Bridesmaid Dresses: Complete 2026 Style and Buying Guide

Table of Contents

• How Much Do Bridesmaid Dresses Cost — see section 1
• Most Popular Bridesmaid Dress Colors — see section 2
• Bridesmaid Dress Styles by Body Type — see section 3
• Best Fabrics for Every Season — see section 4
• Where to Buy Affordable Bridesmaid Dresses — see section 5
• Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress Options — see section 6
• Mix and Match Bridesmaid Looks — see section 7
• How to Choose the Right Bridesmaid Dress — see section 8

Choosing bridesmaid dresses ranks among the most meaningful decisions in wedding planning. These gowns frame your ceremony photographs, complement your bridal vision, and honour the women standing beside you on your special day.

The bridesmaid dress market has evolved considerably. Today you will find styles ranging from budget-friendly options under £70 to designer gowns exceeding £400, available in over 90 colours and virtually every silhouette imaginable. Whether you are coordinating a large bridal party or selecting dresses for just a few close friends, this guide covers everything you need to make confident choices.

How Much Do Bridesmaid Dresses Cost

Understanding typical price ranges helps you set realistic expectations for your bridal party. According to wedding industry data from 2025, most bridesmaid dresses fall between £80 and £240, with the average landing around £105 to £120 for the dress alone.

Bridesmaid Dress Price Breakdown

Price Tier	Typical Range	What to Expect
Budget	£50–£100	Online retailers, polyester blends, limited customisation
Mid-Range	£100–£180	Quality fabrics, extensive colour options, some customisation
Premium	£180–£320	Designer labels, luxury fabrics, custom sizing available
Luxury	£320+	High-end designers, silk and premium materials, bespoke options

Beyond the dress itself, factor in additional costs that often catch bridal parties off guard:

• Alterations: £35–£90 on average, depending on complexity
• Undergarments: £20–£50 for appropriate shapewear or strapless bras
• Shoes and accessories: £40–£120 depending on requirements
• Shipping: £8–£25 for standard delivery, more for expedited options

When selecting your price point, consider your bridesmaids' budgets openly. A dress they can afford comfortably makes the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Most Popular Bridesmaid Dress Colors

Colour selection sets the tone for your entire wedding aesthetic. Current trends favour both soft romantic palettes and rich jewel tones, giving you considerable flexibility regardless of season or venue.

Trending Bridesmaid Dress Colours for 2026

Colour Family	Popular Shades	Best Season	Wedding Style
Greens	Sage, emerald, olive, eucalyptus	Spring, Summer	Garden, bohemian, rustic
Pinks	Dusty rose, blush, mauve, rose pink	Spring, Summer	Romantic, classic, garden
Blues	Dusty blue, navy, royal, sky blue	All seasons	Classic, coastal, formal
Neutrals	Champagne, taupe, grey, ivory	All seasons	Modern, elegant, minimalist
Jewel Tones	Burgundy, sapphire, emerald	Autumn, Winter	Formal, dramatic, romantic

Sage green bridesmaid dresses continue dominating searches, with monthly interest exceeding 27,000 queries. This versatile shade complements most skin tones and photographs beautifully in both natural and indoor lighting.

Dusty rose and burgundy remain perennial favourites, offering timeless appeal that works across seasons. For winter weddings, deeper jewel tones like emerald and sapphire create dramatic contrast against white gowns and snow-dusted landscapes.

Colour Selection Tips

Consider ordering fabric swatches before committing to any colour. Most reputable retailers offer free swatch programmes, allowing you to see how colours appear in your venue lighting and against your bridesmaids' skin tones. The same colour can look remarkably different in chiffon versus satin, so examine your chosen fabric specifically.

Bridesmaid Dress Styles by Body Type

The most flattering bridesmaid dress allows each member of your bridal party to feel confident and comfortable. Rather than forcing everyone into identical silhouettes, consider styles that complement different body types while maintaining visual cohesion.

Silhouette Guide by Body Type

Body Type	Flattering Silhouettes	Features to Look For
Pear	A-line, empire waist	Detailed bodices, flowing skirts
Apple	Empire waist, V-neck styles	Defined waistlines above natural waist
Hourglass	Fitted waist styles, mermaid	Waist definition, balanced proportions
Athletic	A-line, styles with draping	Soft fabrics, feminine details
Petite	Column, tea-length	Vertical lines, higher waistlines
Tall	Maxi lengths, structured styles	Bold patterns, statement necklines
Plus Size	A-line, V-neck, empire waist	Structured bodices, quality fabrics

Universal Flattering Options

A-line silhouettes consistently work across body types. Fitted through the bodice and flaring gently from the waist, this shape creates defined waistlines while flowing naturally over hips and thighs. The A-line serves as an excellent choice when your bridal party includes varied body types.

V-necklines elongate the torso and draw the eye upward, creating a slimming effect for most figures. Pair with cap sleeves or straps for additional arm coverage without overwhelming the frame.

Empire waist dresses position the waistline just beneath the bust, allowing fabric to drape loosely from there. This forgiving silhouette works particularly well for bridesmaids who prefer not to emphasise their midsection.

Best Fabrics for Every Season

Fabric choice affects comfort, appearance, and practicality throughout your wedding day. The right material keeps your bridal party comfortable during ceremonies and photographs while maintaining its shape from morning preparations through the final dance.

Fabric Comparison Chart

Fabric	Weight	Best Season	Pros	Cons	Care Level
Chiffon	Light	Spring, Summer	Breathable, flows beautifully, photographs well	Wrinkles easily, can snag	Dry clean recommended
Satin	Medium	All seasons	Elegant sheen, photographs beautifully, structured	Shows imperfections, can feel warm	Dry clean only
Crepe	Medium	All seasons	Modern matte finish, comfortable stretch, resists wrinkles	Limited drape	Machine washable options available
Velvet	Heavy	Autumn, Winter	Luxurious appearance, rich colours, warmth	Not breathable, shows marks	Dry clean only
Tulle	Light	Spring, Summer	Romantic, airy, adds volume	Can feel stiff, catches easily	Dry clean recommended
Jersey	Light-Medium	All seasons	Comfortable stretch, travel-friendly, affordable	Can cling unflattering, casual appearance	Machine washable

Seasonal Recommendations

For summer weddings or warm climates, prioritise breathability. Chiffon remains the most popular choice for good reason. This lightweight fabric flows beautifully in photographs, stays relatively cool, and suits both formal and relaxed celebrations. Crepe offers a modern alternative with better wrinkle resistance.

Autumn and winter weddings call for richer fabrics. Velvet adds warmth and sophistication, creating stunning jewel-tone looks perfect for formal evening celebrations. Satin works year-round but particularly suits cooler months when its heavier weight provides comfort rather than discomfort.

Where to Buy Affordable Bridesmaid Dresses

Finding beautiful bridesmaid dresses without overspending requires knowing where to look. The market now offers excellent options across every price point, from dedicated bridal retailers to unexpected sources.

Top Affordable Bridesmaid Dress Retailers

Retailer	Price Range	Strengths	Considerations
Birdy Grey	£70–£95	Consistent sizing, free swatches, easy returns	Limited customisation
Azazie	£55–£95	Extensive colour range, custom sizing option	Longer production times
Kennedy Blue	£80–£150	Home try-on programme, quality fabrics	Mid-range pricing
David's Bridal	£60–£150	In-store fitting, immediate availability	Variable quality
ASOS	£40–£100	Trend-forward styles, fast shipping	Limited bridal-specific options

Money-Saving Strategies

Order early to avoid rush fees. Standard production time for made-to-order bridesmaid dresses runs 12 to 16 weeks as of January 2026. Expedited processing typically adds £30 to £60 per dress.

Consider off-the-rack options if your timeline is tight or budget is constrained. Many retailers stock popular styles and colours for immediate shipping. While selection may be limited, you avoid production wait times entirely.

Take advantage of home try-on programmes. Several retailers ship sample dresses for your bridesmaids to try at home, reducing the risk of ordering styles that look different in person than online.

Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress Options

Inclusive sizing has improved significantly across the bridal industry, though finding stylish plus size bridesmaid dresses still requires knowing where to look. The best retailers offer extended sizes without compromising on style, fabric quality, or fit.

Plus Size Sizing Availability by Retailer

Retailer	Size Range	Custom Sizing	Notable Features
Azazie	UK 6–30	Yes	Same styles across all sizes
Birdy Grey	UK 6–26	No	Consistent pricing across sizes
David's Bridal	UK 6–30	Limited	In-store fitting available
Kennedy Blue	UK 6–32	Yes	Extended size specialists

Fit Considerations for Plus Sizes

Look for structured bodices with boning or built-in support. These features create flattering shapes and eliminate the need for complicated undergarments. Avoid styles that rely solely on stretchy fabric without structure, as these often lack the support needed for all-day comfort.

A-line and empire waist silhouettes consistently photograph well on plus size figures. These shapes define the waist without clinging to areas many prefer to de-emphasise. V-necklines and sweetheart necklines draw attention upward while creating a lengthening effect.

Consider custom sizing when available. Standard sizing may require significant alterations for plus size bridesmaids, potentially exceeding the cost of made-to-measure options. Many retailers offer custom measurements at minimal additional cost, resulting in better initial fit and lower alteration expenses.

Mix and Match Bridesmaid Looks

The mix and match approach has become the dominant trend in bridal party styling. Rather than identical dresses, bridesmaids wear coordinating pieces that flatter their individual figures while maintaining visual cohesion.

Mix and Match Strategies

Approach	Description	Difficulty Level	Best For
Same colour, different styles	Identical shade, varied necklines and silhouettes	Easy	Bridal parties with varied body types
Monochromatic	Different shades within one colour family	Medium	Cohesive but interesting aesthetic
Same style, different colours	Identical dress in complementary hues	Medium	Colour-focused weddings
Complementary palette	Different colours and styles within defined palette	Advanced	Creative, fashion-forward brides

Making Mix and Match Work

Establish clear parameters before shopping begins. Define acceptable colours using specific shade names or swatch references. Specify fabric requirements — all chiffon, all satin, or a mix — to ensure textures complement rather than clash.

Set a length requirement. Floor-length dresses photograph cohesively even when styles vary significantly. Mixing lengths creates visual chaos unless handled with exceptional care.

Consider a unifying element. Matching shoes, identical bouquets, or coordinating accessories tie disparate dress styles together. This finishing touch transforms individual choices into a cohesive bridal party look.

How to Choose the Right Bridesmaid Dress

Selecting bridesmaid dresses involves balancing your wedding vision with practical considerations like budget, body types, and timeline. A systematic approach prevents overwhelm and ensures happy bridesmaids.

Shopping Timeline

Months Before Wedding	Task
10–12 months	Begin research, establish budget, gather inspiration
8–10 months	Order fabric swatches, narrow colour choices
6–8 months	Place dress orders (allows time for production and shipping)
4–6 months	Receive dresses, begin alterations
2–4 months	Complete alterations, final fittings
1 month	Final fitting with accessories and shoes

Decision-Making Checklist

Before placing orders, confirm these details:

• Budget agreement with all bridesmaids
• Colour swatches reviewed in venue lighting
• Size measurements taken professionally
• Return and exchange policies understood
• Production and shipping timelines confirmed
• Alteration appointments scheduled

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ordering too late creates unnecessary stress and expense. Rush fees add £30 to £80 per dress, and expedited alterations cost significantly more than standard timelines allow.

Ignoring your bridesmaids' input leads to resentment. While final decisions rest with you, soliciting genuine feedback ensures everyone feels valued and comfortable in their dress.

Forgetting alteration budgets leaves bridesmaids covering unexpected costs. Nearly every bridesmaid dress requires some alteration. Build £40 to £75 per person into your planning.

Book a virtual consultation to discuss your bridesmaid dress vision with our styling team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I order bridesmaid dresses? Plan to order bridesmaid dresses 6 to 8 months before your wedding date. This timeline accommodates standard production periods of 12 to 16 weeks, plus shipping and alterations. Rush orders are possible with most retailers but incur additional fees ranging from £30 to £80 per dress.

Can bridesmaids wear different dress styles? Mix and match bridesmaid looks have become the dominant trend. Keeping one element consistent — such as colour, fabric, or length — creates cohesion while allowing each bridesmaid to choose a flattering silhouette. Establish clear parameters before shopping to ensure the final result appears intentional rather than chaotic.

What is the average cost of bridesmaid dresses? Most bridesmaid dresses cost between £80 and £240, with averages around £105 to £120 for the dress alone. Budget an additional £35 to £90 for alterations, plus costs for undergarments, shoes, and accessories. Total bridesmaid attire costs typically range from £150 to £350 per person.

Do bridesmaid dresses run true to size? Sizing varies significantly between retailers. Order fabric swatches and review size charts specific to your chosen brand before purchasing. Many retailers offer custom sizing for minimal additional cost, which often proves more economical than extensive alterations on standard sizes.

What fabric is best for summer bridesmaid dresses? Chiffon remains the most popular choice for summer weddings due to its lightweight, breathable nature. Crepe offers a modern alternative with better wrinkle resistance. Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet or thick satin, which become uncomfortable in warm temperatures.

For informational purposes only. Product availability, pricing, and policies are subject to change. Please contact us or check our website for the most current information.