After putting the deposit down for my venue next year, as a type A bride, I'm already 50 steps ahead planning everything for the big day. And while I'm holding off on buying my dream wedding dress until nearer the time, I'm already starting to think about the second most important outfit of the wedding – yep, I'm talking about the bridesmaid dresses (sorry groom-to-be). But with all that planning comes the realisation of how expensive weddings can be. That's where some chic but cheap bridesmaid dresses come to the rescue.
Closer's best cheap bridesmaid dresses, at a glance:
Best cheap bridesmaid dress overall
Best cheap bridesmaid dress on a budget
Best cheap multiway bridesmaid dress
Best cheap cowl neck bridesmaid dress
To save the wedding budget becoming a distant memory, saving on some things, like the bridesmaid dresses, can be a godsend. After all, they'll likely only be wearing their outfit on your wedding day, and if you're getting them to help out with the cost of their dress, they'll definitely appreciate a cheaper alternative too.
But cheap doesn't mean unflattering or drab. I adore my friends after all and as much as I want to save a little cash, it's more important to me that they feel comfortable and happy by my side. For that reason I've chosen a real range of cheap bridesmaid dresses in different styles to suit everyone, from the petite to the plus-size, and a whole bunch of colour schemes too. So whether you're after a red bridesmaid dress or a sage green option, I've got you covered.
How I chose the best cheap bridesmaid dresses
First and foremost, the criteria for a cheap bridesmaid dress is the price, and as a bride planning to shop affordable bridesmaid dresses for her own wedding day, I made sure to select only dresses that didn't cross the £100 mark. With that out the way, I then opted for bridesmaid dress that looked premium and high-quality, despite the price. All these dresses are ones I would personally dress my own friends in or I would wear myself.
Finally, I chose bridesmaid dresses with the biggest range of colours and sizes to help both make sourcing your bridesmaid dresses easier while catering to everyone in the bridal party. While you may have a particular colour and style in mind, having these options helps your besties feel their most comfortable and confident on your big day.
SHOP: The best cheap bridesmaid dresses on the high street
Best cheap bridesmaid dress overall
Ever Prettywww.ever-pretty.co.uk
For me, this dress takes the top spot because it ticks ALL the boxes that make it an absolute crowd-pleaser. While it's technically classed as an evening dress, it's got the elegant A-line skirt, flowing chiffon and flattering V-neck that'll suit most, making it perfect for your bridesmaids. There are 20(!) colours to choose from and it has a huge size range: 8-30 with the option for custom sizing. And even better? It's under £55 a dress.
Colours: Choice of 20 colours
Sizes: UK 8-30 and custom sizing available
Best cheap bridesmaid dress on a budget
ASOSwww.asos.com
With 75% off and available in a host of sizes, this is by far the most affordable bridesmaid dress on the market, yet it doesn't compromise on style or fit. Designed with a flattering halter neck and ruched neckline, this satin number will suit all your bridesmaid party - whether you go for a dusky blue or a sage green.
Colours: Choice of 7 colours
Size range: UK 4-18
Best cheap multiway bridesmaid dress
Nextwww.next.co.uk
If you want to make sure every one of your bridesmaids is happy with a single dress, you can't go wrong with a multiway. This allows each of your ladies to wear the dress how they like so they feel comfortable and confident on your big day. Sleeved, Bardot, bandeau? The choice is theirs. Available in mesh and jersey, the Next Multiway Bridesmaid Wedding Maxi Dress is our top pick, both for it's more affordable price tag and the fact it has a brilliant colour and size range.
Colours: Choice of 10 colours
Size range: UK 6-24 and tall sizes
Best cheap cowl neck bridesmaid dress
Pretty Lavishprettylavish.co.uk
One of Pretty Lavish's best-selling bridesmaid dresses, these luxurious satin maxi dresses feature a subtle cowl neck design and dainty spaghetti straps. If mahogany wouldn't be your choice of colour, this dress is also available in 23 different colourways - you read that right. For that reason it's a great option if you'd like each of your bridesmaids to wear the same style, but in different colour hues - a popular trend of the last year.
Colours: Choice of 23 colours
Sizes: UK 6-18
Best cheap tulle bridesmaid dresses
Lace & Beads/ASOS
If you want to make your bridesmaids feel like princesses, this tulle option from Lace & Beads is giving us fairytale vibes in the best way. We also think its lemon colour could be perfect for a spring/summer wedding, but again there's plenty of colours to choose between.
Colours: Choice of 15 colours
Sizes: UK 6-16
Best flattering cheap bridesmaid dress
Pretty Lavishprettylavish.co.uk
If you know your bridal party would prefer if you kept the bridesmaid dresses simple in design, then this Pretty Lavish one fits the bill. Crafted from luxurious satin and cut with a feminine v-neckline, this is a versatile option that we think everyone will be happy with, plus it's available in 10 other shades.
Colours: Choice of 11 colours
Sizes: UK 6-18
Best pastel cheap bridesmaid dresses
Nextwww.next.co.uk
Perfect for a spring wedding or for anyone looks to mix pastel shades in their bridesmaid's dresses to correlate with their meadow-style floral arrangements, these Next dresses are exactly what you're looking for. Available in three beautiful dusky pastel shades, you also have a choice of three dress designs; a flutter sleeve v-neck, a cowl-neck and a stylish one shoulder scarf neck dress. It's another opportunity where you can play around with each bridesmaid's dress design to help them feel their best.
Colours: Choice of 3 colours
Sizes: UK 6-26 and tall sizes
Best cheap sleeved bridesmaid dress
Ever Prettywww.ever-pretty.co.uk
If you know your bridesmaids would prefer a sleeved option, fear not, your bridesmaid dresses don't have to compromise on style. This affordable dress (with glowing reviews) has a super flattering v-neckline with empire waist, flowing A-line skirt and flutter sleeves in chiffon. Not to mention, it has a huge size range, plenty of colours to choose from and you can find a new tulle and new sequin version.
Colours: Choice of 21 colours
Sizes: UK 6-30 and custom available
Best cheap embellished bridesmaid dress
Maya DeluxeWith a sequined top, these bridesmaid dresses add a little extra sparkle to your big day and as a bridesmaid for my friend's wedding, I wore this bridesmaid dress and I honestly loved it. With a choice of 18 colours, these dresses have a beautiful flowy tulle skirt while the sequined top isn't itchy at all. I've linked the short sleeve option here but I'd recommend checking out the Maya Deluxe Amazon storefront where you can find other styles available too.
Colours: Choice of 18 colours
Sizes: 6-28
Best cheap tie-shoulder bridesmaid dress
Oasiswww.debenhams.com
A tie shoulder bridesmaid dress is a classic design that's often a favourite with bridesmaids - it's simple overall but the bow detailing at the shoulder adds a stylish touch that's both timeless and very on trend. You'll find a bunch of tie-shoulder bridesmaid dresses online, but this is our favourite for the price point and available colours.
Colours: Choice of 9 colours
Sizes: UK 6-18 and petite available
When should you buy your bridesmaid dresses?
A lot of planning goes into a wedding, and with many of us having to stick to a budget, you might be wondering when you should buy bridesmaid dresses within your wedding timeline.
Generally, around seven to eight months before the wedding is a good time to start narrowing down your vision, but buying them at that time could mean that they no longer fit when your big day arrives - a lot can happen in eight months, and the styles available can change, too.
You'll need to leave yourself some time once they've arrived for any alterations or exchanges, as well as ordering shoes/accessories for your bridesmaids.
All things considered, we generally recommend between three and six months until the big day as the ideal time to start buying bridesmaid dresses from the high street, depending on your budget and bridal party size.
How to save money on bridesmaid dresses?
If you're shopping online for your bridesmaid dresses (especially if you're utilising the high street), you can take advantage of sales events like Black Friday or new season sales to save some money.
You could also look at places like Vinted or eBay to see if any former brides or bridesmaids are parting with their dresses (remember, they'll only have been worn once!).
Struggling to find one dress that ticks all the boxes? Consider going for the mismatched bridesmaid dress vibe, as it can make it much easier to find a dress for each member of your bridal party.
If you're really working with a shoe string budget, you can even find more affordable wedding dresses that look seriously premium. Don't be afraid to shop around.
Rental bridesmaid dresses
Want your besties to look fab without breaking the bank? Rental fashion for cheap bridesmaid dresses might be the answer.
Rental fashion is BIG right now, and it is an opportunity to lengthen the lifetime of garments. After all, why buy five dresses that'll be worn once when you can rent them for much cheaper?
Brands like Rotaro offer beautiful, designer and premium items for way less, so you can say yes to the dress while still being totally eco-conscious. Other brands include Hurr, the home of circular fashion.
Eleanor Weaver is the Commercial Content Editor at Closer, specialising in home décor and furnishing alongside home and beauty hacks/ dupes. In her spare time, Ellie enjoys reading a good thriller, doing at-home manis and finding homeware inspiration online.