Guide to Winter Wedding Bridesmaid Dresses

As anyone who has ever been a bridesmaid before or any fan of the Katherine Heigl film 27 Dresses will tell you, bridesmaid dresses tend to get a bum rap. Many brides, eager to be the center of attention on their wedding day, will choose less than flattering styles for their attendants to wear. They often fill them with promises that the dress is so great that they'll be able to wear it again, only to have that horrific taffeta confection banished to the back of their closet, never to see the light of day again. Luckily (as long as you're attending a bride with a good heart), those days are over. Today's bridesmaid dresses can be beautiful, versatile concoctions that anyone will be glad to wear again and again -you just have to know where to look. This is a guide to some great winter wedding bridesmaid dresses that will certainly fit that bill.

House of Brides.com - Style 7221 $186

This gorgeous dress has almost everything that one needs for a winter wedding: a heavy fabric (in this case taffeta), full length, and an array of winter shades to choose from (including black, burgundy, and olive that are more ideal for an evening wedding). Though there are twelve total shades to choose from, I feel as though bridesmaids in pastels and florals look somewhat silly set against a winter backdrop. One drawback this dress may have is that it's strapless, which can be rather chilly depending on the month. One fashionable way to remedy those chills is to make sure the bridesmaids are armed with matching organza or satin shawls. The gorgeous full tiered skirt makes it look more like an evening gown and less like a bridesmaid dress.

David's Bridal - Style 20143 $155

While heavier, darker shades look great for an evening wedding, they're not really suitable for a morning or afternoon wedding. That's where this dress comes in. It's a sleeveless charmeuse gown with an empire waist that's available in seven brighter jewel tone colors like apple red, holly green, and silver.

Nordstrom - Strapless Ruched Satin Gown $98

This gorgeous strapless gown is simple, classic, and for less than $100 you can't beat the price. Available in six classic colors like red, chocolate, and cobalt blue, this gown, with its a-line skirt is great for almost any shape. Include a matching shawl and this dress is perfect for morning, afternoon, and evening weddings.

Best Bridal Prices.com - Eden Bridesmaid Dress Style 7017 $130

This is a more unusual dress that I've fallen in love with and think is ideal for winter. Though the crepe/chiffon fabric is lighter and I would generally advise going with a heavier fabric, the sheer sleeves are perfect for a winter or nighttime wedding. It's available for sixteen varied colors.

Tie the Knot Bride.com - After Six Renaissance Dress $119

This gorgeous sleeveless v-neck dress is the epitome of a bridesmaid dress you can wear again and again. Not only is it available in thirty one classic colors, but regular shipping is free! Dress it up with the right accessories like opera length gloves or shawl and you have a gown that's gorgeous, inexpensive, and suitable for any time of day.