How much does the average bridesmaid dress cost?
How much does the average bridesmaid dress cost?
$50 – $250 average bridesmaid dress cost
Average cost for a bridesmaid dress
A bridesmaid dress costs $50 to $250 on average, depending on the fabric, style, and where you buy it. Dresses from large retailers like David's Bridal or wedding websites cost $50 to $250, while custom or couture bridesmaid dresses cost $300 to $500+, depending on the designer.
| Store type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Popular retailer | $50 – $250 |
| Boutique | $100 – $300 |
| Designer | $300 – $500+ |
Popular retailer
Bridesmaid dresses at popular retailers cost $80 to $250 on average. Some examples of top retailers are David's Bridal, Azazie, Kennedy Blue, and Revelry. These shops sell dresses nationwide and can afford to keep their prices low.
Websites like Azazie and Revelry offer try-on services. For a small fee, you can see how multiple dresses fit and pick which one looks best instead of buying and returning several dresses.
Boutique
Bridesmaid dresses from boutique salons cost $100 to $300 on average. These shops tend to carry more mid-range priced dresses and fewer budget-friendly options than bridal websites or larger retailers like David's Bridal.
Designer
Couture, custom, or designer bridesmaid dresses cost $300 to $500+, depending on who makes the dress. Designers like Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, or Elie Saab are better suited for bridesmaids with larger budgets who can afford luxury products.
Bridesmaid dress cost factors
Besides the store, there are other factors that affect the cost of the bridesmaid dress:
Fabric: Fabrics like silk, satin, velvet, and chiffon may cost a little more, especially if you need the dress altered.
Dress style: Dresses with details like beading, floral patterns, or long sleeves sometimes cost more than average. Some retailers also charge more for plus size dresses.
Custom vs. off-the-rack: Custom-made dresses cost more and take much longer to make than an off-the-rack dress.
New vs. used: Buying a secondhand bridesmaid dress brings the price down to $10 to $100, depending on where you find it.
Color: Not all bridesmaid dresses are available in all colors. Some popular bridesmaid dress colors are green, blue, black, pink, sage, dusty rose, and champagne.
Accessories: For a polished look, bridesmaids will also need accessories like earrings, a necklace, matching shoes, shapewear, or hair adornments, as long as they fit the theme and don't take the attention off the bride.
Hair & makeup: Wedding hair and makeup costs $150 to $250 each for bridesmaids. Many brides pay for their bridesmaids' hair and makeup to save time and to make sure everyone looks uniform.
If the style of the bridesmaid dress does not lend itself well to re-wearing or if the cost is too high, consider renting a dress instead.
Alterations
Bridesmaid dress alterations cost $60 to $200 on average, depending on what you need done. If the dress is too long and you need it hemmed, you'd pay $30 to $100. If it's too tight, letting it out costs $20 to $70.
Here are some other ways you can make a dress fit better with a tailor or seamstress:
Adding bra cups
Altering the bustline
Adding a corset back
Reshaping the neckline
Adding or altering sleeves or straps
Adjusting the armholes
How to find low-cost bridesmaid dresses
Follow these tips to find affordable bridesmaid dresses:
Do your shopping early to avoid panic-buying or upcharges.
Pick mismatched dresses within the color palette instead of the same exact dress.
Shop local sample sales or once-worn dresses on Poshmark or ThredUP.
Look for hidden gems at secondhand stores.
Search for discounted dresses from the previous season.
Pick dresses with simpler styles and fewer embellishments.
Bridesmaid dress FAQs
Who pays for bridesmaid dresses?
Traditionally, the bridesmaids pay for their own dresses. However, it’s up to the bride. Some brides choose to pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses if they can afford it.
When should I order bridesmaid dresses?
You should order a bridesmaid dress at least 6 weeks to 6 months before the wedding. You might think ordering ahead of time is only necessary for the bride's dress, but it’s just as important for the bridesmaid dresses. Ordering as early as possible will allow for any alterations you may need.
Where can I buy a bridesmaid dress?
You can buy a bridesmaid dress online or in person at a number of different stores, such as:
Local bridal boutiques
David's Bridal
JJ's House
Azazie
Nordstrom
Revelry
Birdy Grey
Kennedy Blue
Can you alter the hip area in a bridesmaid dress?
Yes, you can alter almost any part of a bridesmaid dress, including the hip area! A tailor with experience in bridesmaid dress alterations can take in or let out the material at your sides to help make sure the dress fits your figure better.
Finding the best bridesmaid dress retailers
When choosing a bridal shop or website, consider the following suggestions:
Start the search early to save money on last minute rush orders.
If you have a designer in mind, look for shops that carry their dresses.
Filter out dresses that don't fit the wedding color palette.
Don't forget to include accessories and alterations in your budget.
Ask about any hidden fees before buying or ordering a dress.
Questions to ask retailers
Before purchasing a bridesmaid dress, ask these important questions:
What is your dress cancellation or return policy?
Does the website offer try-on services for multiple dresses? How much does that cost?
Do you offer alterations? If so, how much will it cost?
What is the price range of bridesmaid dresses you have?
What designers do you carry?
Can we look at bridesmaid dresses during the bridal gown appointment?
How long does it take to order and make the dress?
Do you have this dress in any other colors?
What plus size options do you have?
How much do you charge for shipping dresses?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.