Bridesmaid Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a big responsibility, with a lot of expenses involved. One of the main costs is the dress, which can vary in price depending on various factors. On average, a bridesmaid spends $150 on their dress, but prices can range from $100 to $350 or more. The cost of the dress will depend on factors such as the designer, the style, and your location. For example, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions is closer to $140.

Bridesmaid dresses for different wedding themes

The cost of bridesmaid dresses varies depending on the brand and style, with prices starting at $99 and going up to $300 or more. When it comes to different wedding themes, here are some ideas for bridesmaid dresses to complement the setting and atmosphere:

Classic Wedding

A-line or ballgown styles in light colours like blushing pink, dusty sage, or deep emerald are perfect for a classic wedding. You can also add a touch of romance with pink dresses featuring lace or chiffon details.

Beach Wedding

For a beach wedding, it's best to choose light and airy fabrics like chiffon or organza. Bright and bold colours like dusty blue or champagne will complement the natural surroundings. Maxi dresses or shorter dresses with flowing skirts are ideal for a beach setting.

Garden Wedding

Green bridesmaid dresses are an excellent choice for a garden wedding as they complement the natural surroundings. Shades like sage or emerald add a touch of elegance and sophistication. Floral prints or dresses in vibrant shades of pink will also suit a garden-inspired theme.

Bohemian Wedding

Lace or tulle gowns are perfect for a bohemian-style wedding. For a vintage lace look, consider an all-white bridal party, or mix and match with dusty rose colours and floral crowns for a touch of boho charm.

Rustic Wedding

Warm neutrals like gold and taupe are flattering and on-trend, especially when paired with greenery bouquets. A green hue with brown undertones also works as a neutral colour and is ideal for a rustic or outdoor wedding.

Glamorous Wedding

To bring a glamorous vibe to your wedding, outfit your bridesmaids in complementary pastel colours like neutral champagne and pale pink. Sparkly dresses embellished with sequins or metallic sheens will also add a touch of glamour to your special day.

Cost of bridesmaid dresses

The cost of bridesmaid dresses can vary depending on various factors, including the style, fabric, and designer of the dress. Typically, bridesmaid dresses can range from as low as $58 to over $300. Many companies offer dresses at different price points to cater to different budgets.

For instance, Birdy Grey offers bridesmaid dresses starting at $99, with some customers claiming that they usually spend an average of $300 on a designer dress. Similarly, Kennedy Blue offers a range of high-quality bridesmaid dresses in various colors and sizes, with most dresses priced at $99. During their Black Friday sale, they even offered discounts of up to $50 on select dresses.

On the other hand, Show Me Your Mumu offers bridesmaid dresses starting at $58, with many options available for under $150. This is a more affordable option for those on a tighter budget. Additionally, Azazie provides an extensive range of bridesmaid dresses at affordable prices, ensuring that their customers can find stylish and comfortable dresses without spending a fortune.

The fabric and style of the dress can also impact the cost. For example, dresses made with luxurious fabrics such as satin or intricate details tend to be more expensive, especially for black-tie events. In contrast, casual bridesmaid dresses for laid-back celebrations are usually more affordable. It's important to consider the wedding theme and the preferences of the bridesmaids when choosing a dress, as this can also affect the cost.

Bridesmaid dress styles

The cost of a bridesmaid dress will vary depending on what the bridal party can afford. It's important to consult with your bridal party to see what they can afford and be transparent about your budget needs.

The average cost of a bridesmaid dress is between $130 and $150, but you can find gowns to fit most budgets. For example, David's Bridal offers bridesmaid dresses from $59.95, and Kennedy Blue offers dresses under $150.

If you're looking to save money, you could consider buying a second-hand dress from sites like eBay or Poshmark, or renting a dress from sites like Rent the Runway, which offers formal options from around $40.

There are also other costs to consider, such as accessories, alterations, hair, and makeup. These additional costs can add up, so it's important to keep them in mind when creating your budget.

• Bohemian: Lace or tulle, long or short, subdued or bold.
• Romantic garden: Soft pinks, flowing skirts, and light fabrics like tulle.
• Rustic chic: Earth tones like soft tans, cheery apple, or deep emerald.
• Breezy beach: Flowing fabrics that flutter around the ankles.
• Winter wonderland: Velvet fabric, deep jewel tones, and cold-weather accessories.

When choosing a bridesmaid dress style, it's important to consider the wedding theme, the body types and style preferences of the bridal party, and the budget. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are also a popular option, allowing each bridesmaid to choose a dress that suits their style and budget while still following the chosen color scheme and general style guidelines.

Bridesmaid dress colours

The colour of your bridesmaid dresses will likely determine the rest of your wedding decor, like flowers, tablescapes, and even lighting. So, choosing a colour palette for your bridesmaid dresses is a great starting point for planning your wedding.

The time of year and location of your wedding are important factors to consider when choosing your bridesmaid dress colours. The season can help narrow down your colour choices considerably. For instance, reds, golds, emerald greens, and royal blues are popular choices for winter weddings, while pastel palettes, yellows, and bright colours like pinks and purples are perfect for spring and summer weddings. If you're having an autumn wedding, consider auburn, orange, red, and dark green.

The location of your wedding can also influence your colour choices. For a beach wedding, you might want a shade that will stand out against the white sand, like fuchsia or orange. Neutral colours are a better option for a forest wedding, as they won't clash with the surrounding greenery. For an upscale hotel wedding, classic black dresses are always a good choice.

If you're having a bohemian-themed wedding, you can opt for lace or tulle bridesmaid dresses in either long or short styles and subdued or bold colours. Soft pinks, flowing skirts, and light fabrics like tulle are ideal for a romantic garden wedding. Earth tones, soft tans, cheery apple, and deep emerald are perfect for a rustic-chic wedding.

The most popular bridesmaid dress colour is wine, but other popular colours include cinnamon, juniper, dusty sage, and black. Green is a trending colour, with shades like martini olive, gem, and eucalyptus. You can also choose mismatched dresses within the same colour palette, allowing each bridesmaid to choose a style that flatters their figure while still being identifiable as part of the bridal party.

Remember, it's essential to keep your bridesmaids' comfort and mobility in mind when choosing dress styles. They'll need to be able to move around easily to help you throughout your special day.

Where to buy bridesmaid dresses

Bridesmaid dresses vary in price, but a typical price is under $200. If the cost is over $200, the bride may offer to pay or split the cost.

There are many places to buy bridesmaid dresses, including online. Here are some options:

Azazie

Azazie offers a wide range of styles, colours, and sizes to fit any wedding party. They have an at-home try-on program where you can try on different dresses and see how they fit. They also offer swatches so you can find the perfect colour and fabric for your wedding.

Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey offers bridesmaid dresses starting at $99. They have a range of trendy and elegant styles, including convertible dresses and dresses with pockets. They also offer swatches so you can find the perfect colour for your wedding.

Bridal Babes

Bridal Babes offers size-inclusive bridesmaid dresses in sizes small to 5XL. They have a range of stylish and innovative designs, including stretch fabrications. They also offer virtual and in-person fittings with a personalized stylist to help you find the perfect dress.

David's Bridal

David's Bridal offers a variety of colours and styles starting at $99.95. They also have a sale section with new items regularly added, so you can find budget-friendly options.

Revelry

Revelry offers bridesmaid dress colour swatches and fabric samples so you can find the perfect match for your wedding. They also have a try-on program where you can order dress samples to try on at home.

Frequently asked questions