Why Tulle Bridesmaid Dresses Never Go Out of Style?

By Kristen AnistonApr 3, 20250 comments

What Actually is Tulle?

If you've never really thought about what tulle is, it's basically that net-like fabric that makes ballet tutus so poufy. Originally from the French town of Tulle (yep, creative naming there!), it's a lightweight mesh material usually made from silk, nylon or rayon.

@boutiquefilms | Burnt Orange Bridesmaid Dresses

The magic of tulle lies in its versatility. When layered, it creates volume and movement without adding significant weight. This characteristic makes it perfect for creating the dreamy, floating effect that many brides envision for their wedding party. From ballet tutus to bridal veils, tulle has long been associated with elegance and grace – qualities every bridesmaid aims to embody on the big day.

The Good, The Bad, and The Tulle-y

The Good Bits

Stands the test of time: While some dress styles scream "bad 80s perm era," tulle bridesmaid dresses somehow manage to look relatively timeless. Your photos won't make people cringe in 20 years!

Works for basically any venue: Country barn? Gothic cathedral? Beach ceremony? Tulle fits right in everywhere.

Made for movement: Unlike those stiff taffeta nightmares from weddings past, tulle actually moves with your bridesmaids. Discover some epic first dance photos where the tulle created this dreamy effect around the dance floor.

Photographer's dream: Chat with any wedding photographer and they'll tell you - tulle catches light beautifully. It creates this soft, diffused glow in photos that's just chef's kiss.

Colour options galore: One bride I worked with wanted a very specific shade of dusty blue that matched some vintage china. Tulle took the dye perfectly - try getting that precision with some other fabrics!

@freeformimages.co.uk | Blush Tulle Bridesmaid Dress

The Less Great Bits

Let's be real - no fabric is perfect:

It can be a bit fragile: Pre-wedding panic may happen when someone's heel caught on a tulle layer. Bring emergency sewing kits, ladies!

Not always the comfiest: My cousin was brutally honest after being a bridesmaid - "It looked gorgeous but felt like I was wrapped in a fancy loofah all day."

Wind issues: If you're planning an outdoor wedding in blustery Britain (brave choice!), be aware that tulle has a mind of its own in strong winds.

When Should You Go Full Tulle?

From what I've seen attending dozens of weddings (occupational hazard):

Spring and summer weddings are tulle's natural habitat
When you want that fairytale, romantic vibe
If your venue has gorgeous natural light
If your bridesmaids are up for something a bit princess-y

I wouldn't necessarily recommend full tulle skirts for a minimalist industrial warehouse wedding or if your bridesmaids hate anything remotely "poufy" (we all have that one friend!).

Our Favourite Tulle Bridesmaid Dresses

Here are our top picks that brides and bridesmaids alike adore:

1. MISTE | Classic V-Neck Floor-Length Dress

MISTE Tulle Bridesmaid Dress in Sage Green

This sage green beauty has been flying off our virtual shelves! The double V-neck (front AND back) is super flattering - I've yet to see someone who doesn't look amazing in it. One bride messaged us saying her bridesmaids with completely different body types all felt gorgeous in it, which is basically the holy grail of bridesmaid dresses.

2. CLOE | One Shoulder Maxi with High Slit

CLOE Tulle Bridesmaid Dress in Dark Green

If you want something a bit sexier while keeping that tulle magic, this is your dress. The one-shoulder design gives it a Grecian goddess vibe, while the high slit adds a bit of drama. We had a winter bride pair these with faux fur shrugs and the photos were absolutely stunning.

3. HEIDY | Lantern Sleeve V-Neck with Chain Detail

HEIDY Tulle Bridesmaid Dress in Burnt Orange

This one's for the fashion-forward bridal party! Those statement lantern sleeves are properly Instagram-worthy. The burnt orange is perfect for autumn weddings - we had a customer use these for a November ceremony with pampas grass decorations and honestly, I'm still not over how gorgeous it looked.

4. MARA | Modest Embellished Midi Bridesmaid Dress

MARA Tulle Bridesmaid Dress in Pink

Not every bridesmaid wants to deal with a full-length gown (especially if your venue has stairs!). This midi option gives you all that tulle goodness without the tripping hazard. The embellished top adds just enough sparkle without going full Strictly Come Dancing. We've seen these at quite a few garden ceremonies this year.

5. LUCIE | Boho Off-Shoulder Sweetheart Maxi

LUCIE Tulle Bridesmaid Dress in Burnt Orange

This is what I call our "re-wearable" bridesmaid dress. The design is special enough for a wedding but not so bridal that it can't make an appearance at future formal events. One bridesmaid told us she's already worn it to a family shoot after the wedding. Getting actual use out of a bridesmaid dress? Revolutionary!

Not Sold on Tulle?

Look, tulle isn't everyone's cup of tea. Some bridesmaids hear "tulle" and have flashbacks to being stuffed into scratchy ballet costumes as children. If your bridal party is firmly anti-tulle, we've got options:

Flowy chiffon gives a similar romantic vibe without the volume
Satin if you're after something sleeker and more modern
Sequin dresses for those who want to add some serious sparkle and glamour to the celebration
Lace for traditional elegance (though beware - it can be even more delicate than tulle!)
Velvet for autumn/winter weddings (bonus: much warmer for those chilly church ceremonies)

Whether you go full Princess Diana levels of tulle or just a hint in an overlay, these dresses have serious staying power in the wedding world.

Have questions about finding the perfect tulle bridesmaid dresses for your wedding? Comment below - we're here to help you find exactly what you have in mind.

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