I Found the Most Sophisticated Bridesmaid Dresses for Lean Budgets

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.

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

ASOS

TOPSHOP

Related: Engagement Ring 101: Expert Care Tips for a Lifetime of Sparkle

WAREHOUSE

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