The Great Bridesmaid Dress Debate. The quick answer, according to current wedding industry standards, is that £200 is generally considered a mid-range price point for a bridesmaid dress. The real answer, however, isn’t just about the dress price, but the truth is, whether £200 is reasonable depends on several factors, and there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s explore what makes this price point justified in some cases and excessive in others.
Understanding Bridesmaid Dress Costs
What’s the Average Price of a Bridesmaid Dress?
Bridesmaid dress prices vary widely depending on where you shop and what quality you’re seeking. Most wedding industry sources suggest that the average cost of a bridesmaid dress lands somewhere between £100 and £300, often clustering around £130 to £150.
Department stores and mass-market retailers often offer dresses between £100 and £150, while designer and specialty bridal boutiques can charge £200 to £400 or more. Understanding this market helps contextualize whether £200 is a premium price or mid-range spending.
Why Do Bridesmaid Dresses Cost So Much?
Several factors influence bridesmaid dress pricing. Fabric quality, construction methods, brand reputation, and customization options all play a role. Additionally, bridesmaid dresses are often ordered through specialized bridal shops, which typically charge more than general retailers due to their expertise and personalized service.
- Fabric Quality: Complex or luxurious fabrics like pure satin, silk blends, velvet, or heavy crepe are inherently more expensive than common chiffon or polyester blends.
- Design & Construction: A dress with a structured bodice, built-in boning, intricate details (beading, pleats, lace overlays), or a complex silhouette (like a trumpet or ballgown) requires more labor and materials.
- Retailer or Brand Name: Dresses sourced from high-end boutiques, well-known bridal designers, or exclusive retailers often carry a higher price tag than those from fast-fashion or budget online retailers.
- Wedding Formality: A formal, black-tie event usually requires a long gown made from a higher-end fabric, naturally increasing the cost.
When £200 Is a Reasonable Price
High-Quality Fabrics and Construction
A £200 bridesmaid dress often reflects superior materials and craftsmanship. Look for dresses made from quality fabrics like silk, chiffon, or satin blends that drape well and hold up to multiple wearings and cleanings. Well-constructed seams, lining, and finishing details justify a higher price tag.
Designer Brands and Exclusive Collections
Designer bridesmaid dresses from well-known bridal fashion houses command higher prices for good reason. These collections feature trendy designs, flattering cuts, and premium materials. If the bride has chosen a specific designer line, £200 may be a steal compared to other options from the same brand.
Custom Tailoring and Alterations Included
When £200 includes professional alterations—hemming, taking in the waist, adjusting the bust, or other customizations—you’re paying for expert fitting services. Custom tailoring alone can cost £50 to £100, so a dress that includes these services represents solid value.
Intricate Details and Embellishments
Dresses featuring beading, embroidery, sequins, or other decorative elements naturally cost more. If the bridesmaid dress has special details that make it unique and photograph-worthy, the higher price becomes more justifiable.
Rush Orders and Expedited Shipping
If you’re ordering close to the wedding date or need expedited shipping, expect to pay premium prices. Rush fees can add £30 to £100 to the base price, pushing a moderately priced dress into the £200 range.
When £200 Might Feel Like Too Much
Simple, Minimalist Designs
A basic, simple bridesmaid dress without special details shouldn’t command £200. If you’re looking at a straightforward A-line dress in a solid color with minimal embellishment, you can likely find quality options for £100 to £150.
Multiple Wedding Commitments
If a bridesmaid is attending several weddings in one year, multiple £200 dresses add up quickly. The cumulative cost of being in multiple wedding parties can exceed £500 to £1,000, which is unreasonable to expect from guests.
Limited Financial Resources
Not everyone has the budget for a £200 dress purchase, especially younger bridesmaids, students, or those facing financial constraints. Brides should be mindful of their bridesmaids’ financial situations when selecting dresses.
Limited Wearability After the Wedding
If the dress is highly specific to the wedding (unusual color, highly trendy style, or overly formal) and won’t be worn again, the cost feels harder to justify. Bridesmaids often prefer dresses they can rewear to other events.
Large Wedding Parties
If the bride has 8 to 10 bridesmaids and expects each to spend £200, that’s a lot of money for people who may not have been consulted about their budget. Larger weddings often call for more budget-conscious dress selections.
Bridesmaid Dress Etiquette and Considerations
The Bride’s Responsibility
Ultimately, the bride should consider her bridesmaids’ financial situations when selecting dresses. Choosing a dress that balances style with affordability shows respect for your friends’ budgets. A good rule of thumb is to keep bridesmaid dresses under £150 unless your bridesmaids have explicitly agreed to higher spending.
How Brides Can Offset Costs
If the bride’s heart is set on a £200+ dress, she can ease the financial burden by offering to contribute toward the cost, covering alterations, or providing the dress as a gift. Many brides cover 25 to 50 percent of bridesmaid dress costs as a gesture of goodwill.
Communication is Key
Open and honest conversation about budget expectations is essential. Brides should discuss dress costs upfront, and bridesmaids should feel comfortable raising concerns about affordability without fear of judgment or guilt.
Consider Dress Code Flexibility
Instead of mandating a specific designer and style, consider giving bridesmaids options. Allow them to choose from a color palette and fabric type, enabling them to find dresses at their preferred price point while maintaining visual cohesion. [Check out our guide to: The Art of Mix-and-Match Bridesmaid Dresses]
Tips for Brides: How to Be Budget-Conscious
If you are choosing the dresses, empathy and open communication are your best tools.
Set a Budget with Your Squad
Before you even start shopping, have a private, honest conversation with your wedding party. Ask them, “What is the absolute maximum you can comfortably spend on a dress?” You must find the lowest common budget among the group. If one person can only afford $100, then £200 is too much for that person, and you must adjust.
Offer Cost Offsets
If the £200 dress is non-negotiable for your wedding vision, consider offering to cover a different cost to ease the financial burden. This could mean:
- Gifting the Shoes or Accessories.
- Paying for the Alterations.
- Covering the Cost of Professional Hair and Makeup.
Embrace Mix-and-Match Flexibility
To give your bridesmaids maximum financial freedom, consider the “mix-and-match” trend. Simply choose a color palette and a general fabric (e.g., “dusty rose chiffon”), and let your bridesmaids choose their own dress style from any retailer, as long as it meets a set price cap (e.g., “£150 max”). This allows them to shop sales and find a dress that fits their personal budget.
Tips for Bridesmaids: How to Reduce Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
If you’re buying the dress, there are several ways to make a £200 purchase more manageable.
Shop Smart & Early
- Look for Resale: Check specialized wedding resale sites (like Poshmark or local wedding groups) for gently used designer gowns.
- Time Your Purchase: Start looking early so you can take advantage of end-of-season sales, Black Friday, and holiday deals from major retailers.
Explore Renting Services
If you know you will never wear the dress again, services like Rent the Runway or Nuuly offer high-end gowns for a rental fee that is often significantly less than the purchase price.
Factor in the “Wear-Again” Cost
If the £200 dress is a classic style and color that you can genuinely shorten or wear to another event (e.g., navy, black, or metallic), the cost per wear goes down, making the investment more justifiable. BTW, a two pieces bridesmaid dress is the best ‘wear-again’ style.
Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Costs That Add Up
Brides and bridesmaids often make the mistake of only budgeting for the dress price. However, a £200 dress is just the starting point for the financial commitment.
The True Cost of a Bridesmaid Dress
| Expense | Estimated Cost Range | Impact on a $200 Dress |
| Dress Purchase | N/A | £200 |
| Alterations | £30 – £150+ | A hem and taking in the sides can add £50–£100 easily. |
| Shoes & Accessories | £50 – £150 | If specific colors/styles are required. |
| Professional Hair & Makeup | £100 – £250+ | Crucial factor: Is this optional or required, and is the bride paying? |
| Total Estimated Investment | N/A | £350 – £700+ |
The biggest hidden cost is alterations. Almost every dress requires at least a hem or slight adjustment, and this can instantly turn a £200 dress into a £250–£300 investment.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives to £200+ Dresses
Shop Sales and Seasonal Discounts
Bridesmaid dresses often go on sale, especially during off-season months. Shopping in January or July can yield significant discounts on previous season’s inventory.
Online Retailers and Discount Sites
Websites like Amazon, Lulus, BHLDN, and other online retailers offer stylish bridesmaid dresses at lower price points than traditional bridal boutiques. Many options are available in the £80 to £150 range.
Allow Flexibility in Color and Style
Instead of selecting a specific dress, choose a color and allow bridesmaids to select any dress in that shade. This opens up options at various price points and allows bridesmaids to choose styles that flatter them personally.
Rent Instead of Buy
Dress rental services like Rent the Runway offer designer bridesmaid dresses at a fraction of the retail price. This is an excellent option for bridesmaids on a budget.
Shop Department Stores
Major department stores often carry formal dresses suitable for weddings at significantly lower prices than bridal boutiques. You may find quality options for £60 to £120.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should bridesmaids spend on a dress?
Most bridesmaids should expect to spend between £100 and £200 on a dress. However, this varies based on the wedding’s formality, location, and the bride’s expectations. It’s best to discuss budget openly with the bride before selecting a dress.
Is it rude to ask bridesmaids about their budget?
No, it’s not rude—it’s considerate. As a bride, asking your bridesmaids about their comfort level with dress spending shows you value their financial wellbeing and want to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Can bridesmaids wear dresses they already own?
This depends on the bride’s preference. Some brides are flexible and allow bridesmaids to wear existing dresses in the specified color. Others prefer uniformity. Always clarify this with the bride beforehand.
What if I can’t afford the bridesmaid dress?
If the dress is beyond your budget, communicate with the bride as soon as possible. Explain your situation honestly. A considerate bride may offer solutions, such as contributing to the cost, selecting a less expensive option, or suggesting the dress rental.
Can the bride pay for bridesmaid dresses?
Yes, many brides cover part or all of the bridesmaid dress cost as a gift to their attendants. This is becoming increasingly common, especially for larger wedding parties or expensive dresses.
Where’s the best place to buy bridesmaid dresses?
The best place depends on your budget and style preferences. Bridal boutiques offer expert service and customization, while online retailers and department stores provide more budget-friendly options. Don’t hesitate to shop around before making a final decision. And you can trust Happyprom for your affordable bridesmaid dresses online.
How far in advance should bridesmaids order dresses?
Bridesmaids should order 4 to 6 months before the wedding to allow time for delivery and alterations. Ordering too close to the wedding date often results in rush fees that increase the final cost.
What’s a reasonable contribution if I’m co-hosting the bridal party?
If you’re a co-host, offering to cover 25 to 50 percent of bridesmaid dress costs is generous and appreciated. However, the responsibility ultimately falls on the bride to determine cost-sharing arrangements.
Is a bridesmaid dress usually more expensive than a regular formal dress?
Yes, they often are. Bridesmaid dresses are typically made from specialty bridal fabrics (like heavy crepe, silk charmeuse, or high-quality chiffon) and are purchased through specific bridal shops or vendors that cater to bulk orders and specific dye lots, which adds to the cost.
How much should I budget for alterations?
For a long dress that needs a hem, minor adjustments to the straps, or taking in the bust, you should budget at least £50 to £100. If the dress is complicated (has many layers, beading, or needs significant re-structuring), expect to pay £150 or more.
Conclusion
Whether £200 is too much for a bridesmaid dress depends on context. Consider the dress quality, designer status, included alterations, your financial situation, and how often you’ll wear it. For bridesmaids, don’t hesitate to communicate budget concerns to the bride—most will appreciate your honesty and work with you to find a solution. For brides, remember that your bridesmaids’ support is valuable; choosing an affordable dress option is a gift to them. With open communication and thoughtful planning, you can find bridesmaid dresses that make everyone happy without causing financial stress.
You may also interested in:
Top 2025 Bridesmaid Dress Colors
Pick Affordable Bridesmaid Dress UK for Your Body Type
References
- The Knot. (2024). “Wedding Attire Guide: Bridesmaid Dresses.” Wedding Planning Resources.
- Brides Magazine. (2024). “How Much Should Bridesmaid Dresses Cost?” Wedding Budget Guide.
- WeddingWire. (2024). “Bridesmaid Dress Cost Breakdown and Budget Tips.”
- Vogue. (2023). “The Ultimate Guide to Bridesmaid Fashion.” Bridal Fashion Editorial.
- Etiquette Expert Amy Vanderbilt’s Guide. (2023). “Modern Wedding Etiquette: Guest Expenses and Expectations.”
- The Spruce Weddings. (2024). “Bridesmaid Dress Shopping: Everything You Need to Know.”
- National Retail Federation. (2023). “Consumer Spending on Wedding Attire Report.”
