The Best Affordable Bridesmaid Dresses That Don’t Look Cheap Total Information
Uncategorized October 29, 2020, Comments OffLooking for inexpensive bridesmaid dress options? We’ve pulled together dozens of gorgeous gowns, with the vast majority under $100.
Considering all the costs that go into being a bridesmaid these days, looking for affordable bridesmaid dresses can really help. Style, color and silhouette are always front of mind when choosing bridesmaid dresses, but it’s also important to consider budget limitations, since ‘maids typically pay for their own attire. Asking your friends to break the bank for a custom-made couture number they’ll only wear once is a hard ask.
And while we’re on the subject, why are bridesmaid dresses so expensive anyway? Well, most bridesmaid dresses are sewn when ordered—and are all cut from the same dye lot (meaning the fabric for each is dyed together so every ‘maid wears a truly identical hue). When you pay for a designer gown, you pay for the custom work that goes into it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find budget-friendly bridesmaid dresses that still look elegant. Here, we tell you exactly what to look for, as well as where to shop. Plus, we’re sharing all our favorite styles for under $100.
How To Save Money On Bridesmaid Dresses
The trick to finding a wide variety of bridesmaid dresses under $100 is to think outside the box: Consider off-the-rack options and dresses that aren’t necessarily marketed as bridesmaid styles. Wondering where to buy bridesmaid dresses that won’t put a dent in your crew’s wallets? Look to your favorite every day retailers, like Lulus and ASOS, for affordable occasion wear that (bonus) can be worn well after the wedding day—that way, your girls will get the most bang for their buck. Just know that off-the-rack attire can be trickier to alter since you won’t be ordering the gowns to each girl’s unique measurements. (That said, ASOS carries petite, tall, and curvy sizes.)
If you’d rather go the traditional route (aka buy from a bridal retailer), alfabridal sells gowns under $100 too. Meanwhile, Brideside and The Dessy Group carry styles under $150. (Check out these sites for junior bridesmaid and maternity bridesmaid dresses too.) We also love Birdy Grey, a newer, on-trend bridesmaid dress site where everything costs $99.
Don’t forget about sales, either—discounts can take gorgeous bridesmaid dresses from aspirational to attainable. But if you’re considering going the off-the-rack route or shopping reduced-price dresses, keep in mind that there may not be enough in stock to support a larger bridal party. Another trending option for inexpensive bridesmaid dresses? Rent the Runway, a rental site that offers marked-down designer attire. It’s a nice way to shop more sustainably if your attendants won’t wear their dresses again. But of course, there are a few caveats to renting worth keeping in mind. Alterations aren’t possible (aside from maybe using some sticky tape) and inventory can be limited. Plus, you may find the delivery date to be a little last minute.
Some final words to the wise? If you’re committed to choosing affordable bridesmaid dresses, seriously consider having a mismatched bridal party. Dye lots won’t matter and each attendant can pick a style that best suits their body type (solving size and alteration issues). Overall, you’ll have way more flexibility (read: more opportunities to score inexpensive gowns).
Ready to start shopping? Check out these cute and affordable bridesmaid dresses that don’t look cheap. Most are under $100, some are under $50, and all are editor-approved. (Plus they’re all available online.) We’ve even sorted them by popular category so you can navigate our roundup with ease.