Burgundy Bridesmaid Dresses: Shades, Fabrics and Shona Joy Styles for Autumn Weddings

Burgundy bridesmaid dresses suit autumn and winter weddings, flatter fair and deep skin tones alike, and photograph richly by candlelight. The easiest way to build a burgundy bridal party is to choose one fabric, satin, and mix closely related shades such as burgundy, shiraz and plum. Shona Joy makes all three, including the new Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Burgundy.

Burgundy, shiraz, plum and wine: what is the difference?

These shades sit side by side, and the differences show in photographs. Burgundy is a deep red with a touch of purple; the new Savanna in Burgundy reads as a true deep wine red. Shiraz, Shona Joy’s La Lune shade, is a deep burgundy wine with a slightly cooler tone. Plum leans brown and purple; next to the Burgundy, the Savanna in Plum looks browner and quieter. Wine Tasting is Shona Joy’s name for a soft, deep wine shade on matte satin and georgette. For more on plum, see plum dresses.

Mixing two neighbouring shades looks considered. Mixing all four can look accidental, so pick a lead colour and one supporting shade.

Shona Joy burgundy bridesmaid dresses

1. Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Burgundy

New for October, in 74% acetate and 26% polyester satin. A low scoop neckline, a low T bar racer back and a loose fitting maxi skirt with no zip. Relaxed and designed to sit away from the body, so it works across a bridal party of different shapes.

2. La Lune Plunged Cross Back Maxi Dress in Shiraz

La Lune soft touch satin of 58% LENZING ECOVERO viscose and 42% viscose, with a low plunging neckline with a ruched bust, an open back with wide crossover straps, an exaggerated empire waist and a bias cut maxi skirt. Slim fit, designed to skim the body.

3. La Lune Lace Back Maxi Dress in Shiraz

The same La Lune satin, with a cowl neckline, ruching at the waist, a low open back and a lace up adjustable tie at the back. Close through the bust and waist; Shona Joy suggests sizing up for comfort if you are between sizes.

4. Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in Plum

The earlier Savanna in Plum, a browner, softer wine in 55% acetate and 45% polyester satin with the same racer back. Pair it with the Burgundy for a two shade line-up.

5. Agnes Ruffle Slip Bias Maxi Dress in Wine Tasting

Matte finish satin with a V neck cutout edged in ruffle trim, an asymmetrical ruffle on one shoulder and an open low back. For bridesmaids who prefer a matte finish.

6. Amina Scarf Neck Maxi Dress in Wine Tasting

Semi sheer viscose georgette over a lining, with a high stand collar and a scarf tie at the neck, a blouson bodice and a panelled maxi skirt. Covered shoulders for a church ceremony.

How to mix and match burgundy bridesmaid dresses

Keep the fabric constant: the Savanna, La Lune cross back and La Lune lace back are all satin with a sheen, so they sit together naturally despite different necklines. Use the Agnes and Amina for a matte group. Keep everyone floor length. For the maid of honour, use the one shade nobody else wears, such as Plum against a party in Burgundy and Shiraz.

Flowers, shoes and jewellery

Burgundy suits gold jewellery, blush and ivory flowers, and dark greenery. Shoes in nude, gold and tonal burgundy keep the line long; see what colour shoes to wear with a burgundy dress. For guests attending in the same palette, our guide to burgundy wedding guest dresses has dress code advice.

Burgundy by venue and season

Autumn vineyard: Burgundy and Plum satin with dried flowers and gold. Winter city: Shiraz La Lune with velvet wraps and candlelight. Church: the Amina in Wine Tasting, with its high neck, covers the shoulders without a jacket. Summer evening: matte satin Agnes in Wine Tasting, which is lightweight.

Ordering for a bridal party

Satin shows the shade differently under different light, so order every dress at the same time and from the same shade name. Ask each bridesmaid for bust, waist and hip measurements and match them to the fit note: the relaxed Savanna for anyone between sizes, the slim La Lune cross back for a defined waist, the lace up La Lune for adjustability. The new Savanna in Burgundy has limited sizes at the time of writing, so check stock early.

How Shona Joy sizing works

Shona Joy cuts in Australian sizes, and an AU size carries the same number as a UK size, so an AU8 is a UK 8. Coveti lists every style in UK sizes, and the size guide on each product page converts UK sizing to US, Italian, French and German sizes. The brand also states the model’s size on every page: on the new Savanna and Campbell maxis the model is 178cm and wears an AU8. Read the fit note before you choose. “Designed to sit away from the body” leaves room through the hips, “slim fit” follows your shape, and “fitted” sits close everywhere, so the fit note matters more than the label.

Frequently asked questions

What season are burgundy bridesmaid dresses for?

Burgundy is a classic autumn and winter colour, and works for evening weddings all year. For a summer daytime wedding, choose a matte fabric and lighter accessories.

Does burgundy suit all skin tones?

Deep burgundy flatters most skin tones because it is a balanced red with a touch of blue. Cooler shiraz suits pink undertones; browner plum suits warm and olive undertones.

What is the difference between burgundy and plum bridesmaid dresses?

Burgundy is a deep red with a hint of purple. Plum leans more purple and brown, so it reads quieter in photographs. Shona Joy makes its Savanna Racer Back Maxi Dress in both.

What flowers go with burgundy bridesmaid dresses?

Ivory, blush and white roses, peonies and ranunculus stand out against burgundy, with deep red dahlias and dark greenery for depth.

Can burgundy bridesmaid dresses be different styles?

Yes. Keep the fabric and the length the same and vary the neckline. Satin styles with a racer back, a crossover back and a lace up back look like a deliberate set.

Related guides: Shona Joy burgundy dresses, what colour shoes to wear with a burgundy dress, black bridesmaid dresses, burgundy wedding guest dresses, burgundy dresses, Shona Joy bridesmaid dresses guide, Shona Joy La Lune guide.