Bridesmaids

"Always a bridesmaid, but never a bride". That's an expression I've come to know and live quite well. :) After being in a few weddings as a bridesmaid, and working at a bridal salon where I worked with a lot of these girls, I know a lot about this category. Bridesmaids don't have to be equated with pepto-bismal colored, puffy-sleeved dresses in awful taffeta. Thank God the 80's and early 90's are long gone!

For a formal, evening wedding, full length gowns are more appropriate, where as tea-length (hitting just below the knee) dresses are perfect for daytime or summer weddings. Rules have also changed a bit where it's not necessarily required for all bridesmaids to be clones of one another. Let each individual come out! You can have all in the same dress, but let them wear their own jewelry and shoes; or have all in the same color gown but in different styles. The latter option is the best bet if your girls are all shapes and sizes. That way each girl can wear a style that best flatters her body. If you stick with the same designer, you can usually pick two or three different dress styles in the same fabric and color. Also, when it comes to ordering, make sure all the dresses are ordered from the same boutique and the order goes in together, as dye lots can vary. Out of town bridesmaids? They can usually call in with their measurements and order over the phone, then have their dress shipped to them for alterations. Ok, enough talk. Here are some designers (with a picture of a style I like) that are affordable for your bridesmaids. Most dresses average from $120-$200.

1. Dessy Collection:

2. After Six (part of the Dessy Group):


3. Wtoo: The more affordable line within a company called Watters.


4. Jim Hjelm:


5. Belsoie:

Just a side note: If you're asking friends to be in your wedding, realize that you are also asking them to contribute to a major expense by buying their own wedding attire that you choose. If you don't plan on buying every one's dresses, keep in mind all the extra costs that go into their role as a bridesmaid. In addition to a dress, there can be extra things such as alterations, matching jewelry, and shoes. Most places will give a discount or free alterations if you bought your bridal dress at the same location. Come from a strict religion where everyone needs to be more modest in the church? Give wraps or shawls to all of your girls as their gift. Having each girl pay for straps being put on or a sleeve to be built on not only makes the dress often uglier and unwearable again, but is another cost for your close friends. So, be considerate of the commitment you're requesting and try to keep prices low for your girls.