Bridesmaids Dresses: Where To Shop For Your Wedding Party

Finding the perfect bridesmaid dress can be a stressful task for both the bridal party and the bride-to-be. The bride has the challenging task of bringing her bridal party vision to life, while also taking into account a range of personal tastes, body types, and budgets. Luckily, there are many online retailers that make shopping for bridesmaid dresses a more seamless and enjoyable experience. From helpful bridal party concierge services to brands that offer affordable bridesmaid dresses without compromising on quality, there is something for every budget and style.

Online retailers with physical stores

There are many online retailers with physical stores where you can get bridesmaids' dresses. Here are some options:

Nordstrom

Nordstrom offers an online wedding suite where you can find wedding dresses, bridesmaids' dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, and bridal accessories all in one place. They offer a wide range of styles and sizes, with over 200 options to choose from. You can sort by colour, length, material, style, and price to find the perfect dress for your bridal party. They also offer in-store services such as styling and alterations, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to shop in-person.

Lulus

Lulus is a popular online retailer that offers a wide range of stylish and affordable bridesmaids' dresses. Their prices start at just $49, and they offer a bridal concierge service to help you decide between the many styles available. Their team will work one-on-one with each bridesmaid to ensure they find the right style and fit. Lulus also offers free shipping on orders over $50 and free returns within 10 days.

Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey offers a range of trendy and stylish bridesmaids' dresses, all for under $100. They have a wide range of chiffon creations, from off-the-shoulder styles to convertible dresses, and they also carry plus and maternity sizes. You can order a swatch to test the colour before purchasing, and they offer free exchanges and easy returns. Birdy Grey provides free shipping and has a size range of XS to 3X.

Azazie

Azazie is an online boutique that offers over 500 budget-friendly styles in 80 different colour options. They make it easy for brides to order swatches and decide on the colour palette and fabric. Bridesmaids can then pick samples to try on at home before purchasing. Azazie offers inclusive sizing from 0 to 30 and also provides the option of custom measurements. Their dresses are all under $250, making them an affordable option without compromising on style.

Reformation

Reformation is a great option for those looking for sustainable and eco-conscious bridesmaids' dresses. They are one of the few retailers certified as climate neutral, with plans to become climate positive by 2025. Their dresses are made from natural, sustainable fabrics, and they offer a wide range of sizes, colours, and styles. Reformation also offers overnight shipping and free shipping and returns, making it a convenient and stylish choice.

Budget-friendly options

Being a bridesmaid is an honour and a privilege, but it can also be an expensive one. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable dress options out there, and many ways to save money.

Saving Tips

Firstly, it's worth noting that it's not necessary to buy a dress that's specifically marketed as a bridesmaid dress. Considering off-the-rack options can be a great way to save money, and these dresses are more likely to be worn again. Lulus and ASOS are two retailers that offer affordable occasion wear.

Another option is to rent a dress. This is a more sustainable choice, and it also eliminates the question of what to do with the dress after the wedding. Rent the Runway offers a flat monthly fee for access to top-tier brands.

If you're set on buying a dress, it's worth looking at bridal retailers such as David's Bridal, which has plenty of options under $100. Birdy Grey is another great option, with all of its dresses priced at $99.

Budget-friendly Retailers

Birdy Grey: This brand offers on-trend styles in a range of fabrics, including chiffon, tulle, and mesh, all for $99.

Azazie: With dresses ranging from $89 to $169, Azazie has a variety of trendy fabric options and 65+ colour choices. They also offer a Try at Home Program for $10-15.

David's Bridal: With sales, it's possible to find a dress for as low as $19.99 at David's Bridal, and styles typically range from $99 to $250. They offer a wide range of fabrics and over 60 colour options.

Kennedy Blue: Kennedy Blue offers designer styles at affordable prices, with all dresses priced under $149. They also offer an At-Home Try-On service.

Revelry: With styles all under $200, Revelry offers unique try-at-home options and fashion-forward styles.

Baltic Born: With most styles priced under $100, Baltic Born offers elegant options that suit all figures and body types.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of options for budget-friendly bridesmaid dresses, and with a bit of creativity and flexibility, it's possible to find a dress that suits both your style and your budget.

Plus-size bridesmaid dresses

Finding the perfect bridesmaid dress can be a stressful task, especially when it comes to plus-size options that are stylish, comfortable, and flattering. Here is a list of retailers with some of the best plus-size bridesmaid dresses to help you and your bridal party look stunning on your special day.

Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey offers a wide range of size-inclusive gowns at affordable prices, with all dresses priced at $99. Their collection includes various styles, such as the Grace Convertible Dress with a Slit, the Devin Convertible Dress with a Slit, and the Jane Convertible Dress with a Slit. Birdy Grey also provides free swatches, free exchanges, and easy returns, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option.

Azazie

Azazie is a great choice for plus-size bridesmaid dresses, offering a vast selection of styles, colours, and sizes. They have over 500 budget-friendly options, with prices starting at $79. Azazie's dresses come in sizes 0-30, and they also offer custom sizing. Their collection includes elegant designs like the A-Line Off-the-Shoulder Chiffon Floor-Length Dress, the A-Line V-Neck Long Sleeve Chiffon Dress, and the A-Line Pleated Chiffon Floor-Length Dress.

Lulus

Lulus is a well-known online retailer that offers a bridal concierge service to help you find the perfect plus-size bridesmaid dress. With over 100 different styles available, Lulus has something for everyone. Their size range includes XXS-3XL, ensuring that all your bridesmaids can find a dress that fits perfectly.

Kennedy Blue

Kennedy Blue is a brand that celebrates inclusivity, offering a wide range of sizes from 00-32. They have a variety of stylish plus-size bridesmaid dresses, such as the Jay, a modern dress with a structured bodice and pockets, and the Dorothy, a long embroidered dress with a high neckline and cap sleeves. Kennedy Blue also offers plus-size satin and lace bridesmaid robes, ensuring comfort and coverage for your entire bridal party.

Ever-Pretty

Ever-Pretty is a must-visit website for affordable plus-size bridesmaid dresses, with most options priced under $100. They offer a variety of styles, including strapless, cold-shoulder, off-shoulder, and V-neckline dresses. Ever-Pretty also has a wide range of colours, such as burgundy, emerald green, and purple, ensuring you can find the perfect shade for your wedding palette.

Reformation

Reformation is an excellent choice if you're looking for sustainable and ethically made bridesmaid dresses. They use deadstock and vintage fabrics, and they've been certified climate-neutral since 2015. Reformation offers a wide range of sizes, colours, and styles, ensuring you can find a timeless and high-quality dress.

Dessy

Dessy offers an impressive selection of elegant bridesmaid dresses and modern jumpsuits. They carry popular brands like Dessy, Alfred Sung, After Six, and Jenny Packham. You can order five free swatches to see the range of colours and fabrics available. Dessy has dresses for various body types, with sizes ranging from 0-24W, ensuring that everyone in your bridal party can find a flattering and stylish option.

Colour palettes

Choosing a colour palette for bridesmaid dresses can be challenging, but it's also an opportunity to be creative and have fun. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect colours for your bridal party:

Seasonality

The time of year can be a great starting point for selecting your bridesmaid dress colours. For spring weddings, shades of green, pink, blue, or neutral are popular choices, with pastel palettes being particularly on-trend. Summer calls for vibrant colours like yellow and orange, or oceanic hues such as coral and light blue. Autumn weddings are perfect for warm shades of gold, copper, and brown, while winter weddings often feature rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and burgundy.

Wedding Location

The location of your wedding is another factor to consider. For a beach wedding, choose colours that will stand out against the sand, like fuschia or orange. Neutral-coloured gowns are ideal for a forest wedding, as they won't clash with the greenery. If you're having an upscale hotel wedding, classic black dresses are always a stylish choice.

The Wedding Bouquet

Consider the colours of the bridal bouquet when selecting your bridesmaid dress palette. The flowers in the bouquet will likely be included in the bridal party's bouquets, so choosing colours that complement or match these hues can create a cohesive look.

The Wedding Theme

If you have a specific wedding theme or colour palette, incorporate those colours into your bridesmaid dresses. This will help to create a unified and elegant look for your bridal party.

Skin Tone

It's important to choose colours that flatter the skin tones of your bridesmaids. Warm neutrals like gold and taupe work well for a range of skin tones, while yellow or buttercream hues can add a sunny touch. Blush is another versatile option that has been a popular choice for bridesmaid dresses.

Mix and Match

You don't have to choose just one colour for your bridesmaid dresses. Mix-and-match styles in different shades or pastel colours can create an eclectic and feminine look. Just make sure the colours work well together to achieve a cohesive aesthetic.

Fabric and Style

When selecting your colour palette, consider the fabric and style of the dresses. For a rustic or outdoor wedding, a green hue with brown undertones can work as a neutral, while loose braids and heeled sandals complete the look. For a beach wedding, seafoam greens and blues or tropical prints will speak to your inner mermaid. Velvet dresses in dark emerald or satin dresses in shamrock green are perfect for a festive holiday wedding.

Shipping and return policies

Try-on Services

Some companies, such as Revelry, offer try-on services where you can order samples and swatches to be shipped to your door for a small fee. This allows you to test out different styles and colours before making a purchase. Kennedy Blue also offers a similar service, allowing you to order dresses to sample for a small fee with free shipping and returns.

Shipping Fees

Shipping fees can vary depending on the company and your location. Some companies, like Shopbop, offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Others, like Birdy Grey, charge a standard shipping fee. It's important to consider the shipping cost when budgeting for your bridesmaid dresses.

Return Windows

Return windows also vary by company. For example, Lulus offers free returns within 10 days of delivery, while Birdy Grey offers free exchanges within 45 days and returns with a restocking fee. Be sure to check the return policy before purchasing to ensure you have enough time to make a decision.

Return Conditions

Most companies require that returned items are in their original, unworn, and unaltered condition with all original packaging and security tags still attached. It's important to read the fine print, as some companies may have specific requirements for returns. For instance, Dessy requires that returns be initiated within 30 days of receiving the item and charges a return shipping fee.

Refunds

When returning an item, you may be issued a refund for the order value minus a restocking fee and/or return shipping fee. Original shipping fees are typically non-refundable. Refunds are usually applied to the original credit card used for the purchase. Be aware that some companies, like Kennedy Blue, may only offer partial refunds, such as a 75% refund on made-to-order dresses.

Frequently asked questions