Bridesmaid dresses you'll actually want to wear again

Most brides-to-be don't insist that all their maids are matching these days, so you'll probably be given a theme or colour brief - but with wedding costs spiralling (the average couple spent £30,000 on their Big Day in 2018, up from £27,000 last year, according to Bridebook.co.uk), chances are you're going to be on a strict budget. That means you need to find a dress that: a) is appropriate for the venue, b) is the right colour, c) meets the bride's approval, d) isn't too expensive, and e) last but not least, that you actually like

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An impossible task? That might seem to be the case - especially if you've got a bridezilla on your hands - but it's really not if you know where to look. The high street is full of gorgeous gowns that are dramatic enough for a walk down the aisle of a grand church, as part of special bridesmaid ranges and in seasonal collections.

Little Mistress and Chi Chi have both got extensive ranges for under £100, while Oasis has just launched a new bridesmaids line with all gowns priced at £150 or less. If you don't need a floor-lengther, look to brands that excel in elegant occasionwear, like Monsoon and Very, where you can find knee-length and midi dresses that are chic and modern.

From lace-covered pastel numbers, to sparkly and silky gowns, these are the kind of dresses you'll be dying to wear again - for a black tie do, or when you're the guest at another wedding - but they're not so sexy that they'll pull focus from the blushing bride. And they certainly won't break the bank. Here, we've found some beautiful bridesmaid options for under £100...

Bridesmaid dresses you'll actually want to wear again