This is a public service announcement for brides: your bridesmaids are not millionaires. They want to spend their money on a great gift for you or a fun bachelorette weekend, not on a $700 custom dress they will never, in their lives, ever wear again. If you’re going to be dictating what your bridal party is wearing—and it’s certainly your prerogative to ask that people dress a certain way—just try not to get too carried away while shopping. This isn’t their wedding. Plus, you can get gorgeous dresses on the cheap NO PROBLEM, these days. There is really no excuse for making everyone shell out big bucks just so that they can match in the pictures. The dresses below are all under $200, and one of them is $12 (!!!) and they all look amazing. Think about it.

Pinks, Reds, and Oranges: Peaches, pinks, and oranges are so romantic and summer-y, while red is basically the go-to colour for winter weddings. Dresses in these tones are easy to match with flowers, and unless your bridal party is 100% ginger these colours are some of the easiest to wear.

From Upper Left: ModCloth pastel frothy confection ($98), Zara hot pink teensy straps ($60), Debenhams pastel wrap ($72) Vila elegant maxi dress ($107), ASOS off-the shoulder midi dress ($37), Tophop playsuit (why not??) ($96), Forever 21 red halterneck ($20)

Purples and Blues: A cooler tone keeps things classy for downtown weddings or adds a touch of formality to a cottage-y setting. Pale purple

From Upper Left: Topshop lilac pouf ($119), Neiman Marcus strappy draped guy ($134), Modcloth classic bridesmaid one shoulder ($85), Miss Selfridge pale blue flippy skirt ($30), Modcloth shimmery blue belted piece ($80), Topshop Bardot shoulders in navy lace ($72), Vero Moda boho lace trim ($32)

 

White Dresses: If they’re good enough for Kate Moss they’re good enough for you. The only time I’ve ever been a bridesmaid we wore white and as a completely impartial source I can tell you we looked incredible. Plus stores in the summer are dripping with white dresses, so there’s plenty of choice.

From Upper Left: Free People boho swing dress ($100), Modcloth gold perfection ($170), French Connection strappy A-line ($60), River Island maxi sheath dress ($65), BCBG romper ($98), H&M summer-y strapless ($12).