Where should my bridesmaids look for their dresses?

Question

They don't have a lot of money, the wedding isn't until August or September...any ideas?? Thanks!!

Answer 1

here is a good article on finding affordable bridesmaid gowns:
http://budgetdreamweddings.com/weddingplanning/?p=1133

Answer 2

Congrats on your upcoming wedding! I am currently planning a vow renewal ceremony, and ran into the same issue. Do I go ultra "bridesmaids-y"? Do I get a dress they can wear again? What do I do? My ceremony is a formal evening affair with full length evening gowns instead of traditional "bridesmaids-y" dresses and white gloves.

My advice... is to let your bridesmaids choose. Give your bridesmaids some criteria (like the dress has to be made by After Six and Peony Pink), and let them choose the dress that will flatter them the best. Add additonal criteria if you desire (like the dress has to have a ribbon at the waist, or has to be tea length, etc.) They are more likely to buy something they will wear again, and EVERYONE loves to wear something that is figure-flattering.

There is nothing in the world like being plus-sized and being placed in the same form fitting dress that your 16-year old skinny-minny cousin looks phenominal in! It doesn't quite look the same on me... I feel like Porky the Pig in this!

I LOVE therosedress.com. This site has a TON of all types of dresses, IN ALL DIFFERENT STYLES and most don't even hit the $100.00 mark. There are tons of pages, and something for every body type or wedding style. Thousands of dresses --- and most of the sizes range from XS to 3X on almost every dress.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Ask around at local bridal shops. Many give discounts for bridal parties. My bridesmaids paid $136 for the dress below. Be sure to have them place their orders at least 5 months in advance though because most places need time to make and ship the dresses. I wanted to pick a less formal dress but everyone liked it and it was in-stock so it will only take 4-8 weeks to arrive! Good Luck : )

Answer 4

try local womens stores many now care formal wear also try the sears catalog they actually have a lot that looks like more expensive brands. Check soon as you might still be able to get nice dresses from this years holiday collections at discounted rates.My mom bought a dress at sear for my wedding ( New Years Eve 06) she paid 40 and it easily could have been a bridesmaid dress.

Answer 5

David's Bridal.

They have a whole selection of dresses and fancy separates (long skirts with fancy tops) that can be ordered in a variety of colors, and which will end up costing around $150 for each bridesmaid.

I know a lot of people make fun of David's Bridal because it offers wedding dresses at steep discounts, but the fact of the matter is that both wedding dresses and bridesmaid's dresses are usually only worn on one occasion, so it makes no sense to spend a lot of money on them.

One of the advantages of going the David's Bridal route is that you can go in with them and select the color you want them to wear. You can then have them either all match (same top and same skirt), or you can allow them to each pick the outfit that flatters them best and just order it in the same color. If you have girls of varying sizes, I really recommend allowing them to pick their own outfits. I have been to weddings where there was one dress used for all the bridesmaids, and it was only flattering to one or two of them because of the figures of the other girls. (Think form fitting sheath dress on a plus-sized girl, or a dress that needs a good-sized bust on a very flat chested girl.)

The other advantage is that since the wedding is not until later in the year, they can go in and see what is available, try things on, and still have time to save up for their dresses.

I would advise you to have them made by a seamstress, but that's what we did with my wedding, and it ends up costing a lot more. We spend about $500 just on fabric, and then there are fittings, etc., and it really adds up, plus you have to pay for each dress he or she makes anyway.

I have included a link to David's Bridal. You can at least browse and see if you like what they offer. Browsing is at least free :)

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

Answer 6

Have a seamstress make them.I thought that the bride would pick the dress?Look for a plain pattern,pick out the color and material then take it to the seamstress.She'll give you a price for her work and if it's not affordable find another one.Always ask to see her work .That should save you some money.It just doesn't make any sense to me to buy such an expensive dress when they will only wear it once.

Answer 7

Take them to David's Bridal...a lot of their dresses are under $200, which is steal when talking about wedding party attire.

Answer 8

It depends on what you are looking for them to get. If it's not very formal, and you just want nice dresses, you can go to JCP they have nice dresses, and if it's in the summer area they will have great ones in about end of may. David's bridal is expensive, and can be very pushy.. It all depends on what you want sweeite.. Good luck planning, and Congrads!

Answer 9

David's Cattle...err I mean David's Bridal....

Answer 10

dessy.com or aftersix.com