Being asked to be a bridesmaid is an honor — until you see the price tag on the dress. The good news: you no longer have to choose between “cheap” and “actually cute.” A wave of online retailers now sell bridesmaid dresses that look expensive, fit real bodies, and cost less than a nice dinner out.
This guide breaks down where to buy affordable bridesmaid dresses online in 2026, what to expect to pay, and how to avoid the common mistakes that turn a budget dress into a wedding-day disaster.
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What Is a Reasonable Price for a Bridesmaid Dress?
According to The Knot’s Real Weddings Survey, the average bridesmaid dress costs around $130. But “average” doesn’t mean “necessary.” Plenty of bridal parties spend far less without sacrificing quality:
- Budget-friendly range: $50–$100 per dress (this is the sweet spot for most online-only bridesmaid brands)
- Ultra-low-cost range: Under $50, typically from marketplace sellers like Amazon, Walmart, or Etsy
- Mid-range “designer” bridesmaid brands: $100–$150 (Azazie, Kennedy Blue, David’s Bridal)
A reasonable price depends on your wedding’s formality, how many times bridesmaids might rewear the dress, and whether you’re ordering custom sizing (which usually costs more) or standard sizing (cheaper). As a general rule, $50–$100 gets you a quality, made-for-purpose bridesmaid dress from a reputable online retailer — you don’t need to spend $200+ to get something polished.
15 Best Places to Buy Low Price Bridesmaid Dresses
Here’s a quick side-by-side before we dive into each retailer in detail:
| Store | Typical Price | Best For | Sizes | Shipping / Returns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azazie | $69–$150 | Overall pick, custom sizing | 0–30 | Made-to-order (weeks); return policy varies by item |
| Birdy Grey | $49–$99 | Dresses under $50 (sale) | XXS–3X, 0X–3X | Ready-to-ship in 3–6 days; 30-day return, $12–15 processing fee |
| JJ’s House | $49–$150+ | Plus-size (no separate collection) | 0–26W, custom | Free shipping over $159; full refund on standard sizes |
| ASOS | $50–$160 (often 40–80% off) | Trendy, rewearable styles | Curve, Tall, Petite, Maternity | Free returns; fast shipping |
| David’s Bridal | $70–$200 | Classic silhouettes, try-in-store | Up to 30W | Free shipping over $99; ~7-day return window |
| Etsy | $40–$150+ | Custom/unique, handmade | Seller-dependent | Varies by shop — always confirm before buying |
| Kennedy Blue | $99–$150 (sale: $99–$129) | Mid-range designer look | 00–32, maternity, junior | Made-to-order (~8–14 weeks); 21–30 day return/exchange |
| Lulus | Under $100 (1,300+ styles) | Trendy budget dresses | XXS–3X | 21-day return, $5.95 label fee |
| Amazon | $20–$100 | Ultra-low budget, fast shipping | Varies widely by seller | Seller-dependent; often free returns via Amazon |
| Walmart | $13–$50 | Rock-bottom prices, plus sizes | Varies widely by seller | Standard 30–90 day Walmart return policy |
Prices and policies shift often, especially around sales — treat this table as a starting point and confirm current details on each site before ordering.
Best Overall: Azazie
Azazie is the most recognized name in affordable bridesmaid dresses, and for good reason. Dresses start around $69–$79, with most styles landing under $150 at full price. It offers:
- Sizes 0–30 plus free custom sizing
- 600+ styles and 90+ colors
- Made-to-order production (helps reduce overstock waste)
- Up to three free color swatches before you buy
- An at-home try-on program
Because Azazie makes dresses to order, plan for a longer production window (several weeks), so order early if your wedding is coming up fast.
Best for Dresses Under $50: Birdy Grey
Birdy Grey built its entire brand around one promise: no bridesmaid dress over $99, with many under $50 during sales. Standouts:
- Dresses range from about $49 (sale) to $99 (full price)
- Inclusive sizing up to 3XL
- Many “ready to ship” styles that arrive in 3–6 business days — a lifesaver for last-minute bridal parties
- 30-day return/exchange window, though a return processing fee ($12 in person, $13–15 by mail) applies unless you opt for store credit via exchange
Tip: if you’re ordering multiple dresses to try at home, ask whether an exchange (rather than a refund) can help you avoid the return fee.
Best for Plus-Size Bridesmaid Dresses: JJ’s House
JJ’s House offers regular sizing 0–26W on every single style — not a separate “plus” collection with fewer options. Highlights:
- Prices start around $49
- Free custom sizing offered in select countries; a flat tailoring fee elsewhere
- 700+ bridesmaid designs across silhouettes
- Free shipping on orders over $159
- At-home try-on option (roughly $10 per dress, refunded on return)
Because dresses are made-to-order, JJ’s House recommends ordering fabric swatches first since screen colors can vary from the actual fabric.
Best for Trendy Styles: ASOS
ASOS is a strong pick if your bridal party wants dresses that don’t scream “bridesmaid” — think styles you could also wear again to a wedding guest event or night out. What to know:
- Regular prices run $50–$160, but ASOS runs frequent, steep sales (dresses discounted 40–80% are common)
- ASOS DESIGN, ASOS Curve, Tall, Petite, and Maternity fit ranges are all represented
- Free returns make it easy for a bridal party to order multiple sizes to compare
Because ASOS isn’t a dedicated bridal retailer, colors and stock can sell out or shift, so order sooner rather than later if you’re coordinating multiple bridesmaids in the same shade.
Best for Classic Dresses: David’s Bridal
David’s Bridal is the most traditional name on this list, with a huge selection of classic silhouettes in sizes up to 30W.
- Prices typically run $70–$200, with regular sale dresses around $99
- Free shipping on orders over $99
- In-store pickup and alterations available if you’re near a location
- Return window is notably short — around 7 days — so try dresses on immediately after delivery
Because David’s Bridal has physical stores, it’s a good option if bridesmaids want to see a dress in person before ordering the same style online.
Best for Custom/Unique Dresses: Etsy
Etsy is the place to go if you want a one-of-a-kind dress, a specific custom color, or handmade details you won’t find at a mass retailer. Keep in mind:
- Prices vary enormously by seller, from around $40 for simple ready-made styles to $150+ for made-to-measure gowns
- Each shop sets its own return and sizing policies — always read the shop’s specific policy before ordering, since Etsy’s platform-wide buyer protections don’t override a seller’s stated return rules
- Turnaround time can range from a few days to several weeks for custom orders
- Best used when you want a dress that doesn’t look like everyone else’s
Message the seller directly with your wedding date to confirm they can realistically deliver in time.
Low Price Bridesmaid Dresses Under $50
If your bridal party’s budget is tight, these are the retailers most likely to have quality options under $50:
- Amazon – Sellers like it’s-me, Ever-Pretty, and similar brands regularly list bridesmaid dresses in the $20–$45 range, with sizes often running XS–4XL or beyond. Read recent reviews carefully, since quality varies widely by seller.
- Walmart – Marketplace sellers offer bridesmaid-style dresses from around $13–$45, including plus-size options. Selection changes often, so treat it as a place to browse rather than plan around a specific style.
- Birdy Grey sale section – Past-season styles and clearance colors regularly drop to $49 or below.
- ASOS sale – Bridesmaid-labeled dresses discounted from $99–$160 down to $24–$50 show up frequently in the sale section.
The trade-off at this price point is usually speed and consistency: expect more variation in fit, fabric feel, and color accuracy compared to dedicated bridal brands.
Read Also:
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- 35 Best Summer Dresses for Women: Stylish, Comfortable & Perfect for Hot Weather
Low Price Bridesmaid Dresses Under $100
For a bit more budget, you unlock more consistent quality, better size-matching across a bridal party, and more style variety:
- Azazie – Most styles start at $69–$79
- Birdy Grey – Most dresses sit at $89–$99
- Kennedy Blue – Regular sale pricing of $99–$129, down from a $99–$150 standard range
- Lulus – Over 1,300 dress styles listed under $100, sizes XXS–3X
- JJ’s House – Starting around $49, with most popular styles landing well under $100
This price range is generally the best value zone: high enough to get consistent construction and sizing, low enough to keep a bridal party’s total cost reasonable.
Best Affordable Bridesmaid Dress Styles
Certain styles tend to look more expensive than their price tag, regardless of retailer:
- A-line chiffon gowns – Flattering on most body types and photograph beautifully outdoors
- Convertible/multiway dresses – One dress, several ways to wear it, which also means bridesmaids may actually rewear it later
- Satin slip or cowl-neck dresses – Read as more formal and “designer” even at a lower price point
- Solid jewel tones (emerald, burgundy, terracotta) – Hide fabric quality issues better than pastels and photograph well
- Midi length with a side slit – A budget-friendly alternative to a full-length gown that still feels elevated
How to Choose a Cheap Bridesmaid Dress That Looks Expensive
- Prioritize fabric over embellishment. A well-draping chiffon or matte satin in a solid color looks more expensive than a cheap fabric covered in sequins or lace appliqué.
- Pick one cohesive color, mix silhouettes. Letting each bridesmaid choose a flattering style in the same shade often looks more polished (and expensive) than forcing everyone into an identical dress that doesn’t fit each body the same way.
- Check the lining. Fully lined dresses hang better and hide more — a strong signal of quality even at a low price.
- Look at the back, not just the front. Cheap dresses often cut corners on back details (zippers, straps, closures). Look at customer photos, not just the model shot.
- Order swatches when offered. Screen colors lie. A $5 swatch order can save you from a $70 dress in the wrong shade.
What to Check Before Ordering Online
Before you or your bridal party hits “buy,” confirm the following for each retailer:
- Return window and fees — some (like David’s Bridal) offer only about a week; others (like Birdy Grey or Kennedy Blue) offer 21–30 days, sometimes with a restocking or processing fee
- Made-to-order vs. in-stock — made-to-order dresses (Azazie, Kennedy Blue, JJ’s House) take weeks to produce; in-stock or “ready to ship” dresses arrive much faster
- Size chart accuracy — always measure yourself and compare to the brand’s specific chart rather than assuming your usual size, since bridal sizing often runs smaller than standard retail
- Color-matching guarantee — if bridesmaids are ordering separately, check whether the brand guarantees dye-lot matching across orders placed months apart
- Total cost with shipping — factor in return shipping costs, rush fees, and customs/duties for any international brands
Tips for Saving Money on Bridesmaid Dresses
- Order as a group. Many retailers (Birdy Grey, Kennedy Blue) offer free shipping thresholds that a group order hits easily, and splitting a single return shipment among bridesmaids can cut costs per person.
- Watch for sales cycles. Off-season months (typically January and September) often bring markdowns as retailers clear inventory between wedding seasons.
- Sign up for email lists. Most of these brands offer 10–20% off a first order for signing up.
- Choose ready-to-ship over made-to-order when possible. You’ll often pay less and avoid rush production fees.
- Resell “almost” dresses. If you ordered multiple sizes to try on, resell the ones you don’t keep on Poshmark or a similar platform rather than eating the full return fee.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest place to buy a bridesmaid dress online?
Birdy Grey and JJ’s House consistently have the lowest starting prices among dedicated bridal retailers, while Amazon and Walmart marketplace sellers can go even lower, though quality varies more by seller.
Can I get a bridesmaid dress under $50 that still looks good?
Yes. Birdy Grey’s sale section, ASOS’s bridesmaid sale category, and select Amazon sellers with strong recent reviews regularly offer dresses under $50 that photograph well and hold up for a single wear.
How far in advance should I order bridesmaid dresses?
For made-to-order brands (Azazie, Kennedy Blue, JJ’s House), order at least 3–4 months ahead to allow for production time plus alterations. For in-stock or ready-to-ship options (Birdy Grey, Amazon, Walmart), a few weeks is often enough.
Do cheaper bridesmaid dresses run true to size?
Not always. Bridal-specific brands often run smaller than standard retail sizing, so always check the brand’s individual size chart rather than assuming your usual size.
Is it better to buy bridesmaid dresses from the same retailer for color matching?
Generally yes, especially if bridesmaids are ordering at different times. Brands like Kennedy Blue and Azazie specifically guarantee color matching across separate orders of the same fabric and shade; mixing retailers makes an exact match harder to guarantee.
Prices, sizing, and policies are current as of publication but can change — always confirm details on the retailer’s site before ordering, especially return windows and production timelines.
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