Looking for bridal party outfits for getting ready? Want them to be unique? Looking for something bridesmaids can wear that aren’t robes?! We’ve got you covered! Read on for the best outfit ideas for getting ready before the wedding. Subscribe for the latest to your inbox, k?
One of the memorable parts of the wedding day is getting ready with your bridal party. There’s something exciting about the hours leading up to the ceremony, getting your hair and makeup done, chatting with your bridal party, and having those delicious cups of coffee or mimosas to toast to the day ahead. But there’s one thing that’s missing from every great getting ready story: the best bridal party outfits.
And honestly, while we love a good set of robes, that’s not everyone’s favorite thing to wear and we get it! So today, we’re sharing unique bridal party pajamas, loungewear, and frankly the best bridesmaid getting ready outfits that aren’t robes to prove there are more selections out there!
It’s not that we don’t like robes. I personally love a good robe, but there’s one thing I really don’t like about it as a bridesmaid’s point of view. It feels incredibly easy to accidentally open, or sometimes it is cut too low, and other times it’s way too short. It’s hard to get comfy while having hair and makeup done and photographs happening all around you while you’re adjusting your outfit to make sure it’s not showing anything. :)
These bridesmaid robe alternatives will help you immensely with bridal party attire from button-down shirts to oversized sleepshirts and tees; we’ve found the cutest monogrammed bridesmaid pajama sets and loungewear, rompers, and so much more. This is one of the best lists we’ve curated because you only get one chance to make a great impression on the morning of the wedding. These are the photos you’ll love to relive, the outfits you’ll love to wear, and the memories you’ll cherish. So, without further adieu, we present the best bridal party outfits that aren’t robes. There’s a ton of wedding party attire on this list without a robe in sight. :) But first, we’ll tackle a few frequently asked questions so you know what to look for.
What Can Bridesmaids Wear While Getting Ready?
The answer: anything. For real. Do you have to wear a bridesmaid pajama set with a monogram? Of course not.
Does the outfit need to be pajamas at all? No.
Do the bridal party outfits you select have to match the other bridesmaids? Not really, but it looks best in photos if they do. :)
And… do bridesmaids have to wear an outfit supplied by the bride? No way!
As a rule of thumb, choosing what to wear while getting ready for the wedding needs one thing: the outfit should fit easily over your head OR shimmy down your body without messing up your hair and makeup. That’s it. There’s no reason to mess up a perfectly coifed hairstyle just because you had to have that cool t-shirt. The last thing you want to do is pull a tee or romper up and over your face or hair, messing up all that mascara, your perfect eyeliner, and giving you flyways on your hair.
Now that we have that rule out of the way, let’s have some fun. Bridesmaids can wear matching bridal party outfits or getting ready, or choose something that’s a little more their individual style. You can select different colors, lengths, etc. Have fun with it!
What Should Bridesmaids Wear Under Getting Ready Outfits?
Since the morning of the wedding is heavily photographed (usually), it is recommended to cover yourself underneath the apparel just in case there’s a slip-up. Wear undergarments and, if the outfit is a long sleepshirt or similar, you can pair it with simple black leggings like these. Simple black shorts — something like this — are also a good idea. Not required, but both good options in case you’re a little worried about revealing anything.
Does the Bride Give Bridesmaid Getting Ready Outfits?
If you’re wondering whether the getting ready attire should be a part of the bridal party outfit, first ask yourself this: who is the gift really for? If you’re amped up to have cute bridal party outfits for photos, then they should be given on top of their bridesmaid gifts. However, if you think they’ll love the outfit you’ve picked and they will wear them again, then the bride can give the outfits as a part of their gift.
Who Gets an Outfit to Wear?
Great question: if you’re buying outfits for bridesmaids for getting ready, you’ll want one for:
• The Bride (you!)
• Maid of Honor
• Bridesmaid(s)
Easy!
If you have more people joining in on the getting-ready fun, you should include the following:
• Flower Girl
• Junior Bridesmaid(s)
• Mother of the Bride
• Mother of the Groom
PRO TIP: If you are looking for flower girl outfits, read: 8 Most Adorable Flower Girl Pajamas.
Does the Bride’s Getting Ready Outfit Have to Match the Bridesmaids?
No! As the bride, you can wear a bridal robe, if you’d like, even if everyone else is wearing alternatives to bridesmaid robes.
If bridesmaids are wearing a floral print, you can wear all white; or, we’ve also seen the bride wearing the same print.
We have noticed that getting ready outfits look their very best in photos when the bride wears a different color than the bridesmaids. It stands out nicely!
My Bridal Party Isn’t Wearing Outfits. Will My Wedding Be Ruined?
Oh wow, the horror! Just kidding. Your wedding is going to rock regardless of whether your bridesmaids are wearing robes, you picked out bridal party outfits that aren’t robes, or you’re skipping the getting ready attire altogether and winging it. Is it fun? Sure thing! Is it optional? You bet!
Now… let’s get down to business. Here are the best alternatives to bridesmaid robes that your entire crew will love to wear. These are not your typical getting ready outfits; these are fun bridesmaid robe alternatives and you’re going to LOVE them.
Bridesmaid Robe Alternatives
1. Monogrammed Cotton Jersey Pajama Sets
Give your bridesmaids matching pajama sets like these, one of the best alternatives to bridesmaid robes for a few reasons. One, they’re available in two pieces; top buttons down so you can easily get dressed without messing up your ‘do. These are nice and comfy, they look cute, and check out how adorable that monogramming on the front is! I love this color and style. By LeRoseGifts.
2. Monogram Button Down Satin PJs
Pajama sets like these in silky satin are perfect for the morning of the wedding. I love the variety of colors available. Let’s be honest: these are the type of bridesmaid robe alternatives your bridal party will 100% want to wear at home after the big day! I would love to lounge in these. By LeRoseGifts.
Prefer a floral print? You’ve got it! There’s so much to love in this shop.
Don’t forget the icing on top: fluffy slippers!
3. Bridesmaid Sleep Shirts
Ahh, these sleep shirts look super comfy and cozy! They’re available in many colors and offer a nice long length. By SelineLounge.
4. Short Sleeve Silk PJ Set
Short sleeve? Check! Shorts? Check! These pajamas are perfect for getting ready even if it’s hot outside. By SelineLounge.
5. Long Sleeve Pajama Sets
Love silky long sleeves? Go for these from SelineLounge! You won’t regret it.
6. Flannel Button-Down Shirts
I love these button-down shirts in flannel plaid for fall and winter! If you’ve found anything better for getting ready outfits for bridesmaids in the winter, tell me because I think these are the ultimate! By DivineBridalShop.
7. Plaid Button-Down Bridesmaid Shirts
This is another plaid winner, but not a pajama which means it offers a ton of versatility. For instance, if you’re popping the question to bridesmaids ahead of a fall or winter wedding, this is a festive gift to include with it. If you are planning to have a cabin bachelorette party, bridesmaids can wear these button-down shirts to it and again as getting ready attire before your wedding. These are one option by GiantLoveDesign.
And here’s one for the bride we saw: this button-down shirt can be personalized on the back with your new last name! By ShopatBash.
8. Flannel Pajamas
These matching flannel pajamas are one of the best alternatives to bridesmaid robes for a few reasons. For starters, they’re completely covered; some bridesmaids don’t like traipsing around in a tiny little robe, but these are completely long-sleeved, long-panted pillars of comfort. Plus, have you ever worn a pair of flannel pajamas? They’re amazingly soft and warm, especially perfect for fall and winter weddings as pre-wedding attire for bridesmaids. By Seline Lounge.
These were extremely popular last fall and winter, and I only suspect they’ll continue to be one of the leading alternatives to robes this year, too! For this example, I like how the bridesmaids can wear red-and-black buffalo check plaid while the bride wears white-and-black buffalo plaid. It is a cute way to stand out in your getting ready pictures.
You can see more examples of Real Weddings wearing these flannels here.
9. Champagne Satin Feather PJs
Feathers are all the rage on pajamas these days! Take a look at these bridal party pjs that are making great getting ready outfits for fall and winter. Comfy meets cute! By BachBride.
10. Mismatched Button-Down Bridesmaid Shirts
If you do not want a buffalo check plaid, there’s another option you might like: mismatched plaid button-down shirts. These are fantastic shirts to wear while getting ready: it’s easy to remove, you can wear whatever you want underneath, they look cute, and you can completely customize the color plaids you order. Choose colors within your color palette, or pick any other color you have in mind. The result: perfectly mismatched — yet coordinated — bridal party getting ready outfits. By WITULI.
11. Rompers
Ah, yes, the romper. Have you ever worn one before? It’s cute, but you really want to get the right size. Some rompers are insanely, uncomfortably tight, but this one is PERFECT: it’s flowy, so everyone feels like the cut is flattering, feminine, and comfy. It is stylish, leading the way for one of the most popular bridal party outfits for 2022. This is one of my favorite bridesmaid robe alternatives and will make for fun getting ready photos with your bridesmaids. This particular style is by LeilaRoseStudio: a best-seller!
12. Bridal Party Zip-Up Hoodies
These are perfect: they are a full-zip, which means nothing will get snagged in your hair when changing from your outfit to your dress. Plus, as a special bonus, this is one of the items mentioned here that can be worn for months leading up to the big day — not just solely as getting ready outfits! Pair them with jeans, leggings, sweats, whatev! So cute + comfy. The best zip-up hoodies for bridesmaids are from RockCreekEmbroidery. They have awesome reviews! Get their title or name embroidered.
13. Button Down Oxford Shirts for Bridesmaids
This classic menswear gets a perfect twist as bridal party getting ready outfits that look adorable! The pockets on these long-sleeved shirts can be monogrammed with your choice of style and embroidery thread. These sweet oxford shirts are a great alternative to bridesmaid robes. By PrettyPersonalGifts.
I also love this alternate style of oxford getting ready shirts from SEmbroideredBoutique:
14. Oversized Flowy Bridesmaid Shirts
This perfectly flowy shirt is great as a getting ready outfit since it can be paired with a pair of yoga pants or leggings, shorts, a shirt, sweatpants, etc. It is oversized enough to be flowy and cute, but also functional: it has buttons so it’s easy to get dressed! By ModParty.
15. Comfy Hoodie with Yoga Pants for Getting Ready
This ultra-comfy hoodie is great for bridesmaids who love yoga, relaxing, lounging, whatever! It is one alternative to bridesmaid robes that your bridal party can wear as getting ready outfits, as well as Saturday errand runs, hair appointments, lounging around at home, etc. If you love these as bridesmaid robe alternatives, we recommend you give them to bridesmaids ASAP so they can wear these outfits to bridesmaid dress shopping, brunch, the bachelorette party weekend, and so much more — as well as getting ready for the big day. By SippinSeaside.
16. Chambray Bridal Party Outfits
Love the look of denim? There are bridal party outfits for that! Well, chambray, actually. :) These darling ultra-soft oxford shirts are embroidered with her initial or monogram. These are perfect bridesmaid getting ready outfits for any time of year and can be paired with bottoms or worn as sleepshirts. By EverlyGrayce.
17. Bridal Party Tees
For getting ready in style while still being comfortable, these bridal party outfits will become their new favorite go-to tee shirts to wear at home! These are so cute — you can get them in other colors, too. While they’re a little more of a challenge to get these on and over your hair, I can’t stress enough how cute these are, so I had to include them. ;) By ModParty.
18. + 19. Fleece Zip-Up
A cute fleece jacket like this is one of the comfiest alternative to bridesmaid robes ever! By SouthernMySass.
Also love this button-up sweater from the same shop.
20. Jacket with Full-Zipper
You’ve seen half-zips, but you really need a full zipper like this to give as bridal party getting ready outfits! Cozy, super-duper warm, and amazingly stylish, this jacket is definitely a unique alternative to the bridal party robe. These are personalized, too! By AmyAnneApparel.
21. Cheap Satin Bridal Party Pajama Sets
If you want an affordable set of pajamas, these amazing satin pjs are a perfect option — and the answer to what to wear instead of bridesmaid robes. :) At the time of publication, these are listed at 50% off — a real steal! Cute, too. By TheFancyPigeon. NOT cheap in quality!
22. Monogrammed T-Shirt and Shorts
This is another set we spotted that is unlike anything else, a great alternative. The drawstring shorts look like perfect loungewear outfits for your bridal party to get ready in. By SEmbroideredBoutique.
And there you have it: the best getting ready outfits for bridesmaids in 2022! Most of all, these are the most popular bridesmaid getting ready outfits that aren’t robes. Which wedding day outfits are your favorite? What are YOU planning to wear on the morning of the wedding? Are you going to buy alternatives to bridal party robes? Why or why not?
Tell us in the comment box below!
We hope this helps you to pick out the perfect outfits for your wedding party to wear on the morning of your big day. If we missed any, let us know: we’d love to add to our list!
And… if you are wondering the timeline on giving the gifts themselves, read: When Should You Give Bridesmaids Their Gifts?
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma