Budget-Savvy: Where to Find Cheap Bridesmaid Dresses?

By Mitch Rice

Last year, the average cost of a wedding in the US was around $28,000. This is a considerable amount of money for most new couples. Many factors are costly, including wedding location, catering, photography, attire, flowers, decorations, entertainment, transportation, and additional expenses like wedding favors or a wedding planner. One of the most essential expenses can come in the form of bridesmaid dresses. Don’t worry. We’ve got ways to save for you. You can find beautiful and cheap bridesmaid dresses of good quality with some research. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks for finding cheap bridesmaid dresses, so you can make sure your special day is truly memorable without overspending.

Part 1: The Best Time to Buy Bridesmaid Dresses

Knowing the best time to shop, you can use sales, discounts, and special promotions to find cheap bridesmaid dresses. There are 3-time points you need to pay attention to:

1. Shop during off-season sales. Many bridal stores and retailers offer significant discounts on bridesmaid dresses during the offseason. Typically, the offseason falls during the winter months or early spring. By planning and shopping during these times, you can score great deals and save considerable money.
2. Clearance Sales: Look for clearance sales at bridal boutiques. These sales often occur at the end of a season or when new collections are introduced. During clearance sales, bridesmaid dresses discontinued or from previous seasons are marked down significantly, allowing you to find beautiful dresses at a fraction of their original price.
3. Holiday Sales and Promotions: Take advantage of significant holidays and shopping events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or even bridal-specific events like National Bridesmaid Day or National Wedding Month. Many retailers offer exclusive discounts and promotions during these periods.

Choose a time point about 3-6 months before your wedding, and before you make the purchase, you need to determine the color or color palette for bridesmaid gowns. Browse online or shop around first to get inspiration so you can come to a final and clear idea of what you want.

Part 2: Department Store Sales

Department stores often offer a wide selection of dresses at various prices, making finding affordable options that suit your budget more manageable. Consider the following points to explore sales:

1. Seasonal Sales: Department stores frequently hold seasonal sales, especially during significant shopping periods like end-of-season sales, holiday sales, or clearance events. These sales can provide significant discounts on bridesmaid dresses. Keep an eye on the store’s website or sign up for their newsletter to stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions.
2. Loyalty Programs and Rewards: Check if the department store has a loyalty program or rewards system. By signing up, you may gain access to exclusive discounts, early access to sales, or special offers tailored explicitly for members. Accumulating points through your purchases can also lead to additional discounts or benefits in the future.
3. Online Sales and Promotions: In addition to in-store sales, department stores often have online sales and promotions. Online sales may offer additional discounts or exclusive deals, so check the store’s website for any ongoing promotions.
4. Price Matching: Some department stores offer price matching policies, where they match the price of a dress if you find it cheaper at another authorized retailer. This can be advantageous when comparing prices and ensuring you get the best deal possible.
5. Clearance Sections: Explore the clearance sections of department stores, both in-store and online. These sections often feature discounted dresses that may include bridesmaid options. While the selection may be more limited, you can find hidden gems at significantly reduced prices.

Part 3: Online Retailers: Finding Cheap Dresses That Look Great

Online retailers can be a treasure trove for finding cheap bridesmaid dresses that still exude style and quality. Choosing the right seller is essential to find the best price, style, color, and quality match. Here are our top recommendations for where you can find stylish dresses, good quality, and attractive prices:

1. eDresstore. Modest bridesmaid dresses at eDresstore cost from $79 to $119. What makes the price so friendly is the simple yet tasteful design, A-line silhouette with some just-all-right embellishments like bow, sash, embroidery, handmade flowers, or some slight beaded accent can make the whole look gorgeous and expensive compared with the affordable prices. More than 200 color options will meet the needs of any wedding venue. Custom-made costs are also friendly here, with only $20.
2. Dessy. Dessy’s dresses are primarily of effortless design without embellishments or handwork, so some styles under $150 can reduce the cost significantly. Imagine their dresses are made with hand pleats, ruffles, or hand-sewn beadings or crystals. The price can be hundreds of dollars for each bridesmaid. And Dessy always offers dozens of colors for each style, which is another advantage.
3. David’s Bridal is an old brand of wedding attire and is thus reputable. Their designed dresses can be made for around $150 and have many popular colors. Sizes are from 1 to 30. 

And there are several core factors you need to pay attention to:

1. Research and Read Reviews: Take the time to research the online retailer and read customer reviews. Look for feedback regarding the quality of the dresses, customer service, and overall shopping experience.
2. Check for Sales and Discounts: Online retailers often have regular sales and discounts. Sign up for newsletters or follow the social media accounts of your favorite online retailers to stay informed about upcoming sales and exclusive discounts. You can also search on some coupon websites for possible coupons provided by online stores, it may save you a little, but any saving makes one happy.
3. Pay Attention to Sizing and Measurements: To ensure a proper fit, carefully review the sizing charts and measurements provided by the online retailer. Taking accurate measurements and referring to the specific sizing information is crucial rather than relying solely on standard dress sizes.
4. Consider Customization Options: Some online retailers offer customization services, allowing you to select specific dress features or make minor modifications according to your preferences. While customization options may incur additional costs, they can still be a budget-friendly choice compared to higher-priced dresses elsewhere. Customization lets you personalize the dresses and ensure they align with your vision.

Remember, cheap bridesmaid dresses can still look beautiful if you choose the right online retailer.

Part  4: Saving Even More Money on Bridesmaid Dresses

Finding cheap bridesmaid dresses is the first step to staying within your budget. Here are some additional tips to help you save even more money on your bridesmaid dresses:

1. Opt for simple designs without too many embellishments. More decorations on dresses will cost much more for alteration because the seamstress will have to remove them before altering them and then recover them after finishing the altar.
2. Compare accurate measurements with the size chart, then choose the nearest size. Going for one size up will be better for non-stretchy gowns, for it’s always easier to take in than take out. Furthermore, to alter one part costs any way less than several parts.
3. Mix and Match: Instead of purchasing matching bridesmaid dresses, consider the mix-and-match approach. Allow your bridesmaids to choose their dresses in a specific color palette or style guidelines. This gives them the freedom to select dresses within their budget and adds a unique and personalized touch to your wedding party.
4. Consider Non-Traditional Options: Explore non-traditional sources for bridesmaid dresses that may offer more affordable options. Check out department stores, fast fashion retailers, and online marketplaces for cheaper stylish dresses. Remember that non-traditional options may require more time and effort to find the perfect dresses, but they can help you save significantly.
5. Try bridesmaid separates. You can match the top and skirt from casual wear collections. These always cost less than one-piece dresses. Moreover, tops and bottoms are easy to style after the wedding.

Remember, saving money on bridesmaid dresses doesn’t mean compromising style or quality. By implementing these tips and being resourceful, you can find affordable options that make your bridesmaids look stunning on your special day.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.