So, as a bride, your purchase decision should be pretty straightforward, right? Not exactly … As you can imagine, not all robes are created equal. You’ll enjoy a huge selection as you shop for bride and bridesmaid robes (assuming that’s your gift of choice), but you’ll have plenty of decisions to make.
To help you get a head start on choosing the perfect bride and bridesmaid robes for your wedding, here’s a look at 7 specific things to look for.
1. Cost
You can spend as little as $20 per robe or as much as $200. It’s best to know exactly how much you have to spend on robes before you fall in love with a high-end option, but keep in mind that more expensive doesn’t always equal higher quality.
Quality bride and bridesmaid robes are available at the lower end of the spectrum through many online retailers, and you can often find deals when you order in bulk. So, if you need more than two hands to count your bridesmaids, make sure you’re getting a per-robe discount.
2. Style
You’ll encounter 3 basic styles of bride and bridesmaid robe as you shop. Here’s a look at those styles, sorted from most common to least:
- Spa Robes: Spa robes are the undisputed champions of wedding parties. Made of soft cotton, they are oversized and comfortable — and one size typically fits all.
- Wrap Robes: Wrap robes are a bit more tailored than spa robes, and they are typically made of a thinner, lighter material like polyester. You may find robes that bill themselves as made of silk, but that’s rarely the case. Just make sure you’re not getting robes made of rayon or acetate, as they require dry cleaning and they also wrinkle easily.
- Kimono Robes:Kimono robes have enjoyed a turn in the spotlight in recent years. They split the difference nicely between spa robes and wrap robes, offering the full sleeves you get with spa robes but also a more tailored fit through the body as with wrap robes.
There’s no right or wrong answer when choosing a style for your bride and bridesmaid robes. Spa robes are undoubtedly the most comfortable and forgiving — no matter your body type. But wrap and kimono robes may look a little more stylish in pictures. It’s just a matter of what’s most important to you.
3. Length
No one wants a robe that is so long it drags along the ground, and no one wants a robe that barely covers her backside. But, when in doubt, err on the side of lengthier rather than shorter. Remember also that bridal robes shorten up when cinched with a belt. If they are too short, you’ll find that your bridesmaids wear stretchy pants or some other coverage under the robe — which looks strange in pictures.
So, make sure your robes are at least 32 inches as measured from the base of the neck to the bottom hem. A size small is 32-33 inches long on average when measured this way, so anything shorter is going to be problematic — especially as you get into larger sizes.
4. Color
You have to strike a balance when choosing bride and bridesmaid robes. On one hand, you want to give a gift that you can be used for years to come — something that your bridesmaids will actually wear beyond the wedding. But you also want robes that look fabulous in wedding day photos.
It’s best to stay as neutral as possible when choosing robe colors, looking for colors that work within your overall wedding palette but that aren’t too unusual or off-the-wall for long-term use. And you’re not limited to just one color — some brides choose one color or print for bridesmaids, another for house party members, another for the maid and/or matron of honor, and yet another for mothers of the bride and groom.
5. Features
Bridal robes are pretty simple, but there are a few features that you’ll want to look for. Pockets are incredibly helpful on the day of the wedding, not just for the bride but also for her bridesmaids and others wearing robes.
Also, belt loops are an underrated robe feature. Having belt loops for the sash helps keep everything in place. As you’re considering different robe options, make sure to read the reviews left by other brides — they will let you know if sashes are too short, if belt loops are inadequate or if pockets are too small to use.
6. Monogram
Embroidery for your bride and bridesmaid robes is optional, of course, but it’s the monogram that often makes it a personalized and meaningful gift. Some brides choose to monogram initials, while others might go for first names only.
You can opt to have “bride” stitched on your own robe, and you can also go for titles like “mother of the bride” and “maid of honor” for others in your party. Just remember that you want your wedding party to be able to use their robes long after the actual wedding day, and using initials or names helps make them more usable over the long-term.
7. Accessories
This is where it can get fun. The best accessory to add is a nice pair of sandals or slippers that match the robes. No only are sandals and slippers a nice-to-have on the day of, they are also eminently usable long after the wedding.
Other accessories you can pair with robes are jewelry, hair ties and clips, as well as skin care products. You don’t have to go crazy with accessories — just know that you have options if you want to do a little something more.
What Makes Bride and Bridesmaid Robes so Popular?
There’s a reason why robes are such a popular bridesmaid gift leading up to weddings. Actually, there are several reasons why. Wedding day robes are:
- Comfortable: There’s something about a robe that makes everyone feel comfortable and relaxed, and that’s exactly how you and your bridesmaids should feel on the big day.
- Flattering: Robes can be incredibly flattering, too, especially spa robes. And it’s nice to be wearing something flattering when a professional photographer is on hand snapping pictures.
- Convenient: You can wear your robe while getting your hair and makeup done, and you can easily slip your robe off without worrying about it messing up any of the hair and makeup artistry.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Perfect Bride and Bridesmaid Robes
Your bridesmaids are investing a great deal of time, energy, effort and money into participating in your wedding. And they are thrilled to do it, too. But a gift like a bridesmaid robe is your best opportunity to really say “thank you” and to let your ladies know how much you appreciate them.
So, if you’re looking for 2 guiding principles when choosing bride and bridesmaid robes, just make sure they are: 1) comfortable, and 2) of high enough quality that your bridesmaids can use them again and again in the future.
Other than that, enjoy the search for robes that fit your wedding colors and that align with your perfect taste. A popular bridesmaid gift choice is to add a robe to a box set that has several other gifts in it.
Are you searching for the perfect bride and bridesmaid robes for your wedding? You can start your search right here.
