Bridesmaids Dresses: Snapping The Best Deals

Being a bridesmaid is an honour, but it can also be an expensive one. With the average bridesmaid gown costing over $200, it's no wonder that brides are looking for ways to save money on their dresses. Luckily, there are plenty of options for those who don't want to break the bank. From off-the-rack options to rental services and budget-friendly retailers, it's possible to find stylish and affordable bridesmaid dresses that won't sacrifice quality.

One way to save money is to think outside the box and consider dresses that aren't necessarily marketed as bridesmaid styles. High street retailers such as Lulus and ASOS offer a range of affordable occasion wear that can often be worn again, which means your bridesmaids will get more bang for their buck.

For those who want to go down the traditional route, David's Bridal offers a range of bridesmaid dresses under $100, while Birdy Grey sells quality gowns for $99 in a variety of fabrics, colours and lengths, including plus and maternity sizes.

Rental services such as Rent the Runway are another trending option for inexpensive bridesmaid dresses. This sustainable approach can be more cost-effective, but it's important to note that alterations and last-minute delivery may be an issue.

For bridesmaids who want to try before they buy, Kennedy Blue offers an at-home try-on service with free shipping and returns, while Revelry sends fabric swatches and dress samples directly to your door.

With a little bit of research and flexibility, it's possible to find stylish and affordable bridesmaid dresses that will keep everyone happy.

Shop around for deals on designer dresses

When it comes to shopping for designer bridesmaids' dresses, it's important to keep an eye out for deals and discounts. Here are some tips to help you snap the best deals:

• Shop at the right time: Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions. Many retailers offer discounts during certain times of the year, such as Black Friday or summer sales. Planning ahead and purchasing during these sales can help you score significant savings.
• Compare prices: Don't settle for the first dress you find. Take the time to compare prices from different retailers and designers. You may be surprised at the price variations for similar styles. Additionally, don't forget to factor in shipping costs and potential alterations expenses to get a true sense of the total cost.
• Sign up for newsletters: Subscribe to the newsletters of your favourite designer brands and retailers. They often send exclusive discounts and promotions to their email subscribers, so you can be among the first to know about upcoming sales.
• Utilise price comparison tools: Take advantage of price comparison websites and browser extensions. These tools allow you to compare prices across different websites, helping you find the best deals without spending hours searching.
• Consider rental options: If you're only planning to wear the designer dress once, consider renting it instead of buying. Rental platforms like Rent the Runway offer designer gowns at a fraction of the retail price. This option can help you look and feel luxurious without breaking the bank.
• Shop around for sample sales: Keep an eye out for sample sales, especially from high-end designers. Sample sales offer the opportunity to purchase dresses at a discounted price. You can often find gowns that have been used for photoshoots or have minor imperfections, allowing you to score a designer dress at a lower cost.
• Look for discount codes: Before finalising your purchase, do a quick online search for discount codes or coupons. Sometimes, a simple web search can lead you to a 10% or 20% off code that can make a significant difference in the total cost.
• Buy off-the-rack: Opting for off-the-rack dresses can be more affordable than custom-made options. Some boutiques offer sample dresses or overstocked styles at discounted prices. This is a great way to get a designer dress without paying the full price.

Look for dresses that can be worn again

When selecting a bridesmaid dress that can be worn again, it's important to choose a classic silhouette that will suit multiple occasions. Avoid anything that screams "bridesmaid", such as puffy sleeves or excessive chiffon. Instead, opt for modern alternatives like satin and crepe, which offer a trendy look for the wedding and can also be dressed up for fancy date nights or black-tie events.

When it comes to colour, black is always a safe bet for a dress that can be worn again. However, if the bride has a specific colour palette in mind, richer, more versatile shades like sage green, cabernet, burgundy, and emerald are elegant choices that can easily transition from wedding to other festive occasions.

• Adrianna Papell Printed Ruched Chiffon Gown: This blush-coloured, printed maxi dress is a whimsical choice for a summer or beach wedding. The flowy silhouette and ruched bodice will make your bridesmaids feel like goddesses. And the best part? It can easily be dressed up or down for future garden parties, cocktails, or even as a wedding guest.
• Adrianna Papell Sequined Blouson Gown: This deep wine-hued gown with sequins is perfect for a winter wedding and can be transitioned into New Year's Eve with a smoky eye and dramatic lip. The blouson silhouette is universally flattering and will make your bridesmaids feel elegant and comfortable.
• Dessy Collection Embellished Belt Strapless Velvet Gown: This luxe velvet, strapless gown is a sumptuous choice for a winter wedding. The removable, embellished belt adds a touch of sparkle, and the A-line silhouette is sure to flatter your bridesmaids' figures. Rewear it for holiday soirées, another wedding, or a bar mitzvah.
• Lulus V-Neck Trumpet Gown: With over 70 near-perfect reviews, this body-hugging trumpet skirt dress with spaghetti straps is a clear favourite. Available in black, it's an obvious choice for a bridesmaid dress, and the flattering fit and versatility will ensure your bridesmaids wear it again and again.
• Shona Joy Luxe Frill Tulip Hem Maxi Dress: This Grecian-inspired dress will make your bridesmaids look and feel like goddesses at a beach wedding. The rose hue is perfect for a seaside ceremony, but it also comes in emerald and sapphire to match any bride's taste. The sarong-inspired tulip skirt and flowing top are comfortable and flattering, and the luxurious fabric will make your bridesmaids feel like a million bucks.
• Alfred Sung Strapless High/Low Satin Dress: This satin ballgown is not only stunning but also features pockets! The pleated, high-low skirt, belted waist, and fitted bodice create a flattering silhouette, and it's available in plus sizes as well. This dress is perfect for a black-tie wedding and will surely be worn again at future galas.
• High-Neck Long Mesh Dress with Keyhole: This David's Bridal find is a simple yet timeless and flattering choice, available in colours like apple, ice blue, spa, and petal. The long mesh skirt drapes beautifully, and the keyhole detail in the front and back add a touch of elegance. This dress can be styled for any season and is perfect for weddings, holiday parties, or any other festive occasion.
• Cap Sleeve Lace and Mesh Short Dress: This sweet lace-top, cap-sleeve short dress from David's Bridal is a great choice for junior bridesmaids. It's available in dozens of colours, so it will work for any season or style. The mesh skirt, belted waist, and illusion neckline add a touch of sophistication, while the twirly skirt will keep your junior bridesmaids feeling fun and comfortable.
• Adrianna Papell Beaded Blouson 3/4 Sleeve Gown: This plus-size option is a modern and elegant choice for your bridesmaids. The deep navy colour is on-trend, and the beautiful, modern beading sets it apart from traditional attendant dresses. The blouson top and sheer long sleeves are flattering and unique. This dress is perfect for a fall wedding and can be reworn for holiday gatherings or other formal events.

Try off-the-rack options

If you're looking to save time and money, buying off-the-rack bridesmaids dresses is a great option. Off-the-rack dresses are "ready-to-wear" gowns that you can walk out of the store with on the same day. You can try them on in-store or buy them online, and they come in a variety of sizes and designers.

• Work with a bridal consultant: Even when buying off-the-rack, it's a good idea to work with a dedicated consultant to help you pick the right gown and suggest alterations.
• Create a tailoring schedule: While off-the-rack dresses save time, you'll still need to allow for alterations. Start the process as early as possible, especially if you want to make adjustments to the design, such as adding straps or lowering the back. Schedule a final fitting two to three weeks before the wedding.
• Don't buy a dress that's too big: It's best to buy a dress that is at most two sizes bigger than your measurements. Buying a dress that's too big can make it difficult to maintain the integrity of the design when it's altered.
• Understand the difference between "off-the-rack" and "sample": Off-the-rack dresses are typically cheaper than made-to-order gowns, but sample dresses, which are put on sale to make room for new styles, can be an even better deal. When buying a sample dress, check it over thoroughly for any damages as it's the client's responsibility to get them fixed.
• Be ready to pay in full: Off-the-rack dresses usually require full payment upfront and may be final sale, so be sure to understand the store's return policy.
• Shop at the right places: You can find off-the-rack dresses at major chains like David's Bridal and BHLDN, online retailers, directly from certain designers, and local bridal salons. Local bridal salons often have sample sales twice a year, in January and the summer, to clear out old inventory.
• Save money on alterations: Buying off-the-rack can be much cheaper than buying a custom-made dress, but alterations can add up. Try to find a dress that's close to your normal size and only ask for simple alterations like taking in the waist or raising the hemline.
• Buy a dress that's too big rather than too small: It's generally easier to alter a dress that's too big than one that's too small. A dress that's one to two sizes too big can typically be tailored down to your measurements without compromising the design.
• Understand the challenges of altering a lace or beaded dress: While a lace or beaded dress can be altered, it's important to know that it may be difficult to hem a lace dress with a scalloped edge, and the design may change if there are alterations to the beading.
• Know your options if the dress is too small: Altering a dress to make it bigger is more challenging and may be more expensive. A simple fabric dress may have additional fabric added, resulting in a seam. Alternatively, a contrasting fabric can be added to make the dress longer or wider in a visually interesting way.
• Plus-size options: Plus-size brides can find off-the-rack options at retailers like Azazie and Hebeos, which carry sizes up to US 30. Lovely Bride also offers a number of plus-size samples that can be shipped to you or tried on in-store.
• Reselling your off-the-rack dress: You can resell an off-the-rack dress after you wear it, but you may not get back what you paid for it. Offering potential buyers the opportunity to try on the dress can make it easier to sell.

By following these tips, you can find stylish and affordable off-the-rack bridesmaids dresses that fit your budget and timeline.

Choose a specific style and shade for each bridesmaid

Choosing a specific style and shade for each bridesmaid can be tricky, but it's a great way to ensure your bridal party looks and feels their best. Here are some tips to help you coordinate your bridesmaids' dresses:

Determine your wedding colour palette:

Choose colours that complement each other and your wedding theme. You can select one colour and its different shades or mix and match two to four colours that go well together. This will give your bridal party a cohesive and stylish look.

Consider different styles:

Not everyone will look good in the same style of dress, so it's essential to pick styles that flatter each bridesmaid's unique body shape. You can opt for different necklines, silhouettes, and lengths to cater to their preferences and ensure they feel comfortable and confident.

Choose a unifying element:

To create a cohesive look, select one element that remains the same across all dresses. This could be the fabric type, such as chiffon or satin, or a similar neckline or waistline. You can also have your bridesmaids wear dresses with the same length to ensure they all look like they're part of the same special event.

Order fabric swatches:

Colours and fabrics can look different online, so it's a good idea to order fabric swatches to see how they look in person. This will help you narrow down your choices and ensure the colours complement each other and your wedding colour palette.

Provide ample direction:

Give your bridesmaids some guidance by creating a vision board or sharing sample photos of the styles and colours you like. You can also suggest they choose dresses from the same designer or within a specific colour family to make the coordination process easier.

Mix and match:

You don't have to stick to just one style or colour. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of styles and shades to create a unique and memorable look for your bridal party. Just remember to maintain a similar vibe by choosing dresses with similar silhouettes, fabrics, or other design elements.

Opt for a rental service

Opting for a rental service is a great way to save money and closet space. If you're a bridesmaid, you'll only wear the dress once, so why spend hundreds of dollars on it? Rental services are also a more sustainable option for modern brides and their bridal parties.

Rent the Runway is a popular option for renting bridesmaid dresses. It offers a wide range of styles, sizes, and fabrics, and its customer service is excellent. You can order two sizes at no additional cost to ensure the perfect fit, and the company offers overnight shipping for last-minute needs. Rental prices start at $30 for a four-day rental, which is a fraction of the retail cost.

Another option is Poshare, which allows you to borrow designer dresses directly from other people's wardrobes. You can find dresses from designers like Adrianna Papell and Mori Lee for up to 85% off the retail price, with rentals starting at around $50. Poshare is ideal for achieving a trendy, mismatched bridesmaids look.

If you're worried about spills or stains, StyleLend offers rental insurance for a $5 fee. Rentals last for seven days, and you can return the dress within 24 hours for a refund if it doesn't fit.

For those who are part of multiple wedding parties, a subscription service like NUULY may be a good option. For a monthly fee, you can rent a certain number of pieces and keep them as long as you want. NUULY offers formal and cocktail options from designers like Monique Lhuillier, Anna Sui, and Ralph Lauren, and you can even purchase your rentals at a discount if you fall in love with them.

Other rental services to consider include Dare and Dazzle, which offers beautiful bridesmaid dress rentals that won't break the bank, and Nuuly, which constantly updates its site with new products and is perfect for groups hoping to coordinate mismatched bridesmaid dresses.

Frequently asked questions