Asking friends and family to be your bridesmaids is fun and exciting. They get to be a part of your big day and are close by as you get ready, cheering you on as the nerves set in.
If you’ve been asked to be a bridesmaid, it’s equally as exciting. Taking part in the wedding of a loved one is a brilliant honor. It also means there’s a shopping trip in your future so you and the other bridesmaids – as well as the bride herself, of course – can try on some beautiful dresses.
Hopefully, when the time comes to go dress shopping, you know who’s going to pay for what. Is the bride and her family picking up the bill, or have the bridesmaids been told they’ll need to pay for their dresses? Either is fine, but making sure everyone knows what’s expected of them early on is important.
And it’s important to remember that the cost of bridesmaid dresses can vary from relatively reasonable to super expensive. But, how much of your wedding budget do you need to set aside? In this post, we’re going to explore how much bridesmaid dresses cost, including the factors that sway the price, the cost of alterations and whether you can buy bridesmaid dresses at major retailers.
What’s the average cost of a bridesmaid dress?
Bridesmaid dresses can range anywhere from $150 to $900, depending on your overall budget. With the average wedding costing around $37,000 in Australia, it might be hard to justify spending at the higher end of that range — especially if you have four or five bridesmaids. If your bridesmaids are covering the cost of their dresses, you may want to consider a more budget-friendly option. A price point around $150 to $275 should strike a great balance between style and affordability.
Why are bridesmaid dresses so expensive?
Bridesmaid dresses can be rather expensive, especially if you choose a well-known brand or designer, or choose to shop at a boutique wedding retailer. It is, of course, common for anything wedding-related to come with a premium price tag, as this is more likely to guarantee that your day is extra special.
Bridesmaid dresses are usually made using quality materials and have intricate details. Beading and embroidery take time, as well as any customisations that might be needed to tie them into the bride’s dress.
What factors affect the cost of a bridesmaid dress?
Many factors can impact the cost of bridesmaid dresses, whether you shop at a major retailer or an independent boutique.
- The fabrics you choose can have a huge influence, for example, silk and lace are far more expensive than cotton and polyester.
- More elaborate and detailed designs will be pricier than simple designs.
- The more well-known and established your chosen brands and designers are, the more expensive the dresses will be.
- Customisations can be pricey, so you’ll have to pay more if you’re looking for lots of changes.
- Retailers in like Sydney or Melbourne, particularly boutiques and independents, will generally be more expensive than those outside large cities.
- If you use a seamstress, a more skilled and experienced professional will cost more than one at the start of their career.
- If you buy four or five dresses it will, of course, cost more than if you were to buy one or two. But, you might find the cost per dress is less the more you buy.
- Don’t be surprised if the cost is higher if you have a tight timescale, so make sure you don’t leave anything till the last minute.
- Renting your bridesmaid dresses is often more affordable, but comes with more limitations and limited customisation options.
Who pays for bridesmaid dresses?
Whether or not you choose to pay for your bridesmaid dresses depends entirely on you, your budget, your bridesmaid budgets and the style and cost of the dresses you have in mind.
If you’re setting ‘rules’, then you may want to ensure you have the budget to cover your bridesmaid dresses. If you’re not picky about what they wear, then it’s common to ask your bridesmaids to pay for their dresses themselves.
For more information on wedding etiquette, read our guide on what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for.
How much do bridesmaid dress alterations cost?
Since bridesmaid dresses are typically less detailed than a wedding gown, alterations are usually much more affordable. Standard adjustments will generally cost around $80 to $120 per dress, but if significant changes are needed, the price can easily double or more. The final cost depends on the complexity of the alterations and the time required to complete them.
How much do bridesmaid accessories and shoes cost?
Generally, even if the bride or her family is covering the cost of the dresses, bridesmaids are usually expected to provide their own shoes and accessories. That said, it’s common for the bride to give her bridesmaids a small thank-you gift on the morning of the wedding, which might be a piece of jewellery to wear and keep.
Bridesmaid shoes don’t need to be expensive—simple flats or classic heels will do the trick. Just keep in mind that everyone will be on their feet for most of the day, so comfort is key. A good pair of mid-heel dress sandals or ballet flats will typically cost around $80 to $150. As for accessories and jewellery, you might want to pick up something special for the occasion, but chances are you already own something that will complement your dress beautifully.
How much does bridesmaid hair and makeup cost?
On your wedding day, hiring a professional hair and makeup artist can be a great way to ensure you look and feel your best without the added stress. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to pamper your bridal party, helping your bridesmaids look just as polished and radiant.
If you book a package, hair and makeup for each bridesmaid (including a trial) will typically cost between $180 and $250. Some artists offer lower rates if they have an assistant who can handle the bridesmaids while the main artist focuses on you, so it’s worth asking about package options to get the best value.
For more details, check out our guide on wedding beauty costs.
Can you buy bridesmaid dresses at major retailers?
If you’re sticking to a budget, there are plenty of major retailers in Australia that offer a stylish selection of bridesmaid dresses without the hefty price tag. Stores like Forever New, Portmans, and Review carry elegant options to suit different styles and budgets. You can often find beautiful dresses for around $150 to $250, which is far more affordable than boutique prices. It’s always worth browsing larger retailers — you never know when you’ll find the perfect dress at a great price.
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You Might Also Like…
- The Ultimate Australian Wedding Budget Breakdown
- What Your Bridesmaids Should and Shouldn’t Pay For
- How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost in Australia?
Happy Planning!
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