*This data has been updated. See current costs for 2019 here.
Couples today place a large emphasis on making their bridal party look cohesive and gorgeous on the day. It’s all about complementing the bride, and adding to the overall wedding aesthetic with different colours and textures of bridesmaids’ dresses.
So how much are Australian couples willing to spend on their bridesmaids’ outfits? What’s the average cost?
According to the Easy Weddings 2016 Annual Wedding Survey, the average price couples are willing to spend on styling their bridesmaids is $780.
When it comes to how much couples are willing to part with to create the perfect bridal party aesthetic, the average price varies from state to state across Australia.
The stats
When it comes to bridesmaids outfits, South Australian couples are the big spenders – forking out an average of $940 to dress their bridesmaids!
Victorian and New South Wales couples spend an average of $905 and $895 respectively on their bridesmaids’ outfits.
Western Australian and Queensland couples are much the same yet more modest than the other states, spending an average of $625 and $620 respectively.
Fun facts
According to the 2016 Annual Wedding Survey, 49% of those surveyed will have 7-10 people in their bridal party (including themselves). 33% will have between 3-6 people, and just 6% will have no bridal party – just the two of them! 2% of those surveyed said they’d be having 18+ people in their bridal party!
Of those surveyed, 75% of couples said they will be purchasing their bridesmaids’ dresses. 11% said they or a family member would be making them.
57% of those surveyed said they’d spend up to $200 on each bridesmaids’ dress. 32% said they’d spend $200-$400, 10% said they’d spend $400-800, and only 1% said they’d spend over $800 on each bridesmaids’ dress.
42% of those surveyed said their Maid of Honour is a friend, 37% said it’s their sister, 16% said it’s their relative, and 5% said their Maid of Honour is their sister-in-law.
There’s also been a shift in trends regarding bridesmaids’ dresses. Brides have made a move from the uniform one-dress one-colour bridal party, to a more relaxed look. Bridesmaids are now often seen in mix-matching colours and styles, often brought together by a similar colour palette or style. This is often so the girls feel comfortable and beautiful on the day, and can wear the dress again at a later date!
2017 prediction
For 2017, the Easy Weddings Annual Wedding Survey results so far conclude a rise in what Australian couples are willing to spend to create their dream bridal party aesthetic. While the complete 2017 survey is not yet published, we predict this rise in average price is due to an increase in the emphasis and importance couples place on their bridal party looking cohesive and “as good (but not better) as the bride.” The rise in average price may even point toward expanding bridal parties, with most weddings having 7-10 people in the bridal party!
Find out who should be paying for the bridal party attire here!
