The 20 Best Cheap Bridesmaid Dresses That Look So Expensive

last updated 28 February 2019

For many of us, the most expensive dress we'll ever buy is our wedding dress. The next priciest? Probably a frock for our bridesmaids to wear on the big day.

Traditionally, you'd get your girls together and head to the nearest bridal shop, where different people with entirely different shapes and styles would have to squeeze or drown themselves in one of the two sample sizes stocked. Then, once everyone had settled on a gown, you make your way to the till, and in a flash, your bank balance is suddenly down thousands of pounds. When you type the whole experience out, it actually seems quite archaic, doesn't it?

Now, we're not saying that the bridal shop should be made obsolete. However, what we are saying is that we're so grateful the high street has identified a gap in the market for those of us who just don't have the time or the money to spend on buying bridesmaid dresses in this manner.

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You'd be forgiven for thinking that for cheap bridesmaid dresses, you'd have to sacrifice on style. But that's not the case. The high street moves with the trends, which means the dresses you choose will be more reflective of the current sartorial mood than those you have to order months in advance.

Then, of course, there are the financials to consider. Whether you're having a big bridal party or you simply want to watch the pennies where you can, there are so many beautiful dresses to be had under the £100 mark. So that's where we've focused our energy.

Below, you'll find our fashion editor–approved selection of the best cheap bridesmaid dresses we know your girls will love, handily broken down into four key stores. Whatever your theme or colour palette, we're sure you'll find a frock to suit.

H&M

Maxi Dress

To start, we give you this under-£50 beauty.

H&M

Lace Dress

This lace dress comes in six different hues.

H&M

Pleated Dress

Just add a pretty ribbon belt and clear jewels.

H&M

V-Neck Tulle Dress

For summer nuptials, a tulle minidress will never go amiss.

H&M

Sleeveless Viscose Dress

If you want your wedding party to wear white, this column midi dress is an excellent option, as it won't detract from your gown.

ASOS

Y.A.S

Floral Printed Prairie Dress

Don't disregard prints. Simply choose larger motifs, as they'll show up better in the photographs.

Missguided

Bridesmaid Satin Cowl Neck Dress

If your girls already love slip dresses, this maxi style will go down a treat.

ASOS

Pleated Midi Dress With Lace

We adore the sheer long sleeves on this mint-green dress.

ASOS

Lace Dress With Tie Detail

You need to see the back of this beautiful dress.

ASOS

Tiered Dress

Burgundy works beautifully for late spring nuptials as well as early autumn.

TOPSHOP

Topshop

Twist Shoulder Midi Dress

This oyster hue will look so pretty with a pink bouquet.

Topshop

Ruffle Pleated Midi Dress

This V-neck dress might look plunging, but the soft ruffles keep it looking classy.

Topshop

Lace Metallic Thread Dress

Just imagine how stunning this dress will look with metallic accessories.

Topshop

Diamante Maxi Slip Dress

The subtle stripes on this dress will help define your frame.

Topshop

Bardot Midi Dress

Minimal brides will love the structured shape of this midi dress.

WAREHOUSE

Warehouse

Ruffle Wrap Dress

Tie-waist styles are incredibly flattering on all body types.

Warehouse

Ruffle Floral Midi Dress

Pair this bright floral dress with red or blue shoes for a playful take on bridesmaid style.

Warehouse

Cowl Back Satin Dress

This shade of pink will look gorgeous set against olive and dark skin tones.

Warehouse

Corded Lace Dress

This dress will work for city and country weddings alike.

Warehouse

Ruffle Floral Midi Dress

More and more brides are opting for grey bridesmaid dresses.

If you think these cheap bridesmaid dresses look good, just wait until you see the high street's take on bridal gowns.

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.