As I’ve worked in fashion for a while now, I’ve become a bit of a bible for the best affordable bridesmaid dresses and bridal brands among my friendship circle. And my initial response is always the same: what’s your budget?
Finding bridesmaid dresses that fit within a certain colour scheme or style that are also in budget, is no easy task. And that’s before taking into consideration what will suit everyone in the wedding party.
Whether you are newly engaged BFF has asked you to walk down the aisle with them, or you’re a bride-to-be (wanting to avoid becoming a bridezilla) and in need of some guidance to get that money shot of your best friends, you’ll want to make sure all of your bridesmaids feel comfortable and happy in their outfits.
Will every bridesmaid have to squeeze into the same design? Will everybody be wearing the same colour? Will the dresses fit everyone in the same way? There are so many variables. And it can be an emotional minefield finding the right bridesmaid dresses, let alone ones that are affordable.
On top of all that drama, bridesmaid dresses can often look overly formal, or old fashioned. No matter who’s footing the bill, it’s great to look for styles that your bridesmaids will want to wear again post-wedding. Not only is this better for the environment, but will keep everybody happy, especially for cost-per-wear if your bridesmaids are paying for their dresses.
Luckily, lots of our high street heroes have launched bridal collections – H&M, Whistles and Rixo to name a few. So, keep scrolling to see our best affordable bridesmaid brands to take a bit of pressure off the big day.
6 of the best bridesmaid brands:
Best for vintage style bridesmaid dresses: Ghost
We couldn’t not start with the OG of bridesmaid dresses. You can count on ghost for lots of choice – think covered buttons, fluted sleeves, cowl necks and all the quintessential details you can think of.
There isn’t a pastel colour Ghost doesn’t have in its repertoire and this is a great mid-range budget option for a group of gals who are all different sizes and shapes.
Their floor length options are beautiful and there are other styles in the sea green hue. Rust also makes a great autumn choice, but if it isn’t your shade, Ghost does this dress in 12 different colour ways (yes, 12!).
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Best for classic bridesmaid dresses: Whistles
A favourite of the likes of Holly Willoughby and Princess Eugenie, since Whistles launched its bridal line a few years ago, it’s gone up massively in our books.
Not only do they offer wedding dresses, but their bridesmaid options are so chic too. This pale blue tie back maxi is great for an abroad wedding, with 8 different colourways on offer. And for a traditional ceremony? Try this cape sleeve style for an elegant and flattering option. Honourable, and hot!
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Best for affordable bridesmaid dresses: Topshop
If there’s one reliable brand to offer up affordable bridesmaid dresses for under £100, it has to be Topshop. And even though the IRL shops have disappeared from our lives, our trusted millennial friend is still available on Asos (phew).
Coming in at under £70, this blush dress looks way more expensive, leaving you with extra budget for cute shoes to match. It wouldn’t be a bridesmaid collection without a touch of sage green and this slip dress style has us hoping for a Caribbean wedding.
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Best for stylish bridesmaid dresses: Reformation
Okay, so they might not be the most purse-friendly option, but if you’re looking for a bridesmaid dress that can be worn again (and again), Reformation is a great choice.
You might have to wear an old pair of shoes, but it’ll be worth it for the gasps when you walk down the aisle.
This classic halter neck design is so dainty and we love that it comes in a plain pastel huge and matching floral print. For something a bit more modern I love this tie bow detail dress and for winter weddings this velvet dress is stunning.
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Best for selection: The Own Studio
If you’ve got a tricky group and are on the look out for lots of different styles in the same colour scheme – because, let’s be honest this ‘one style fits all thing’ is so outdated – then we love this London based design duo.
Every style is made to order and designed to be worn again for different shaped women. Hoorah! And you’d think this comes with a whopping price tag? Think again, this simple bias slip, wrap dress and gorgeous halter midi are both under £350.
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Most sustainable bridesmaid dresses: rent!
In case you’ve been living under a rock, the now ‘it’ thing to do for weddings is to rent. Especially if like me, all your friends are getting married at the moment and there’s a wedding every weekend.
Some rental platforms such as ByRotation are doing collaborations with bridal brands, like Halfpenny London – a great way to be able to wear usually unaffordable brands.
We love this statement pink Rotate dress, or beautiful green style from brand of the moment The Vampire’s Wife. If you’re not sure about dipping your toes into the rental trend, why not pop along to Selfridges where HURR have a pop-up? They have brands such as Natalie Rolt, with various sizes to rent.
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