The Inclusive Guide to Bridesmaid Dresses For Every Wedding and Price Range | The Bridal Finery (2024)

AdviceWedding AdviceBridal Fashion

Written By Brittany Bergeron

Bridesmaid dresses are often the task on the list that many brides and bridal parties are unsure where to even start. Luckily for you all, at this point in my life, I am basically the real-life 27 Dresses! When I say I have done and worn it all: designer bridesmaid dresses, last-minute dresses that I had to alter down two sizes, and cost-effective bridesmaid dresses. All has been in preparation for this guide, and I am proudly writing to help our brides and bridesmaids make their lives easier! I have done extensive research and accounted for all of my personal experiences to write this guide. Whether you find the dresses for your bridal party, or use this guide as personal inspiration, I am confident that you will find something that you love!

While writing this blog, it was important to me to include bridesmaid dresses at all price points, style points, designer brands, etc., and to answer the questions that you didn’t know you needed the answers to! Along with hand-picking dresses that I would happily wear, too.

We will do our best to keep this shopping guide up-to-date so you can actually purchase the pieces you find here instead of having to find something similar because it’s sold out.

All items within our blog have been thoughtfully curated by The Bridal Finery Team. Some of the items include affiliate links. If you buy a bridesmaid dress through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.

How much does an average bridesmaid dress cost?

The truth is, prices for bridesmaids' dresses vary depending on a number of factors, like who the designer is, what fabric the dress is made of, how much time it takes to be produced, etc. Typically, you can find suitable and super cute bridesmaid dresses for around $100, with some websites specializing in dresses that are $100 and under. While known designer label bridesmaid dresses can range from $350 and up. I have worn dresses from all price points and have no major complaints overall! What I will say if it’s honesty hour, though: from my personal experience, I have found quite a bit of a difference between the $200 dresses and the $300 dresses. Completely my own judgment, and there is no science behind it, but from what I know and have learned from working at The Bridal Finery, I can tell the difference between fabrics and seam lines, specifically from the jump between $200-$300. This is just a note for my brides and bridesmaids, who are fine-tuned with a flexible price range! Otherwise, the $100 price range is perfect, too!

Here are my favorite bridesmaid dresses ranging from affordable prices to designer prices:

When should I order my bridesmaid dress?

After you find the dress that your bridal party will be wearing for the wedding day, make sure you know what the shipping and delivery times are estimated to be. While ready-to-ship options are always easy and stress-free, some made-to-order designer gowns might need to allocate a few months for production. Regardless, shipping and delivery times are essential because we recommend starting alterations about 1-2 months before the wedding to ensure you are happy with your alterations and so you can also avoid any rush fees from your seamstress. No matter how perfect your measurements may be for the dress, you will still probably need at least a hem, while it’s still common to need your dress taken in here and there, too, for the best fit. The alterations hill is a hill that I will personally die on because I, myself have had disastrous, last-minute bridesmaid dress alterations flops. However, my mistakes are in your favor!

For our Orlando brides, a couple of seamstresses that we recommend in good faith are The Seamstress and Thai’s Alterations & Tailoring, Inc in Winter Park, Florida. We have had many brides and bridesmaids work with them, and they always look perfect! Here’s a pro tip: ask your local seamstress to take your measurements to ensure that you order the best size! If you don’t have a seamstress already, this can help you get an idea if you’d like to work with them for your bridesmaid dress or for the future in general. After all, if there’s anything a girl needs in life, it’s a great seamstress in their contact list. ;)

For my bridesmaids who read this paragraph and are now panicking because they don’t have 1-2 months for alterations, here are our favorite ready-to-ship bridesmaid dresses:

Where should I buy my bridesmaid dress in person?

As an at-heart online shopper, I still understand the value of an in-person shopping experience, especially when bridal parties will realistically consist of different heights, body shapes, and sizes, too. A sweet boutique we undoubtedly recommend to all of our Orlando brides is Bella Bridesmaids in Winter Park, Florida. In the heart of Hannibal Square, right outside of Orlando, is the perfect boutique for bridesmaids looking for designer bridesmaid dresses in every color, style and fabric to try on before placing their orders. What’s worse than blindly ordering an extremely specific themed color that you can only see through an edited phone screen? Or sizing that you’ve had to convert yourself into US sizing? We love Bella Bridesmaids because they make the process incredibly easy and fun with a special experience for your whole bridal party, too! I know your next question: What happens if I have a few bridesmaids who live out of state and won’t be able to make a trip in time to order their dresses? Bella Bridesmaids has you covered with over fifty showrooms across the country! Have any more questions? Check out their website or contact them directly here!

Here are our favorite designer bridesmaid dresses from Bella Bridesmaids in Orlando, Florida:

Where should I buy my bridesmaid dress from online?

There are a ton of great options to purchase bridesmaid dresses online! Some of the online stores we love, as well as recommendations from our brides, are Birdy Grey, Revelry, Show Me Your Mumu, and quite a few more! These online shops are top on our list because they offer an array of options for brides and bridesmaids with different needs, such as options under $100, a wide range of sizing options, color themes with different styles, and more. To dig even further and help filter your search right here and right now, here are what some of these shops are especially great for, per my research and experience.

The stores that have bridesmaid options that are $100 and under: Stacees, Azazie

The shops that include a variety of sizing options: Kennedy Blue, Revelry, Stacees, Azazie, etc.

The stores that carry color pallets with different styles: Birdy Grey, Stacees, Azazie, Club London, Bella Bridesmaids, Show Me Your Mumu, etc.

For the shops with ready-to-ship options available: Bella Bridesmaids, Revelry, and Kennedy Blue

Here are our favorite bridesmaid dresses from our favorite online shops:

Where can I find bridesmaid dresses that are the same color but different styles?

With 2024 in full swing, I am happy to say this chic trend isn’t going anywhere! I think it’s extremely practical and tasteful to have your bridesmaids in different style dresses that are the same color to make each bridesmaid unique and confident. In my opinion, it’s unrealistic to say that one dress style will look amazing on everyone’s body, so I love that so many designers and companies are using the same colors and fabrics to make multiple dress styles! This also allows for every body type to wear something flattering along with bringing in some individuality! With that being said, you can usually find these options in person and online! I know that our local Orlando bridesmaid shop, Bella Bridesmaids, has these options for bridesmaids, along with many online retailers exclusively marketing this way of dress shopping. Another perk to this ongoing bridal trend is a pretty wide price range, with designer and affordable brands participating, too. Whether you give your bridal party free rein on their dress choice or limit their options to a few different styles, this is a guaranteed safe and easy bet in the world of bridesmaids!

Here are my favorite websites for dresses in different styles and matching colors, with some from Bella Bridesmaids, too!

Where can I find bridesmaid dresses from petite sizes to plus sizes?

There are more shops now than ever that have plenty of diverse sizing. Not only is it a tough decision to find the styles that will look amazing on everyone, but finding dresses that fit every bridesmaid has proven to be a challenge in itself, too. Thankfully, there are various shops that range from size 00-32. Although we have sizing covered for every bridesmaid in the bridal party, every one will still need alterations, so make sure to not forget about accounting for alteration fittings when placing your orders! Whether a simple hem is needed or the dress needs to be taken in a few sizes, we still recommend starting alterations about two months before the wedding just in case!

With that being said, here are our favorite bridesmaid dresses from websites with petite to plus size options:

What fabric should I get my bridesmaid dress in?

This is a topic that is understandably overlooked but so important! Especially with more and more destination weddings happening this year, it is crucial to have the weather in mind when planning your wedding and bridesmaid dresses. With our bridal shop located in Orlando, Florida, we see many weddings, often outdoors, in our hot, humid weather. To avoid sweating through your dress and having to edit sweat marks out of your photos, we recommend wearing a dress in crepe or silk fabric. This fabric may feel a little thick, so if you’re more of a comfort over fashion queen, linen fabric is extremely light and breathable! For our brides who are getting married in colder weather, we recommend lined satin, wool, or velvet bridesmaid dresses! These fabrics will help insulate your body temperature while still looking chic and clean. For extra layers, you can wear fleece-lined tights under your gown or lighter stockings to keep you warm. If you have any more questions regarding fabrics and recommendations, feel free to reach out to me directly at brittanyb@thebridalfinery.net or check out this Fabric 101 guide that Birdy Grey created!

Here are our favorite bridesmaid dresses in all different fabrics:

What are popular bridesmaid dress colors and trends for 2024?

As a bridal enthusiast and fashion lover, I absolutely love keeping up with the latest trends and movements of all things bridal on all platforms. I’m talking about Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. You name it, and I’ve probably seen it, saved it, and screenshotted it. Real weddings and real brides are mainly my jam, of course. I love seeing personal and intimate visions come to life. One of my favorite trends this year is not only the different styles of bridesmaid dresses throughout the party but also the mixing of patterns and textures! My dear friend and TBF bride just had the most exquisite wedding this spring at a botanical garden here in Florida. She mixed floral patterns, textures, and fabrics to go with her garden party theme, and the whole vision was to die for! All bridesmaids at the party were still perfectly coordinated, complimented the bride and the wedding, and looked completely unique. Besides the amazing prints we’ve been seeing, some of the bridal party colors we’ve seen on the rise for 2024 are definitely champagne, sage green, and classic black bridesmaid dresses. With this guide as inspiration, it will be hard to go wrong!

Here are our favorite bridesmaid dresses on trend for 2024-2025 weddings:

What are the best bridesmaid dresses for an Orlando, Florida wedding?

For our Florida and TBF brides, this is for you! Yes, you very well could have a completely indoor wedding in Florida, but with our beautiful beaches, lakes, and outdoor venues, I think it’s safe to say the majority of our readers reading this blog have a gorgeous venue that is outside or partially outside. Circling back to fabrics, I cannot stress enough how necessary it is to dress for the weather. As I previously mentioned, crepe and silk fabrics help to hide sweat marks and stains. Another factor that may help with Florida weather is the length of the gown. Our recommendation would be to try midi-length bridesmaid dresses or knee-length bridesmaid dresses. Something else to ponder: the shorter lengths can also help if Florida starts Florida-ing and suddenly starts raining on what seems to be a gorgeous, sunny day. This way, you won’t be worried about the hem of the dresses getting wet, muddy, or stained. Either way, depending on the season of the wedding, these dresses are sure to look great on the wedding day.

Here are our favorite bridesmaid dresses for an Orlando, Florida wedding:

accessorize your wedding-day look

Take a look at these pieces from our online accessory shop or book an appointment to shop in-person!

Sabrina Earring

from $358.00

Darcy Bridal Headband

from $880.00

Cordelia Bridal Earrings

from $230.00

Did this guide help you find what you were looking for?

Fill out the form below and we will get back to you within the next 24 hours.

Or reach out directly at BrittanyB@thebridalfinery.net.

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Brittany Bergeron

The Inclusive Guide to Bridesmaid Dresses For Every Wedding and Price Range | The Bridal Finery (2024)

FAQs

What is the average price for a bridesmaid dress? ›

What is the Average Cost of Bridesmaid Dresses? According to experts, the average cost of a bridesmaid dress is about $150. Keep in mind that's the average cost for just one dress - multiply that average by the number of bridesmaids in your wedding party and the costs will add up quickly.

Does the bride pay for all the bridesmaids dresses? ›

In the US, the tradition is for the bridesmaids to each pay for their own dress, regardless of who is making the final call on what the dresses will look like. The bride should try to be flexible about the kind of dresses she chooses for her girls.

What should the bride pay for for her bridesmaids? ›

It's standard for the bride to cover the cost of bouquets, transportation to and from the wedding venue, and a gift to her bridesmaids. Optional costs may include hair and makeup, hotel accommodations, bridesmaids' dresses, and a bridesmaids' luncheon (if hosted by the bride).

Why are bridesmaid dresses so expensive? ›

Bridesmaid dresses can be rather expensive, especially if you choose a well-known brand or designer, or choose to shop at a boutique wedding retailer. It is, of course, common for anything wedding-related to come with a premium price tag, as this is more likely to guarantee that your day is extra special.

Who usually pays for bridesmaid dresses? ›

Generally speaking, bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories; they may also be required to foot the bill for hair and makeup appointments and transportation to the wedding.

Who is expected to pay for bridesmaid dresses? ›

Traditionally, the bride and her family are the ones who pay for the bridesmaids' dresses. However, it's becoming increasingly more common for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses. It's also traditional for each of the bridesmaids to wear the same outfit, which will complement the bride's beautiful dress.

What does a maid of honor pay for? ›

"We often see the maid of honor assist in covering the cost of the bridal shower (often in conjunction with a family member of the bride), covering her own costs and some of the costs of the bride for the bachelorette party (in conjunction with the rest of the bridesmaids), her own travel to and from the wedding, a ...

Is it rude to ask bridesmaids to pay for their dress? ›

If you're being specific about what they need to wear, it's good form to pay for it or at least offer some money towards it. If you're not able to cover the cost of your bridesmaids' dresses, make sure you communicate this early on and are really clear about it.

Do brides usually pay for hair and makeup for bridesmaids? ›

The Answer: It Depends

There's no definitive answer of who foots the bill on bridal party glam. That said, the bride or the bridesmaids will pay for the bridal party's hair and makeup. Some brides cover the cost of glam as a “thank you” to their friends for supporting the wedding. However, this isn't always the case.

Is it rude to ask bridesmaids to pay for bridal shower? ›

Remember, the person responsible for throwing the bridal shower is traditionally expected to cover the costs. However, modern etiquette has become more flexible, and it's not uncommon for the bridal party or other close friends and family to pitch in and help with expenses.

Do bridesmaids give the bride a gift on the wedding day? ›

With that in mind, since being a member of the bridal party is an expensive endeavor, you might be wondering, "Do bridesmaids give wedding gifts?" According to Oniki Hardtman, owner and creative director of Oh Niki Occasions, and Kira Sullivan, associate planner at Calluna Events, it is customary to give the bride a ...

Do bridesmaids still give a wedding gift? ›

Even though you're already spending a lot of your money and time as a bridesmaid, wedding etiquette indicates that you're still expected to give a wedding gift to the couple. Bridesmaids are supposed to get the bride a gift for some prewedding events as well.

Is it normal for bridesmaids to pay for everything? ›

While bridesmaids pay for quite a few expenses, not everything falls on them. These costs are most often covered by the bride or the couple instead.

Should I pay for my bridesmaids make up? ›

The bride may agree to pay for makeup while the bridesmaid pays to get their hair done, for example. Depending on their ability, a bridesmaid may choose to do either their hair or makeup on their own to save herself or the bride money, says Shackleton.

Does the maid of honor dress like the bridesmaids? ›

Usually the Maid of Honour is dressed the same as the bridesmaids, but as huge advocates of a mix & match, they're many ways you can subtly have you Maid of Honour in a different dress to your bridesmaids.

Does the bride pay for the whole wedding? ›

Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding, but that custom is rapidly changing. Couples are increasingly choosing to handle at least half of the wedding expenses on their own. Early planning and a written budget can help avoid miscommunication when deciding who pays for what.

Who is supposed to pay for the bride's dress? ›

Who traditionally pays for the wedding dress? One of the most closely stuck-to traditions is that the bride's family will pay for the wedding dress. This also includes any accessories the bride may wear, such as a veil, a bag and shoes. For modern weddings, the bride may want to pay for her own dress.

Does the bride choose bridesmaid dresses? ›

Typically, the bride is in charge of choosing the bridesmaids dresses, but we definitely encourage bridesmaids to have their say too on what colours they like and how they feel in a dress as at the end of the day, how the bridesmaids look is a big part of how brides feel on their day.

Does the bride pay for anything at the bachelorette party? ›

So, the host and the rest of the guests usually pay for their own costs, but not the bride's. “As a bride, if you're expecting your guests to travel a ways away, [you should help] out with extra costs,” Clinton remarks. Typically, the bride will cover her airfare and her share of the lodging.

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