Is $225 Too High for Bridesmaids Dresses?

$225 is very expensive for a bridesmaids dress. You should ask each of them their budgets (privately) before selecting dresses.

Yes it is expensive.

You’ll have to ask your girls what they’re able to afford. That’s about what I’ve paid for bridesmaid dresses. Yes, I agree that it’s a bit high but I also am in a place in life where I can afford that. However years ago when my sister got married, paying $100 for a dress was tough. No one knows what anyone else’s finances really look like so you’re going to have to discuss budget with your bridal party.

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Agreed. I personally wouldn't be offended if someone asked me to pay that, but it all depends on each individuals expenses and salary combined. Very well said Jeanie!

I spoke with each of my bridesmaids individually about how much they wanted to spend on a dress. Everyone was fine with spending $200 or less. The dress I picked was about $190 at the time we went shopping. Not everyone purchased the dress that day and David's Bridal often has sales so the price varied depending on when they purchased it.

I would absolutely ask them honestly. I paid $150 for my cousins wedding and she’s in mine. I asked my girls and they said up to $300. All of their financial situations vary but that’s their max. So, I would propose the question to them. However, I’d say $225 isn’t bad whatsoever.

In my opinion, that's a bit high for a BM dress unfortunately

I asked my girls first. it shouldn’t be a problem to find one lower than that if they aren’t able to afford that.

Its a bit but depends on their personal budget too. I paid about 175 after tax for my bridesmaid dress at my bridesmaids wedding and tat was a lot for me but of course I did it and made it work

$225 is pretty high imo.

Personally, I'd want to spend $150 or less, especially if it looks extremely formal and can't really be re-worn outside of a wedding.

That is a bit high. Don’t forget they will also have alterations to pay for in addition to the dress. I agree with PPs, talk to them each individually and see what they can afford.

Ask them honestly. Keeping in mind that they may have to get alterations. I paid $250 for a dress which wasn’t horrible except that it cost me $300 for alterations because the wrong size was ordered & we didn’t have a choice (Alfred Angelo had just went belly up). So...my bridesmaids dress ended up being more than my own wedding dress is! 😳

That’s pretty high. I ended up using Birdy Grey for my bridesmaids dresses because all of them are only $99. Even David’s Bridal can’t compete with those prices, even with a sale!

As someone in grad school right now and who has worked full time before this, yes that's expensive. I wouldn't have people buy dresses that cost much more than $100-125 if choosing for them. Personally though, I'm just going to pick a color and let my girls choose their own dress.

That’s around what my BM dresses cost and is similar to what the guys are paying for their suits. We’re picking up a lot of the other cost like you’re doing. If it’s too much for your girls, maybe only pay for hair and put the makeup cost towards the dress and they can do their own makeup. When I was in my cousins wedding, she picked an expensive dress and put $100 towards each dress so we only had to pay $250.

You might be paying for hotel, hair and make up but they are also likely spending on bridal shower gifts or throwing a party, bachelorette party, your wedding gift and accessories and extras like shoes and Mani/pedi... Last wedding I was in the dress came to $180 and to be honest I was a little mad. I will most likely never wear it again, i would never buy the dress on my own either (didn't hate it but didn't love it either), and I'd rather add that $80 to the cash wedding gift we gave to bride and groom. There are soooo many affordable great quality and style options available... Sometimes people are embarassed to say just $200 is too much for a dress they will likely never wear again... IMO you know your girls...

View Quoted Comment This right here 🙌🏻

As a very recent graduate... lol I do feel like $225 is a lot for a dress.

But hair, makeup and hotel will all add up quite quickly too.

I would say broach the idea of how much they can reasonably spend.

Between tuition, books, living, food, extra's are usually small. I had an assistantship, so the university paid for 90% of my tuition and I got a monthly stipend but it was still so small to live off of. Don't make them feel bad if it isn't in their realm of possibilities at this time (I'm sure you won't). ☺️

It is nice that you are being mindful and hopefully everything works out! Best of luck!

My friend who is in grad school paid about $225 for a simple navy bridesmaid dress. Then another $150+ for alterations. She was upset at the price, which I definitely understand. Grad students don’t make a lot and some of them are paying off student loans too.

I went with Azazie for my bridesmaids ($100-$120) and will purchase the dresses for them, but they will cover alterations.

I don't think that's too bad. Give them time to save and catch potential sales.