How much should bridesmaids spend on their dresses? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the average bridesmaid cost 2023 bridesmaids can expect to spend on dresses. Read on for more + subscribe for the latest to your inbox!
What is the average cost of a bridesmaid dress in 2023? You don’t want your bridesmaids to worry about the expense when it comes to their dresses, but you don’t want to choose something that looks too cheap and unflattering on your bridal party attendants.
As the bride, you may want to know how to find a style that works for all shapes and sizes and what the costs associated with bridesmaid dresses really are. Read on to find out more including tips on how to save money to make bridesmaid dresses more affordable for all.
The Average Cost of a Bridesmaid Dress
Are you wondering how much the average bridesmaid dress really costs? Based on pricing from various online bridesmaid stores — and non-bridesmaid dress shops — bridesmaid dresses costs between $120 to $150 per person. Although this is the typical average you can expect to spend on a bridesmaid dress, that doesn’t mean you can’t spend less or more, depending on the style you want and where you purchase the dress.
Affordable Bridesmaid Dress Shopping Tips
Here are some things to include in the total cost (and why dresses cost so much) if you’re budgeting as a bridesmaid or guiding your bridal party attendants as the bride.
► Alterations
You want bridesmaid dresses to fit nicely, so you may need to also budget for alterations for the dress. While some bridesmaid stores offer alterations (i.e. David’s Bridal), other online retailers do not and your attendants will need to find an independent seamstress or tailor to get that perfect fit.
► Fabrics
Certain fabrics cost more because they’re more luxurious. You can expect to pay more for specialty materials such as silk, chiffon, or satin.
► Shipping and Rush Fees
To save money on the cost of bridesmaid dresses, order early! If you know the style and sizes you want, order bridesmaid dresses together to save on shipping costs. This also ensures your dresses arrive early so you can get alterations if needed.
Plus, you won’t be biting your nails at the last minute hoping the dresses arrive on time. Yikes!
Choosing a Dress Style That Everyone Loves
No one wants to buy a dress they absolutely disdain because they’ll only wear it once (and may not like how it fits). It is possible to find a dress style that everyone will love simply by remaining flexible; keep communication open and honest with your bridesmaids so everyone has input.
A popular option is to choose one color and ask bridesmaids to buy any dress in that shade and fabric. This way, bridesmaids love the dress they wear because they selected it; you get the uniformity in photos and everyone is happy!
Another option is to select a convertible dress like this and each person gets to select the way the neckline is worn.
Where to Shop for Bridesmaid Dresses
Look around! There are plenty of places to buy cheap bridesmaid dresses online.
Here are 5 of my favorite places to shop for bridal party dresses, in no particular order.
• Lulus
You’ll find stylish dresses at affordable prices with most dresses in the $79 to $129 range. Many are even under $100! They offer various lengths and extended sizes for all! Get shopping now.
With luxury brands and their own collection, you’ll find chic and sophisticated bridal party attire at Anthropologie in the season’s hottest colors and trends. Browse now!
Popular for its locations nationwide, you can shop online or in-store and find traditional bridesmaid dresses on average from $120 to $150 and upwards. Alterations are available, too. See what’s trending here.
This is the cheapest place to shop bridesmaid dresses and the reviews are extremely well-received. It is one dress worn multiple ways, aka a convertible bridesmaid dress. It is great for giving your bridesmaids versatility in the dress they wear: strapless, one-shoulder, halter, criss-cross, and more. The color selection is amazing! Shop here.
• Azazie
This affordable bridesmaid dress retailer offers the season’s trends and colors in a variety of sizes, silhouettes, and lengths. Get yours here.
Frequently Asked Bridesmaid Dress Questions
Is $200 Too Much for a Bridesmaid Dress?
I recommend aiming for an average of $120 to $150, however, $200 to $250 is not a ridiculous price if the dress is right (and bridesmaids are comfortable with the cost).
There are no rules when it comes to your wedding. If you want bridesmaids to have a more luxurious dress and spend $200+, it is up to you. However, try to keep the budget in mind for your bridesmaids and choose one you think they can realistically afford.
If your heart is set on a particular style that is more expensive, you can offset the cost and provide financial assistance to keep costs low for your bridal party.
Do Bridesmaids Pay for Their Own Dresses?
Yes. For more on the topic, read: Here’s EXACTLY What Bridesmaids Pay For.
How Early Should I Order Bridesmaid Dresses?
The sooner, the better! Here’s a guide to when to order bridesmaid dresses for additional insight. If you wait too long, the cost of bridesmaid dresses goes up because you’ll have to pay rush fees or expedited shipping costs. You should aim to order dresses six months before the wedding.
As you can see, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress can vary depending on a few factors as outlined above. However, it’s important to keep costs as low as possible to make being a bridesmaid affordable for all. If you wish to contribute to the expense of bridesmaid dresses, you can offset the cost (read: Here’s EXACTLY What Bridesmaids Pay For: The Ultimate Guide). When you keep communication open and are available to your bridesmaids, they’re sure to find a perfect dress that fits within their budget.
Here’s a recent video I made on the topic! Save it + share it with your bridesmaids:
Now that you know how much bridesmaid dresses cost on average, go shopping! You can browse our bridesmaid dress recommendations here for a selection of the most affordable styles.
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
