How much is too much to ask your bridesmaids to spend on a dress?
Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a huge honor—it means you’re one of the most important people in the couple’s life! But let’s be honest: while the excitement is real, so are the expenses. Once you factor in showers, travel, gifts, and the bachelorette party, the costs really start to add up, and the affordable bridesmaid dress is usually the single biggest expense on that list.
This creates a common conflict: the bride or couple has a vision for a beautiful, cohesive look, but their closest friends need to stick to their personal budgets. How do you balance the dream aesthetic with financial kindness?
We’re here to help you navigate this sensitive subject. This guide will help define realistic budget expectations, discuss where the “too much” threshold lies, and offer practical, diplomatic solutions for the couple to handle the dress costs kindly and respectfully. Because ultimately, friendship always comes first!
Setting a Baseline: What is a “Normal” Bridesmaid Dress Cost?
Current Average Price Range
The typical bridesmaid dress costs between £100 and £250. This range covers most off-the-rack and semi-custom options from bridal shops, department stores, and specialty retailers. However, costs can vary significantly depending on several key factors.
Key Factors That Influence Bridesmaid Dress Prices
Fabric Quality and Type
Premium fabrics like silk and velvet command higher prices, often ranging from £150 to £300+. Budget-friendly options like polyester and standard chiffon blends typically fall in the £80 to £180 range. The fabric you choose not only affects the cost but also the dress’s durability and how it can be worn again in the future.
Designer and Brand
A dress from a high-end bridal designer like Adrianna Papell or BHLDN will cost significantly more than the same style from a department store or fast-fashion retailer. Boutique labels can charge £200 to £400 per dress, while department store alternatives might be half that price. Consider whether the brand prestige genuinely justifies the added expense for your bridesmaids.
Alterations: The Hidden Cost
Never forget alterations when calculating the true cost of a bridesmaid dress. Hemming, taking in seams, adjusting straps, and bustling typically add £50 to £150 per dress. In many cases, alterations are mandatory, especially for dresses ordered from bridal shops. Build this into your budget conversation from the start.
Beyond the Dress: Other Expenses to Consider
The bridesmaid dress is just one line item in the wedding party budget. Bridesmaids typically also cover shoes (£50 to £150), hair and makeup services (£75 to £200), travel and accommodations, shower and bachelorette gifts, and wedding gifts. When you add these up, a “modest” £150 dress becomes part of a £500 to £1,000+ total commitment.
Continue to read: Is £200 Too Much for a Bridesmaid Dress?
When Does It Become “Too Much”? Defining the Threshold
The £300+ Zone: Where Costs Become Concerning
Once a bridesmaid dress approaches or exceeds £300 on its own, it enters a “high-cost” zone that requires extra communication and consideration. At this price point, the dress is no longer a one-time purchase for a specific occasion—it becomes a significant financial decision that can impact your bridesmaid’s budget in other areas of their life.
Couples considering dresses in this range should ask themselves: Is the higher cost truly necessary? Can we justify asking our bridesmaids to spend this much? If the answer is yes, can we help offset some of that cost?
The Re-wear Factor: Style Longevity Matters
Not all bridesmaid dresses are created equal when it comes to re-wear potential. A dress in a highly specific color like hot pink or a trendy style like ultra-bright emerald velvet has limited occasions where it can be worn again. This drastically reduces its perceived value and makes a high price feel even more burdensome.
By contrast, a bridesmaid dress in a classic color like navy, blush, champagne, or sage green in a timeless silhouette has genuine re-wear value. Your bridesmaids can confidently wear it to formal dinners, galas, and other black-tie events for years to come. If you’re asking your bridesmaids to invest in a dress, make it one they’ll actually use again.
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The Financial Context: Life Stage Matters
Before finalizing your dress choice and budget, consider where your bridesmaids are in life. A college student or recent graduate may find a £100 dress to be a genuine financial strain. A bridesmaid paying a mortgage or supporting a young family might feel differently about a £250 investment than someone with a larger disposable income. There’s no one-size-fits-all budget, which is why conversation is so critical.
Check out our guide to: Wedding Etiquette- Who Pays for the Bridesmaids’ Dresses?
Strategies for the Thoughtful Couple
A. The Crucial Conversation: Set Expectations Early
Ask Before You Choose
The most important step happens before you fall in love with a specific dress. Reach out to your bridesmaids individually and ask about their budget limitations. Make this conversation private, judgment-free, and honest. You might say: “I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and excited about their dress. What’s a budget range that works for you?”
Explain Your “Why”
When you do present dress options, explain the reasoning behind your choices. If you’ve selected a higher-priced dress, help your bridesmaids understand why. For example: “We’re prioritizing natural silk fabric because it photographs beautifully and moves elegantly. We think this investment will be worth it because you can wear it to so many formal events.” Context helps justify cost.
B. Bridesmaid Dress Money-Saving Alternatives
Option 1: Color and Fabric Pairing with Silhouette Choice
Instead of requiring one specific dress, choose a color and fabric, then let your bridesmaids select their preferred silhouette. For example: “All dresses must be sage green chiffon, but you can choose from these five silhouettes and retailers.” This approach dramatically increases the price range available—what costs £200 from one designer might be £120 from another—while maintaining visual cohesion in photos.
Option 2: The Rental Route
Suggest the option to rent a dress instead of buying. Services like Rent the Runway offer bridesmaid dresses at a fraction of retail price (often £40 to £80 for the event), and your bridesmaids get to wear a luxury dress without the ongoing cost. This is especially helpful if the dress is highly specific in style or color.
Option 3: Covering Costs
If your budget allows, consider offering to cover a portion of the dress cost—even £50 to £75 per bridesmaid makes a meaningful difference. Alternatively, offer to pay for all alterations, which can save each bridesmaid £75 to £150. This generous gesture shows respect for their financial situations.
C. The “Wear It Again” Promise
Make a genuine commitment to selecting a style and color that your bridesmaids can actually wear to other events. Avoid overly trendy silhouettes, extreme colors, or heavy embellishments. A classic A-line or sheath dress in a neutral or jewel tone is far more versatile than a bodycon dress in a color no one else would choose.
If your bridesmaids genuinely believe they can wear the dress multiple times, the investment feels justified—and the dress becomes a wardrobe staple rather than a one-time expense.
What a Bridesmaid Can Do: Diplomatic Solutions
Communicate Clearly and Early
If you’re a bridesmaid facing an uncomfortably high dress price, speak up—but do it privately and early. Send a direct but friendly message to the bride: “I’m so excited to be a bridesmaid! I wanted to mention that my budget for the dress is around $X. Can we explore options that work for me?” Most brides appreciate this honesty far more than finding out afterward that their bridesmaids are stressed about cost.
Explore Secondhand and Sample Sale Options
Before purchasing a new dress, search resale sites like Nearly Newlywed, PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com, or Stillwhite for the exact dress the bride chose—often at a 30 to 50% discount. You might also find an affordable lookalike from a different brand in the same color and style.
Bridal boutiques also hold sample sales where slightly used or discontinued dresses sell for a fraction of the original price. Call local boutiques and ask when their next sale is scheduled.
Collaborate on Alterations
If the dress price is non-negotiable, look for ways to save on alterations. Connect with other bridesmaids and negotiate a group rate with a talented but affordable tailor. Many seamstresses offer discounts when altering multiple dresses for the same wedding.
Conclusion: Friendship First
At the end of the day, the comfort and genuine joy of your bridesmaids should always outweigh the desire for a perfect, expensive dress. A beautiful wedding look is achieved through thoughtful tailoring, color coordination, and consistency—not through brand names or steep price tags. When couples and bridesmaids communicate openly about budget expectations early in the process, everyone wins: the bride gets the cohesive look she’s dreamed of, and the bridesmaids feel valued and respected.
Remember: An expensive dress doesn’t make a better wedding party. Trust and thoughtfulness do.
Bridesmaid Dresses Cost Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a bridesmaid spend on a dress?
The typical uk bridesmaid dress costs between £100 and £250, though prices vary based on designer, fabric, and style. The key is to communicate budget expectations early. If the dress exceeds £300, the couple should strongly consider covering part of the cost or exploring alternative options like rentals or sales.
Should the bride pay for bridesmaid dresses?
There’s no universal rule, but it’s considerate for the bride to cover dress costs or at least offer to pay for alterations. At minimum, the bride should help keep dress costs reasonable and offer alternatives if the chosen style is expensive. Bridesmaids are making a significant financial commitment, and acknowledging that shows respect.
Can bridesmaids wear different dresses in the same color?
Absolutely! Many modern brides choose a color and let bridesmaids select their own silhouettes. This approach accommodates different body types, personal styles, and budgets while maintaining visual cohesion. It’s increasingly popular because it makes the process easier and more inclusive.
Is it rude to ask the bride about dress costs upfront?
Not at all—it’s actually the mature and responsible approach. A simple, private message like, “I want to make sure the dress fits my budget. What price range are we looking at?” opens the conversation respectfully and gives the bride a chance to address concerns before the purchase.
What if I absolutely cannot afford the dress the bride chose?
Communicate honestly with the bride as soon as possible. Explain your budget constraint and ask about alternatives: Can you find a similar dress elsewhere? Would the bride consider a rental option? Can she cover part of the cost? Most brides will work with you rather than risk losing an important friend from the wedding party over money stress.
How much should a bridesmaid budget for shoes and accessories?
Budget an additional £50 to £150 for shoes, depending on whether you buy new or use what you already own. Accessories (jewelry, clutch, shawl) typically add another £30 to £75. Remember to factor in hair and makeup services (£75 to £200) and travel expenses when calculating your total bridesmaid cost.
Is it appropriate for a bridesmaid to buy a secondhand dress?
Yes, absolutely. Buying a pre-owned dress in excellent condition from a resale site is a smart financial choice and helps the environment. As long as the dress matches the bride’s color and style requirements, there’s no reason not to pursue this option. Many brides won’t even know the difference.
What’s the best bridesmaid dress color for re-wear?
Navy, blush, champagne, sage green, dusty rose, and charcoal are excellent choices because they work for multiple occasions and seasons. Avoid very bright colors, pastels that limit occasions, or trendy shades that may feel dated in a few years. A classic color ensures your bridesmaids actually wear the dress again.
Should alterations be included in the dress budget?
Yes, always. Alterations typically add £50 to £150 to the final dress cost. Factor this in when discussing budget with bridesmaids, and clarify upfront whether the bride will cover alteration costs or if each bridesmaid is responsible. This prevents surprises later.
What if I’m a broke bridesmaid and can’t afford the dress?
Your true friends will understand. Talk to the bride immediately about your financial situation. Be honest but not overly detailed about your personal circumstances. Ask about alternatives like rentals, sales, or whether she’d consider covering part of the cost. If she’s unwilling to work with you, it’s okay to gracefully step back from the role.
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