What makes a bridal party dress expensive?

Typically hand-beading, embroidery, and luxe fabrics like silk tend to make a bridal party dress more expensive.

When should I order my bridal party dress?

To be on the safe side, we suggest ordering your bridal party dress at least six months before the wedding date .

Does the bride pay for the bridal party dresses?

If the bride can afford to, it's a very thoughtful gesture, however, it's not required of the bride to pay for the bridal party dresses.

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There's no denying that being in a wedding can really add up. For the bridal party, there's the bachelorette party, the bridal shower, and a whole host of other little costs that can pop up, even before the wedding day comes into play. So when it comes to finding the perfect bridal party dresses for your bridal party, consider options that are not only stylish but affordable, too.

Expensive fabrics like silk and details like hand-beading and embroidery can increase the overall price of a bridal party dress.

From velvet gowns to off-the-shoulder midis to pretty pastel styles – affordable bridal party dresses come in a multitude of silhouettes and fabrics that look and feel luxe. For brides with a classic aesthetic, there are scores of budget-friendly bridal party dresses crafted from simple chiffon with elegant necklines. For bold tastes, styles in punchy colors and prints are an unexpected approach. And for the laidback bride, effortless silhouettes like sheath and slip dresses always make for an easy and timeless choice.

Read on for the best bridal party dresses under $100.

For a Casual Wedding: Reformation Wrap Skirt with Tie Waist Dress

For a casual summer wedding, a mini dress crafted from stretchy and breathable fabric is a no-brainer. Pair this style with woven wedges or grass-friendly block heels for a polished but laidback look.

Best Convertible Style: Birdy Grey Chiffon Dress

convertable dress — Courtesy of Birdy Grey

Each one of your maids is truly unique so why don't you give them the chance to showcase their personal style with a convertible dress? This chiffon dress can be tied in a myriad of gorgeous ways.

Best Short Dress: TFNC Bridal Party Long Sleeve Wrap Front Sateen Midi Dress

Short and sweet, this silky design is perfect for a spring wedding. We love it with simple jewelry, block heels, and a bouquet of wildflowers.

Most Comfortable: Reformation Fitted Bodice Midi Dress

Leave it to Reformation to make a chic and affordable style that your bridal party will actually want to wear again. We're picturing this laidback mini at a backyard wedding or casual seaside ceremony.

For a Beach Wedding: Birdy Grey Convertible Dress

bridesmaids dress — Courtesy of Birdy Grey

This off-the-shoulder seafoam colored dress is cool, calming, and chic. If you're planning on having a destination wedding, this pastel hue will look stunning against the backdrop of the ocean.

Best Wrap Dress: Multi Way Maxi Dress

With ties that can be crisscrossed at the back or wrapped around the waist, this bridal party dress offers your bridal party the opportunity to create their own unique look.

Best Jewel Tone: Birdy Grey Plunging Sheer V- Back Dress

For a versatile color that can easily be worn to a spring or fall wedding, opt for emerald green. This rich jewel tone is flattering on all skin tones and pairs beautifully with metallic accessories.

Best Maxi: Lulus Georgette Plunging-V Dress

If you're searching for flattering and sexy, you can't go wrong with this leg-baring maxi with a plunging neckline.

For a Black-Tie Wedding: Azazie: Floor Length Crepe Dress

Even for the swankiest of occasions like a black-tie wedding, there's an affordable bridal party dress out there to suit any wedding dress code. This sleek and sophisticated floor-length style would be right at home at a formal wedding.

For a Fall Wedding: David's Bridal Surplice Mesh Dress

If soft blushes or jewel tones don't work with your wedding color palette, consider a muted berry tone; it's different and moody and perfect for a fall wedding.

Most Sultry: Deep-V Neck and Backless Dress

Sexy yet sophisticated, this sultry style comes highly rated on Amazon and is available in seven punchy colors.

For a Summer Wedding: Boohoo Cold Shoulder Wrap Midi Dress

Perfect for a summer or destination wedding, this short ruffle dress is easy, breezy, and romantic! Pair this style with strappy sandals and statement earrings.

Best Halterneck: Birdy Grey Halter-Neck Dress

Brides with a bohemian sensibility – this ethereal dress is for you. Style this gown with a wildflower bouquet and a floral crown to complete the look.

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For a Garden Wedding: ASOS Design Tiered Ruffle Dress

This floral gown is as sweet as ever for a garden wedding set against the backdrop of fresh flowers and rich greenery. We love it paired with espadrilles or block heels.

Best Maxi Silhouette: Lulus Blush Satin Bustier Maxi Dress

A bustier-style bodice and pin-thin straps give this blush number a decidedly romantic aesthetic. The shimmering satin fabric will look stunning and luxurious in photos.

Best Maternity Style: Birdy Grey Sheer Neckline Bridal Party Dress

Don't forget about your pregnant bridal party members! Featuring an empire waist and loose-fitting skirt this Birdy Grey style is a stylish and comfortable option for the expecting.

For a Spring Wedding: Lulus Swiss Dot Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress

This Swiss dot style is as sweet as ever for a romantic spring or summer wedding. Plus, the powder blue hue is flattering on every complexion.

Most Romantic: ASOS DESIGN Tulle Bow Tie Tiered Maxi Dress

If you’re a bridal party member who loves romantic details like shoulder bows, tiered ruffles, and gauzy fabrics, you can’t go wrong with this dreamy ASOS dress.

Best Slip: DB Studio Shiny Charmeuse Cowl Neck Slip Dress with Slit

It doesn't get more sophisticated than a sleek and modern slip dress especially when done in deep emerald green. That being said, slip dresses aren't for everyone so make sure to check with your girls first!

What to look for in affordable bridal party dresses

Shopping for an affordable bridal party dress doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style to stay within budget. In fact, many retailers and designers offer budget-friendly bridal party dresses in all the latest colors, trends, and silhouettes.

Once you start the shopping process, it's important to pay attention to fabric details and product descriptions. Why? These descriptions will tell you everything you need to know about a dress, right down to whether it's lined or made from a shiny or matte fabric. If you're unsure of what a certain color or fabric will look like in real life, ordering swatches can help you make a more informed decision. Lastly, when you're working within a budget, it's important to always factor in the cost of shipping and alterations.

FAQ

What makes a bridal party dress expensive?

Typically hand-beading, embroidery, and luxe fabrics like silk tend to make a bridal party dress more expensive.
When should I order my bridal party dress?

To be on the safe side, we suggest ordering your bridal party dress at least six months before the wedding date.
Does the bride pay for the bridal party dresses?

If the bride can afford to, it's a very thoughtful gesture, however, it's not required of the bride to pay for the bridal party dresses.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.

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