How Much Do Bridesmaid Dresses Cost?
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 honour. 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 in South Africa can range anywhere from R1,500 to R9,000, depending on your overall budget and the style you’re after. With the average wedding costing around R200,000, it can be tricky to justify spending at the top end of that range — especially if you have a bridal party of four or more. If your bridesmaids are covering the cost of their dresses, it’s thoughtful to suggest something more budget-friendly. A price range of R1,500 to R2,800 usually offers a good balance between style and affordability without breaking the bank.
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 major cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town — especially boutique stores and independent designers — tend to be more expensive than those in smaller towns or online. If you’re looking to save, consider exploring local designers outside the big metros or browsing online stores that offer delivery across South Africa.
- 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.
How much do bridesmaid dress alterations cost?
Since bridesmaid dresses are usually simpler than a wedding gown, alterations tend to be far more affordable. In South Africa, standard adjustments — like hemming, taking in the sides, or shortening straps — typically cost between R800 and R1,200 per dress. However, if more complex changes are needed, such as restructuring the bodice or adding sleeves, the price can easily double. The final cost will depend on how detailed the alterations are and how much time they’ll take to complete.
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 break the bank — simple flats, low heels, or even sandals can do the job beautifully. Since your bridal party will be on their feet most of the day, comfort should be the top priority. A decent pair of mid-heel dress sandals or ballet flats in South Africa usually costs between R800 and R1,500. When it comes to accessories and jewellery, you might want to treat yourself to something special for the day — but chances are you already have pieces in your collection that will pair perfectly with your dress.
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 in South Africa, hair and makeup for each bridesmaid — including a trial — typically costs between R1,800 and R2,500. Some makeup artists offer discounted rates if they bring an assistant to take care of the bridesmaids while they focus on the bride. It’s definitely worth asking about group packages or combo deals to get the best value for your bridal party.
For more information, read our guide to the price of wedding beauty.
Can you buy bridesmaid dresses at major retailers?
If you’re working with a budget, there are plenty of retailers that offer stylish bridesmaid dresses without the boutique price tag. Stores like Forever New, Poetry, Foschini, and Superbalist often carry elegant options to suit a range of styles and budgets. You can usually find beautiful dresses for around R1,500 to R2,500 — a far more affordable alternative to custom or designer pieces. It’s always worth browsing the larger retailers and online shops — you might just stumble on the perfect dress at a great price.
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