Written by Zoey Louise, last updated October 15, 2023. The quest for the perfect bridesmaid dresses has long been a pressing concern for many. In fact, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions we receive in our direct messages! With the array of options now available, it’s no longer necessary to settle for outdated and uninspiring designs. Gone are the days of frilly, old-fashioned gowns – nowadays, bridesmaid dresses can be stylish, modern, and tailored to your unique tastes.
The key is understanding what you’re looking for in a dress, whether that’s something traditional, budget-friendly, or simply a statement piece. Your search will depend on factors such as the desired color palette, level of uniqueness, and overall aesthetic. We’ve taken the time to thoroughly research and curate a list of top destinations to purchase bridesmaid dresses in the UK.
Our comprehensive review considers not only the quality of designs but also delivery options, return policies, and more. For those willing to consider international shipping or looking for alternative options, we recommend exploring our blog dedicated to the best online bridesmaid outfits.
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In the realm of fashion, there are countless options for urban editors seeking to upgrade their wardrobe. For those looking for a stylish and timeless addition, we recommend considering our top pick: Urban Editor Choice – We Are Rewritten. This brand offers a range of versatile pieces that can be easily mixed-and-matched with existing outfits. When it comes to selecting the perfect hue, TH&TH takes the cake with their impressive array of colours.
For those on a budget, Asos is an excellent option, offering high-quality pieces at affordable prices. Finally, for a unique and boutique-like experience, Sisterhood stands out from the crowd. This brand’s commitment to sustainability and quality craftsmanship makes it a standout choice for those seeking a more personalized shopping experience.
Where to buy bridesmaid dresses in the UK
Urban editor’s choice – we are rewritten
If you’re seeking stylish and affordable bridesmaid dresses without sacrificing quality, look no further than Rewritten! With prices starting from £150, they offer a more budget-friendly option compared to other modern fashion-forward brands that begin at £300. The brand boasts a range of colors, featuring both soft pastel hues and richer tones. Sizes available span UK 8 to 26, although bigger sizes may have fewer style options, likely due to the limited availability when I researched.
Rewritten is always my top recommendation for UK bridesmaid dresses, earning them our editor’s choice badge! You can order online or visit their London flagship store. Some bridal boutiques also carry their selection, offering a unique shopping experience. If you prefer to shop in-store, John Lewis has a small but impressive assortment of Rewritten dresses available. Special thanks to Rewritten for partnering with us on this epic love story.
Best colours – TH&TH
To Have and To Hold is another boutique bridesmaid designer I’m fond of. If you’re searching for modern velvet options, this is an excellent place to explore. Historically, I’ve advised couples that they might struggle to find good-quality velvet dresses or need to order from the US. Thankfully, TH & TH now cater to autumn and winter couples. They offer 16 color options, which may not be a vast range but provides a suitable variety.
What stands out is their unique, modern color palette, featuring stylish hues you’ll adore. Their most affordable dresses start at £180, with most ranging from £220. While they might not fit every budget, the quality justifies the investment. I was pleasantly surprised by their extensive sizing options, spanning UK 6 to 28 across various styles. You can shop online or visit one of their many stockists around the UK for a more immersive experience and try-on.
Best budget – Asos
When it comes to finding the perfect bridesmaid dress, ASOS is an excellent starting point. Not only do they offer their own affordable line of bridesmaid dresses, but they also carry a wide range of other brands’ designs. While their colour palette may not be as extensive as some other retailers, especially during certain times of the year, they do have a solid selection of popular and classic hues.
One of ASOS’s greatest strengths is its value proposition – with reasonable prices and a liberal returns policy, it’s easy to order multiple options and find the perfect fit without breaking the bank.
Best boutique experience – sisterhood
Thinking of treating your bridesmaids to the ultimate bridal dress experience? Look no further than Sisterhood! With five shops across the UK, from Scotland to London, there’s likely one near you. Their extensive selection and colour range ensures that each bridesmaid will find a style that suits her unique taste. If you’re opting for a mismatched look, their boutiques offer the perfect opportunity to handpick colours or styles that complement each other.
Prices start at £150 per dress, which includes the boutique experience. Note that sizes run from UK 6-22, and while alterations are available at an extra cost, you can rest assured that your bridesmaids will be dressed to impress. As we’re yet to experience it ourselves, we’ll be heading to our closest store in Liverpool this year for a hands-on review!
monsoon BRIDESMAID COLLECTION
When thinking of monsoon dresses, romance often springs to mind. Their bridesmaid range is particularly noteworthy for its delicate and whimsical charm, making it perfect for a dreamy wedding look. While the colour options may be more limited compared to other brands, Monsoon’s unique choices make up for this shortfall. Additionally, their recycled range offers an eco-friendly alternative for those prioritizing sustainability.
With stores scattered throughout the UK, some locations have smaller inventories, so availability might be restricted in certain areas. However, you can always order online and take advantage of their flexible returns policy, which allows you to try on dresses at home before committing to a purchase. For an in-depth exploration of our favourite Monsoon bridesmaid picks, check out our dedicated review.
best luxury – Selfridges
For an extensive range of options, Selfridges is an excellent destination. As one of the few UK stockists of Jenny Yoo bridesmaid dresses, you can expect a diverse selection from various designers. Unlike Asos, which offers a more affordable option, Selfridges presents a high-end alternative with a mix of prices to suit different budgets. The convenience of having multiple designs under one roof allows for easy mixing and matching to achieve the perfect bridal party look.
Additionally, Selfridges boasts physical stores where you can try on outfits in person, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely morning or afternoon outing to find the ideal attire. Some notable designers they stock include Jenny Yoo, Whistles, and Pretty Lavish.
oasis Fashion Bridesmaid dresses
Oasis, although no longer operating physical stores, still offers an impressive selection of modern bridesmaid dresses. The brand strikes a great balance between style diversity and reasonable pricing, with most dresses falling within the £100 to £200 range. One notable highlight is their plus-size range, which I found particularly impressive. While colour options may be limited, Oasis makes up for it with a generous assortment of styles.
A major advantage is their return policy, allowing customers to order a mix of dresses, try them on at home, and return or exchange as needed.
for the minimalist couple – coast
I was pleasantly surprised by Coast’s bridesmaid collection. While I expected traditional and formal designs, they’ve actually created some stunning modern pieces that caught my attention. The minimal dresses are particularly impressive, but it’s not just about the dresses – they also offer jumpsuits, ruffles, and modern cut designs that will appeal to a variety of tastes. If you haven’t checked them out yet, I highly recommend doing so.
One of the things that sets Coast apart is their inclusive sizing range, which caters to UK sizes 4 to 26. While their colour palette may be limited, they make up for it with good returns and a convenient online-only platform. This means you can order multiple options, try them on at home, and return any items that don’t quite fit – making the process much more enjoyable.
For fashion-forward bridesmaids – ghost
Ghost offers an impressive selection of stylish bridesmaid dresses that exude modern elegance. Their grace satin dress is particularly noteworthy, effortlessly blending vintage and contemporary elements. While their size range is limited, with no plus-size options available, the brand makes up for this shortfall by offering a diverse palette of colours that are truly unique. If you’re on the hunt for fashion-forward bridesmaid dresses, Ghost could be an excellent choice.
Prices start at £159 and can go up to £225, although frequent sales offer significant discounts, with some promotions reaching 50% or more off. With physical stores located in London and a presence in John Lewis department stores, customers can try on their favourite styles in-store before making a purchase. For those willing to venture further afield, the Ghost outlet in Kent is also worth exploring for potential bargains.
For the romantics – needle and thread
I have a special affinity for Needle & Thread, particularly when it comes to wedding dresses. Their designs exude romance and elegance. While their prices may be steep, with dresses starting at £220 and some reaching up to £400, I firmly believe that the quality and uniqueness of their gowns justify the investment. Not only will your bridesmaids adore the dresses, but they’ll also have the opportunity to wear them again in the future.
What’s more, Needle & Thread is stocked in Selfridges, where you can enjoy a pleasant shopping experience. The store offers a cozy changing room and a comfortable waiting area, reminiscent of a boutique atmosphere. This makes it an ideal destination for a fun-filled day out with your wedding party.
Best for floral or patterned – reformation
While Reformation is based in the USA, I wanted to highlight their free shipping and returns option for UK customers. Keep in mind that this may take a little longer, with delivery taking up to 10 days at most, but it’s definitely worth considering if you have the time. If you’re looking for modern, floral, or patterned bridesmaid dresses that are gaining popularity, Reformation is an excellent choice.
They offer trendy and eco-friendly options, although their sizing is somewhat limited, with a focus on UK sizes 4-16 and minimal plus-size options. While their prices may be slightly higher, starting at £300, their commitment to sustainability makes them a great option for those prioritizing fashion and the environment.
For fashion lovers – self portrait
When it comes to making a statement at special occasions, I always reach for Self Portrait’s stunning designs. The iconic ‘Azaelea dress’ is a fashion lover’s dream come true – many of us have either seen it or had the pleasure of wearing a variation. If I were asked to be a bridesmaid and we were told we’d be donning Self Portrait, I’d be forever grateful to the happy couple! It’s no secret that this label knows how to make women feel like absolute royalty.
For a truly unforgettable experience, consider dressing your bridal party in Self Portrait. While they don’t have a dedicated bridesmaid collection, their Azaelea dress is available in an array of colours, making it a perfect choice for the special day. Keep in mind that their sizing options are limited to UK sizes 6-16, with no plus size availability.
For the modern bridesmaids – grace loves lace
If you’re on the hunt for stunning slip-style bridesmaid dresses, Grace Loves Lace is undoubtedly a top contender! Their eco-friendly designs are crafted from 95% recycled satin, making them an environmentally responsible choice. One of their standout features is their curated palette, which may not be exhaustive but certainly boasts some of the most breathtaking colors I’ve had the pleasure of seeing.
Sizing options range from xs to xxxl, ensuring a comfortable fit for almost all shapes and sizes. The best part? Their dresses are relatively affordable, with most styles priced around £100. While they do have a UK showroom, it’s unclear if you can visit solely for bridesmaid dress purchases. We’ve reached out to inquire about this and will update our readers once we receive a response.
best for a traditional style – maids to measure
Maids to Measure offers a curated collection of stylish bridesmaid dresses, including my personal favorite, the Daphne design. While their color palette may be somewhat limited compared to other retailers, they make up for it by providing fabric swatches, which is always a welcome touch. The brand caters to a wide range of sizes, from UK 8 to 24, ensuring that every bridesmaid can find a perfect fit.
With a physical store located in Chelsea, customers can enjoy the luxury of trying on dresses with their bridal party in-store. Priced between £130 and £200, Maids to Measure’s offerings are reasonably affordable, although keen-eyed shoppers may be able to snag a bargain during sales, with select dresses available for as little as £45.
H&M bridesmaid dresses
While H&M didn’t initially seem like an obvious choice, their selection of three bridesmaid dresses actually resonated with my criteria. However, what really caught my attention was their stunning halter-neck dress, which I believe would be a perfect fit for a beach wedding. As much as I’m hoping they expand their offerings in this area, I do appreciate the versatility of some of their designs, which could easily double as bridesmaid dresses.
for a bespoke look – etsy
When it comes to finding unique and bespoke bridesmaid dresses on a budget, we highly recommend Etsy as a go-to platform. The online marketplace is home to many talented designers offering custom-made pieces that can be tailored to your specific preferences. By browsing our curated list of bridesmaid favourites, you’ll discover a range of options from both UK-based and European designers.
While the global selection may require more time for delivery, it’s well worth the wait for a one-of-a-kind find. However, don’t forget to factor in potential lead times when shopping on Etsy, as you’ll also come across stores selling handmade china and other non-clothing items. To avoid any last-minute stress, make sure to thoroughly read reviews and check delivery estimates before making a purchase.
Ultimately, the beauty of Etsy lies in its ability to offer made-to-measure pieces at an affordable price point, making it the perfect solution for brides looking for something truly unique or seeking specific colour choices that might be hard to find elsewhere.
Bridesmaid dress FAQs
In many cultures and countries, the question of who pays for bridesmaid dresses is a common conundrum. In the UK, for instance, it’s relatively common for the couple to cover the cost of the dresses, with the bridesmaids often expected to pay for their own makeup and accessories. Ultimately, it’s essential for couples to be upfront and honest about what they can afford when asking their attendants to be a part of the celebration.
The cost of bridesmaid dresses varies widely, depending on factors such as budget, quality, and personal preference. For those on a tight budget, it’s possible to find affordable options from China or through sales, with prices starting at around £50. On average, however, most couples can expect to spend around £150 per dress, while high-end dresses may cost upwards of £300. When it comes to ordering the dresses, timing is crucial.
If you’re ordering custom-made or bespoke designs, you’ll typically need to allow 3-4 months for production and delivery. For ready-to-wear dresses purchased online, it’s still a good idea to order as early as possible to ensure that your chosen dresses arrive in time for the big day. And of course, if one of your bridesmaids is expecting, you may need to adjust your timeline accordingly.