Bridesmaids Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?

Being a bridesmaid is an honour but it can also be an expensive privilege. The cost of a bridesmaid's dress depends on a variety of factors, including the location of the wedding, the type of wedding, the number of bridesmaids, and whether the couple is choosing the dress or giving parameters. On average, bridesmaid dresses cost $150, but prices can vary from $65 to $250 or more per dress. In the US and Australia, tradition dictates that bridesmaids pay for their own dresses, whereas in Ireland and 75% of cases in the UK, the bride or couple pays for the dresses.

Bridesmaid dresses for different wedding themes

When it comes to bridesmaid dresses, there are numerous factors to consider, such as the season, venue, aesthetic of the wedding, and the skin tone, body type, and preferences of the bridesmaids. Here are some ideas for different wedding themes:

Classic Wedding

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

Beach Wedding

For a beach wedding, 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. Seafoam-inspired greens and blues will also speak to your inner mermaid.

Garden Wedding

Green bridesmaid dresses complement the lush, natural surroundings of a garden wedding. Shades like sage or emerald add elegance and sophistication. Floral prints or dresses with floral crowns can add a romantic and vibrant twist, blending beautifully with the blossoming flowers.

Bohemian Wedding

Lace or tulle bridesmaid gowns are perfect for a bohemian-style wedding. For a vintage lace look, consider an all-white bridal party, or add touches of boho with white and dusty rose hues.

Glamorous Wedding

To bring a glamorous vibe to your wedding, outfit your bridesmaids in complementary pastel colours like neutral champagne and pale pink. Sparkly gold dresses or shiny satin in dusty lilac, English rose, dusty blue, or champagne are also stylish options.

Autumnal Wedding

For an autumnal wedding, consider deep, rustic hues like marigold, orange, sepia, and cream. Burgundy, maroon, and merlot are also popular choices for fall weddings.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to mix and match colours, styles, and fabrics to create a unique look for your bridesmaids that aligns with your wedding theme.

Cost of bridesmaid dresses

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

For instance, Birdy Grey offers bridesmaid dresses starting at $99, with some customers expressing surprise at the quality of the dresses for the price. Similarly, Kennedy Blue also offers bridesmaid dresses in the same price range, with most dresses priced at $99, and some even including discounts of up to $60 off.

On the other hand, some retailers like Petal & Pup offer dresses at slightly higher price points, with their collection of bridesmaid dresses starting at $74.25 after a discount. This allows bridesmaids to invest in dresses they can cherish beyond the wedding day, with the option to personalize them with accessories.

Additionally, Azazie provides an extensive range of bridesmaid dresses at affordable prices, ensuring that bridesmaids can look and feel their best without spending a fortune. They also offer an at-home try-on program, allowing customers to try different styles and sizes in the comfort of their own homes.

Ultimately, the cost of bridesmaid dresses depends on the specific needs and preferences of the customer, with options available to suit a variety of budgets.

Bridesmaid dress styles

When it comes to bridesmaid dress styles, there are numerous options to choose from, catering to different body types, skin tones, and heights. Here are some popular styles to consider:

A-Line Dresses

A-line dresses are a classic choice for bridesmaids, featuring a fitted bodice that flares out into a flowing skirt. This style suits a variety of body types and can be paired with a V-neck or sweetheart neckline for a flattering look. A-line dresses are perfect for creating a feminine silhouette and are available in various colours and fabrics like chiffon or satin.

Belted or Accentuated Waistlines

Belted waistlines help define and accentuate the waist, creating a flattering silhouette. This style is particularly suitable for those with athletic body types or rectangle-shaped figures who want to emphasise their curves.

V-Neck Dresses

V-necklines are a versatile and flattering option for bridesmaids, elongating the neck and enhancing the overall silhouette. They are an excellent choice for busty bridesmaids who want to accentuate their chests, as well as petite bridesmaids who want to elongate their frames.

Sweetheart Necklines

Sweetheart necklines create a subtle cleavage and add soft, feminine curves, making them a popular choice for petite bridesmaids. Strapless sweetheart dresses are especially flattering for those with small frames.

One-Shoulder Dresses

One-shoulder dresses are a fun and asymmetrical option that draws attention away from broader shoulders. This style elongates the neck and creates visual interest, making it a great choice for those who want to narrow their shoulders.

Empire Waistline Dresses

Empire waistline dresses are ideal for fuller-figured bridesmaids who want to elongate their frames. With the waistline positioned just below the bust, these dresses offer a comfortable and loose fit around the belly, hips, and legs.

Maternity Bridesmaid Dresses

For expecting or new mothers, maternity bridesmaid dresses offer comfort and room for the growing belly. Look for high waistlines and flowy skirts that provide ample space for growth.

In addition to these styles, there are also convertible or multi-way dresses that offer versatility and can be worn in multiple ways. When choosing bridesmaid dress styles, it's important to consider the opinions of the bridesmaids and ensure they feel comfortable and confident.

Bridesmaid dress colours

Choosing a colour palette for your bridesmaids' dresses is one of the most important tasks on your wedding to-do list. It's a great starting point for determining the rest of your wedding decor, like flowers, tablescapes, and even lighting.

Seasonality

The time of year your wedding is taking place is a great way to narrow down a colour palette and set the overall theme. Bright tropical hues work well in summer, pastels lend themselves to spring, warmer tones channel the colours of autumn, and rich jewel tones are best in winter.

Location

The location of your wedding is another factor to consider. For a beach wedding, you might choose a shade that will stand out against the white sand, like fuchsia or orange. For a wedding in a forest, neutral-coloured gowns may be best, so they don't clash with the surrounding greenery. For an upscale hotel wedding, classic black dresses are always a good choice.

Skin Tone and Complexion

Not everyone looks great in pastel or jewel tones, so it's important to consider the different complexions of your bridesmaids and find a dress hue that suits everyone. You can incorporate different tints of the same colour to maintain a cohesive look while still catering to various skin tones. For example, if you choose blue, your bridesmaids could wear powder blue, navy, and cobalt, depending on what looks best on them.

If you prefer to stick to one shade, opt for a universally flattering colour like dark teal or maroon. These pigments don't have variations that can easily wash someone out, like pink or yellow.

Wedding Theme

Your wedding theme will inform your colour choices. For a boho-chic affair, choose warm colours like rust, brown, burgundy, and deep mustard. For a city rooftop celebration, lean into Kelly green or royal blue. Black is also a universally flattering hue that complements almost every theme and dress style.

Venue and Season

The season and venue of your wedding can help determine the lightness or depth of your colour choices. For a summer barn wedding, light and earthy tones like dark sage, taupe, and terracotta are ideal. For a beach wedding, play with pastel colours and sunset hues like pale yellow, powder blue, and lavender.

Mix-and-Match Colours

If you're open to a mix-and-match look for your bridesmaids, here are some colour palette ideas:

• Blush is one of the most popular bridesmaid dress colours, and you can easily incorporate it into a mix-and-match palette.
• A grouping of blush, lavender, and dusty blue dresses creates an eclectic, feminine palette.
• Mauve, peach, purple, and blue colours make up a "fruit sorbet" palette that feels refreshing and can work for any season.
• Coral was a popular bridesmaid dress colour in the early 2000s, and it's making a comeback.
• Mix-and-match rosy hues for a vintage-style wedding.
• Orange is a bold and whimsical choice, and you can add richer tones like gold and mustard yellow to round out the palette.
• Dark colours like navy blue and emerald green paired with bright accents like red and tangerine orange create an artsy, eclectic look.
• Wine-inspired hues like burgundy, maroon, and merlot are popular choices for fall weddings.
• A palette of dark plum and lavender dresses in a regal purple hue is rich and dramatic.
• Jewel tones like magenta pink, eggplant purple, sapphire blue, and jade green are perfect for a moody, elegant vibe.
• Periwinkle and violet are dreamy colours for a winter wedding.
• French blue is a classic tone that offers a modern twist on the same colour/different style trend.
• Navy blue is a sophisticated colour for any season and can be dressed up or down.
• Seafoam green and blue are perfect for a beach wedding, speaking to your inner mermaid.
• For a tropical-themed wedding, try bridesmaid dresses with palm leaf patterns and cheery colours like peach and blue.
• For a garden wedding, make a statement with floral-print dresses in an understated colour palette like mint, sage, and cerulean.
• Emerald green is a luxurious hue for fall and winter weddings. Mix-and-match velvet dresses in this shade add a gorgeous contrast with white bouquets.
• Shamrock green is a festive colour for holiday weddings, and satin dresses with high-low hems are chic and perfect for dancing.

With these ideas and tips in mind, you can create a beautiful colour palette for your bridesmaids' dresses that complements your wedding theme and flatters your bridal party.

Where to buy bridesmaid dresses

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

There are many online options for purchasing bridesmaid dresses, with some retailers offering dresses for under $100. Here are some places where you can buy affordable bridesmaid dresses:

Azazie

Azazie offers a wide range of styles, colours, and sizes to fit any wedding party. They have an at-home try-on program that allows you to 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, with a variety of trendy and elegant options. They also provide free swatches to help you find the right colour for your wedding.

David's Bridal

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

Bridal Babes

Bridal Babes, as seen on ABC's Shark Tank, offers size-inclusive bridesmaid dresses in sizes Small to 5XL. They have innovative designs featuring stretch fabrications and offer virtual and in-person fittings with stylists to help you find the perfect dress.

Revelry

Revelry offers bridesmaid dress colour swatches and fabric samples so you can envision your wedding party's style before purchasing. They also provide dress samples that can be shipped to your door for a small fee.

Frequently asked questions