By the time my wedding rolled around in the summer of 2015, I’d been in enough weddings to know I didn’t want a run of the mill bridesmaid dress. There was nothing inherently wrong with the brightly colored chiffon party dresses I’d worn as a bridesmaid, but I didn’t necessarily love the experience either. Putting a down payment on a dress seemed a bit much for my taste and I wasn’t a fan of the fittings and alterations either.
So, I turned to one of my favorite pastimes–online shopping–and vowed to find a dress that was affordable, comfortable and well, normal. My bridesmaids wore blush pink maxi dresses from the unlikeliest of places: the Kohls’ website clearance section. Paired with gold wedges and fabulous dangling earrings, they looked like a million bucks—without having to spend near that amount.
Maybe you’re still planning on having a small ceremony in the midst of COVID-19 gathering bans. This ceremony will likely only consist of your immediate family and sweet bridal party, possibly making the fancy bridesmaid dresses you’d originally chosen a little fancy for your backyard or living room nuptials. Have no fear! These online retailers are already some of your favorites and they’ve got a ton of great options for your new wedding ceremony.
Or maybe you’re still planning on your original big wedding day plans and you’re feeling disenchanted by bridal shop offerings. Or you’re looking for dresses that haven’t been worn in every other wedding this year. You don’t want your girls to have to spend their next 3 paychecks on a dress we ALL KNOW they will only wear this one time. So, no matter which bride you are, look no further, my friends. Your guide to affordable (and fabulous) bridesmaid dresses has finally arrived:
Affordable Bridesmaid Dresses from ModCloth
Exceptional A-line Dress
This lovely A-line dress from ModCloth’s namesake label flatters all body types. It also comes in lavender and offers optional adjustable spaghetti straps. Dress it up with gold heels and jewelry or keep it more casual with sparkly sandals. Price Point: $119
Stunning Wonder Maxi Wrap Dress
The wrap dress is here to stay and we are here for it! Another dress style that’s flattering on anyone, the wrap dress brings elegance without fussiness. This wine red selection from ModCloth could easily fit into your summer, fall or winter nuptials. Pair with a statement earring and fabulous pair of heels and you’ve got a great bridesmaid look! Price Point: $119
Ruffled and Radiant Off-the-Shoulder Dress
The ruffled, off-the-shoulder design of this green dress makes it interesting and fun. Again the A-line cut and midi length will make it flattering for anyone and its forest green color will have it fitting in perfectly to your outdoor ceremony, at any time of year! Price Point: $30 and Buy 3, Get 1 Free
Elegant Everywhere Ruffled Jumpsuit
We are loving the bridesmaid jumpsuit trend and this ruffled selection from ModCloth is the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Pair with dainty jewelry and make the shoes the pop of color and you’ve got a stand-out bridesmaid ensemble no one saw coming! Price Point: $89
Affordable Designer Dress Rentals from Rent the Runway
Riley Gown by Solace London
Where are all the hot pink bridesmaid dresses in the world? We think there should be more of them so we love this selection from Rent the Runway! Play into this summer’s neon trend with this fun gown. Keep the accessories and flowers simple and you’ve got a look that’s both trendy and sweet. Price Point: $65-80 rental
Rose Petal Alicia Dress by Dress the Population
If you’re more of a classic bride (that was me!), we think this Rose Petal dress from Rent the Runway will fit the bill perfectly. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of the blush/petal pink wedding trend and this lace dress elevates that look even more. It’s just perfect for an afternoon garden ceremony in the summer. Price Point: $30
Cobalt Kira Dress by Fame + Partners
Another play on the wrap dress is this Cobalt Kira Dress from Rent the Runway. The ruffle details are pretty and the flowy nature of the dress makes it a flattering choice. Price Point: $30-45 rental
Blush Left Bank Dress by Ali + Jay
I told you I couldn’t get enough of the blush pink bridesmaid look–and I have a feeling many of you can’t either. So here’s another fabulous blush choice from Rent the Runway. It’s easy, breezy and will look oh so fun on the dance floor with the pleated, twirly skirt. Price Point: $30 rental
Affordable Handmade Bridesmaid Dresses from Etsy
Rosewood Convertible Bridesmaid Dress
These convertible bridesmaid dresses make the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend super simple for you as the bride! It can easily be worn a number of different ways–from one shoulder, to sleeveless, to off the shoulder, to full on sleeves like they’re pictured above. Plus this dusty rose color would look great in your summer, fall or winter wedding! Price Point: $50-70
Dusty Blue Lace + Tulle Bridesmaid Dress
If I hadn’t had blush pink bridesmaid dresses, I totally would’ve chosen dusty blue. It’s an unexpected neutral that fits well into any season and pairs beautifully with any selection of flowers. (Plus how pretty is it with this flower crown?!) The tulle and lace on this Renz gown makes it romantic and dreamy, a perfect choice for your boho or barn wedding any time this year. Plus, you can customize in any color. Price Point: $149.99
Mustard Yellow Bridesmaid Dress
Not a fan of the long bridesmaid gown look? Then we’ve got the perfect pick for you! We love the back detail of this mustard yellow short bridesmaid dress. It’s simple all around and the bow makes the cutest statement. Plus the pop of yellow is unexpected and adds another big dash of happiness to what is already the sweetest, happiest day ever! Price Point: $58
Affordable Bridesmaid Dresses from Amazon
Sexy Sleeveless Summer Gown
Simple elegance is the name of the game with this sleeveless gown from Amazon. It comes in a host of colors (but I was drawn instantly to this dark green–a great choice for fall and winter weddings with white florals and gold accessories). It’s available for Prime ordering and shipping, making it the best choice if you’ve decided to move your wedding date thanks to COVID-19 or change up your bridesmaid dress selection. Price Point: $40-80
Sexy Cap Sleeve Gown
Another long flowy gown from Amazon that comes in a number of colors, making it a great choice if you’d like to play with the mismatched bridesmaid dress trend in different colors. Keep the jewelry and shoes simple, pair with a beautiful bouquet and your girls will be set to walk down the aisle in style. Price Point: $35-80
Sequin Sleeveless Maxi Dress
I can’t share about bridesmaid dresses without adding in a sequined option. Whether your wedding is happening inside or outside, with only your closest friends and family or sometime at the end of this year or next with a huge guest list, we think sequins are always a good choice. This sequined gown comes in multiple color options and will add sparkle and shine to your day! Price Point: $30-60
VNeck Flutter Sleeve Chiffon Dress
If you’re looking for a simple bridesmaid dress, we love this flutter sleeve midi dress from Amazon. Again the dusty blue makes it the perfect neutral and a great backdrop for dreamy florals, dangly earrings and fun shoes. We love this look for your outdoor ceremony! Price Point: $60-70
Chiffon Spaghetti Strap Dress
One more blush pink offering from blush’s biggest fan: me! This simple gown will look beautiful at any time of year, paired with gold accessories and a big bouquet of seasonal flowers. It’s comfortable, romantic and the perfect addition to your wedding dress! Price Point: $70-80
In addition to selecting affordable bridesmaid dresses here are a few other ways to make your bridesmaids’ jobs even easier:
1- Be a great (kind, thoughtful, appreciative) bride! Check out our blogs: a Bride’s Guide to Bridesmaids and Say Goodbye to Bridezilla for helpful tips on making sure you and your ‘maids remain friends after your wedding day.
2- Tell your bridesmaids about RegistryFinder. Instead of listing every single one of your registries on your bridal shower invitations, have them point your guests to RegistryFinder.com, where guests can locate all your gift registries in one place.
