ensemble is ideal for a chic and slightly unconventional wedding.
“We saw velvet really take off in late 2019, and it isn't going away anytime soon,” the senior director of marketing at Revelry, Alena Wells tells Brides. “It’s a great way to have unique and on-trend bridal party dresses, instead of the more traditional fabrics.”
Ranu Coleman, the chief marketing officer at Azazie adds that if a couple wants to be a little unconventional and make more of a statement, they should pick velvet dresses. “They are glamorous, lightweight, soft, and photograph beautifully,” she says. Bonus: Both experts agree velvet looks great on all body types thanks to the figuring-flattering yet forgiving fabric. A few of our favorite places to shop these beauties include Revelry, Azazie, Birdy Grey, Jenny Yoo, and Net-A-Porter.
Read on for the best velvet styles you and your bridal party will be sure to love.
Best Flutter Sleeve: Birdy Grey Hannah Dress
Size Range: XS-3XL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Regal and elegant, the Hannah dress features a pretty flutter sleeve and a timeless V-neckline. Plus, that sexy slit calls for a statement shoe moment.
Price at time of publish: $99
Most Flattering: Norma Kamali Asymmetric Draped Ruched Stretch-Velvet Dress
Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 28 days of delivery
Get ready for the most iconic walk—or strut—down the aisle with this statement-making and flattering velvet dress. For the couple seeking an ultra-chic and edgy celebration, this bridal party look is bound to elevate any modern affair instantly.
Price at time of publish: $175
Most Romantic: Revelry Drew Velvet Dress
Size Range: 0-32 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Final sale
The sweetheart neckline on Revelry’s Bardot gown gives us old-time glamour vibes. Plus, since Revelry’s velvet is more lightweight, you can opt for a nontraditional hue for a warmer season, and still feel chic and cool.
Price at time of publish: $189
For a Winter Wedding: MedeShe Women's Christmas Long Sleeve V-Neck Velvet Maxi Dress
Size Range: 4/6-18/20 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within guidelines
Coming in a variety of jeweled tones, this long sleeve velvet maxi is ideal for winter weddings and seasonal celebrations.
Price at time of publish: $50
Best Bright Color: Reformation Salamanca Velvet Midi Dress
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
Coming in bright, of-the-moment hot pink, this Reformation velvet slip dress will keep your bridal party cool thanks to its spaghetti strap bodice and V-neckline.
Price at time of publish: $328
Best Strapless: Revelry Quinn Velvet Dress
Size Range: 0-32 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Final sale
Effortlessly romantic, this strapless gown comes in over twenty colors and features a button-back and small train that adds just enough drama.
Price at time of publish: $189
Best One-Shoulder: Revelry Jade Velvet Dress
Size Range: 0-32 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Final sale
Fierce and flattering, Revelry’s one-shoulder Jace dress comes with an adjustable spaghetti strap. The striking side gathering makes for a flattering silhouette while the rosy hue works well for all complections.
Price at time of publish: $189
Most Playful: Revelry Riley Convertible Velvet Dress
Size Range: 0-32 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Final sale
Also available in maxi length, Revelry’s Riley convertible dress will get your crew in the party mood. It can be worn cold shoulder, or as a flounced spaghetti strap dress, for an easy way to change up the look.
Price at time of publish: $189
Most Versatile: Revelry Micah Convertible Velvet Dress
Size Range: XS-5XL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Final sale
If you want an easy mix-and-match look, Revelry’s Micah convertible dress is a must. This infinity gown features endless styling options from one-shoulder to halter and crisscross. Plus, it comes with a separate bandeau top in matching velvet fabric for additional optional coverage.
Price at time of publish: $189
Best Plunging Neckline: Jenny Yoo Logan Dress
Size Range: 0-18 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase
Ten colors, a flattering V-neckline, and an invisible illusion detail make this Jenny Yoo stunner the perfect choice for any venue or theme. Need we say more?
Price at time of publish: $290
Most Sophisticated: Jenny Yoo Ellis Velvet Open Back Dress
Size Range: 0-24 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase
Sweet and sophisticated flutter cap sleeves meet a beautifully ruched bodice on the Ellis dress. Its simple A-line skirt effortlessly sweeps the ground. Choose between this beautiful French blue, English rose, dark berry, bluestone, or classic black.
Price at time of publish: $295
Best High Neckline: Azazie Blair Velvet Dress
Size Range: A0-A30 (custom sizes available) | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of purchase for standard sizes
The Blair dress gives you the best of both worlds—a daringly playful side slit paired with a sophisticated and modest high neckline. We love the stunning ruching perfectly draped across the body of the gown.
Price at time of publish: $99
Most Flirty: Revelry Drew Velvet Dress
Size Range: 0-32 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Final sale
The perfect combination of formal and flirty, Revelry’s Drew velvet dress stands apart with its full tie closure. And if you’re looking for something a little more casual, grab it in a midi length.
Price at time of publish: $189
Best Off-the-Shoulder Neckline: JJ's House Sheath/Column Off-the-Shoulder Floor-Length Velvet Evening Dress
Size Range: 0-26W (custom sizes available) | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 14 days of purchase for standard sizes
This sleek off-the-shoulder neckline frames the shoulders and collarbones oh-so-beautifully. Plus, between the wide array of color options and its streamlined silhouette, you simply can't go wrong with a classic like this.
Price at time of publish: $104
Best Budget: Lulus Debut Diva Burgundy Velvet Maxi Dress
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Maxi | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Free returns accepted within 30 days of delivery
Figure-flattering and oh-so Instagrammable, Lulus Debut Diva dress is a sure thing whether you pick it in burgundy, mauve, mustard yellow, or royal blue.
Price at time of publish: 74
Meet the Expert
- Alena Wells is the senior director of marketing at Revelry.
- Ranu Coleman is the chief marketing officer at Azazie.
What to Look for in a Velvet Bridal Party Dress
No matter what bridal party dress style (or styles!) you and your crew ultimately choose, we're strong believers that it all comes down to comfort and confidence. We recommend having your party try on a variety of cuts and silhouettes to discover what makes them look and feel their absolute best. A large part of this is, of course, the fabric! The material can have a significant influence on how the dress will hug and flatter the body. Velvet, in particular, is stunning because it's a slightly thicker material that tends to sculpt the shape beautifully. While it's usually found in more fitted, streamlined silhouettes, velvet can also be found in draped A-line shapes. The naturally warm appearance and texture of velvet is universally flattering and undeniably luxurious. While its richness is certainly alluring, keep in mind that this fabric may not be the best for weddings taking place in a warm climate. It not only visually fits more appropriately for fall or winter nuptials, but the fabric physically traps heat much more than breathable fabrics such as chiffon or silk.
Why Trust Brides
Contributing writer Rachel Varina is a professional freelance writer, content manager, and social media manager. With over seven years of professional writing experience, her work as appeared on sites such as Cosmopolitan, Women's Health, Elite Daily, Betches, and Zola, in addition to Brides.