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Photo by Erich McVey
It’s no secret that being in a bridal party can be, well, expensive. After all, there’s the cost of the bachelorette party and the bridal shower to consider—and a whole host of other little expenses that can really add up. And while it goes without saying that your bridal party can’t wait to stand by your side on your big day, asking your friends to shell out for an expensive occasion dress can often be a tall order. Luckily, there are tons of affordable and stylish wedding party outfits that look anything but cheap.
If you’re throwing a summer wedding, you’ll be pleased to know that there are scores of budget-friendly dresses on the market to suit all bridal styles. For the bohemian bride-to-be, pretty floral frocks, with flowing skirts, always feel effortless for warm-weather nuptials. If you’re opting for a black-tie wedding, there are plenty of affordable floor-length gowns, that not only look but feel luxurious. For brides going for the mismatched look, there are countless cost-effective styles in various colors and prints, that were born to be mixed and matched.
Ready to find the perfect budget-friendly dress for your crew? Ahead, our edit of summer bridal party dresses that come in under $200.
Most Comfortable: Reformation Scoop Neck Midi Dress
Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
For a wedding party dress that’s stylish and comfortable, opt for this midi dress crafted from stretchy fabric, with an easy-fitting skirt.
For a Beach Wedding: H&M Satin Bridesmaid Dress
H&M
Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping for orders over $40, $3.99 for orders under $40 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
This light turquoise bridesmaid dress is the perfect fit for beachside nuptials – and the fact it’s under-$100 makes it that much better. Style with espadrilles for easy beach walking.
Best Convertible Style: Birdy Grey Dusty Blue Dress
Courtesy of Birdy Grey
Size Range: XS-3X | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $9.99 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 45 days
Everyone in your bridal party is unique, so why not give them the option to customize their dress? This convertible gown from Birdy Grey has a neckline that can be worn multiple ways, from off-the-shoulder to strapless.
Best Open Back: Show Me Your Mumu Luxe Satin Dress
Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $6.99 USPS standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Showcase your shoulders and back in this exquisite gown crafted from fluid-like satin. An expertly draped halter neckline gives way to a daring open-back, for one seriously sexy and sophisticated dress.
For Something Blue: BHLDN Cali Satin Charmeuse Midi Dress
Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-26W | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free on orders over $50, $6.95-$15.95 on orders under $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
This gorgeously dusty blue dress would make a stunning addition to a mixed palette of greys and navy blues. Beyond its eye-catching color, this style features a gentle cowl neck and a sexy thigh-high slit.
Most Effortless: Watters Jordi 713
Watters
Size Range: 0-26W | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free on orders over $50, $6.95-$15.95 on orders under $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
This charcoal gown is gorgeous for warm-weather nuptials. Its relaxed silhouette embodies the carefree nature of summer.
Best Blush: ASOS EDITION Satin Maxi Dress
Courtesy of ASOS
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free on orders over $50, $4.99 on orders under $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
What’s a flattering color that even your most discerning bridal party member will approve of? Blush. This pretty pink color looks great on all skin tones, and comes in a wide range of hues to suit all tastes.
Best Print: Faithfull the Brand Ramonet Midi Dress
Faithfull the Brand
Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free on orders over $150 | Return policy: Full refund within 21 days
We love this charming floral dress for the wedding that’s all about dainty details. Style with neutral sandals and delicate personal jewelry.
Most Likely to Be Worn Again: Lovers + Friends Midi Dress
Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days
Boudoir, but make it bridal. This silky slip dress is the perfect balance of sexy and sophisticated, and a piece your squad will definitely want to wear again.
Most Vibrant: Line & Dot Makena Midi Dress
Revolve
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days
Step away from muted colors for your bridesmaids and incorporate this brightly-colored pink slip into the mix. Pair with a slicked-back pony and glittering accessories for a glam summer look.
Best Midi Dress: Show Me Your Mumu Shoulder Bow Dress
Courtesy of Show Me Your Mumu
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Midi | Shipping: $6.99 USPS standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
It doesn’t get prettier than this satin dress, designed with sweet shoulder bows and an alluring square neckline. This style comes in five gorgeous colorways and is available in sizes XXS to XXL.
Most Elegant: WAYF Flutter Sleeve Satin Dress
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size Range: S-L | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping | Return policy: Returns handled on a case-by-case basis
This elegant gown, in dusty lavender, is crafted from mid-weight fabric that promises to hug you in all the right places. Its lining is also super soft and won’t feel scratchy against your skin.
Best Wrap Dress: TFNC Satin Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
Courtesy of ASOS
Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free on orders over $50, $4.99 on orders under $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
A wrap dress is a universally flattering silhouette that will never go out of style (aka will look timeless in all of your wedding photos). We love this one, in particular, for its softly draped bodice and pleasing pink hue.
Best Strapless: Norma Kamali Strapless Fishtail Midi Dress
Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days
This elevated body-hugging dress is at once elegant and sexy, and is crafted from a comfortable stretch material. Wear yours with shoulder-grazing earrings to spotlight the strapless neckline.
For a Whimsical Wedding: Faithfull the Brand Shaloom Midi Dress
Faithfull the Brand
Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free on orders over $150 | Return policy: Full refund within 21 days
Adding a print or pattern to your bridesmaid dress lineup creates a unique, whimsical overall look. Outfit your maid of honor in a fun print like this to differentiate her from the other bridal party members. Plus, she will be sure to wear this frock out again.
Best Allover Lace: ASTR The Label Lace A Line Midi Dress
Courtesy of ASTR The Label
Size Range: XS-XXL | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free on orders over $75 | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
Textures like lace always look fantastic in photos and add dimension to any bridal party lineup. This allover lace number is simply gorgeous for an outdoor summer wedding.
For a Formal Summer Wedding: Aidan by Aidan Mattox Bow Back Sleeveless Satin Gown
Bloomingdale’s
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free shipping | Return policy: Contact customer service
This oh-so-elegant satin gown will look stunning at a summer black-tie or formal wedding. The open-back features a charming bow-detail.
Best Maternity-Style: Birdy Grey Ryan Bridesmaid Dress
Birdy Grey
Size Range: XS-3XL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $9.99 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 45 days
When it comes to picking out dresses for your bridal party, make sure you choose a style that’s stylish and comfortable for your pregnant friends. This style is bump-friendly and features a supportive neckline and a flattering empire waist silhouette.
For the Minimalist: BHLDN Audrie Dress
BHLDN
Size Range: 0-16 | Length: Midi | Shipping: Free on orders over $50, $6.95-$15.95 on orders under $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
If you’re all about pared-back silhouettes, then a simple slip dress is the way to go. This silky moss-colored style is ultra-flattering and perfect for a formal or black-tie wedding. Style with delicate personal jewelry and modern sandals.
Best Pleated: Kennedy Blue Summer Dress
Kennedy Blue
Size Range: 00-32 | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping costs vary | Return policy: 80% refund within 14 days
A bordeaux gown for a summer wedding is a sophisticated and unexpected touch that is sure to stun. We especially love the pleated chiffon skirt and and simple spaghetti straps.
Best Pastel: Dessy Bowed Tie-Shoulder Chiffon Dress
Courtesy of Dessy
Size Range: 00-30WXL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Shipping costs vary | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
A light purple hue like lavender or lilac is a flattering choice for all complexions. If you love pastel tones but aren’t sold on blush or blue, give this sophisticated color a try.
Best Cowl Neck: RESA River Slip Gown
Revolve
Size Range: XS-L | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free 2-day shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 60 days
For the more daring bridesmaid, consider this thigh-high slit gown. The shiny satin fabric will reflect beautifully in the light, and the more conservative cowl neck adds an elegant touch.
For a Floral Summer Wedding: Birdy Grey Kira One Shoulder Bridesmaid Dress
Birdy Grey
Size Range: XS-3XL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: $9.99 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 45 days
If you’re going for the mismatched dresses look, consider sprinkling floral gowns into the mix. We love this soft style from Birdy Grey for a garden wedding or an intimate backyard affair.
What to Look for in a Summer Bridesmaid Dress Under $200
First and foremost, when it comes to searching for bridesmaid dresses, consider the quality of the dress – especially if you are looking for options under $200. There are plenty of gorgeous, luxe-looking dress options that don’t cost an arm and a leg, but ensuring that they are comfortable and flattering is key. You want your bridesmaids to feel special while they are by your side, and skimping on quality is not the way to do that. Also, if you are purchasing dresses online, make sure to check the return policy in case it comes in to be something you weren’t expecting. Plan for the possibility of returning dresses and make sure time allows. Also, you should make sure there is enough time for your bridesmaids to get alterations for their dresses.
FAQ
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To keep your bridal party cool and comfortable, opt for dresses with easy silhouettes crafted from lightweight fabrics. Dresses in floral patterns, pastel shades, and bright colors are always a stylish choice for warm-weather weddings.
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Typically, any hand beading or embroidery can drive up the price of occasion dresses. Pricier fabrics like silk and linen can also make a garment more expensive.
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If the bride can afford to, it’s a very thoughtful gesture. However, it’s not required of the bride to pay for the wedding party dresses.
