The bridesmaid dresses that you choose for your wedding will have a big impact on the overall look of your event. After all, there is only one bride, but there are often as many as five or more bridesmaids, so you will be seeing quite a lot of that same dress, and you want it to make a good impression. The trick is to find a dress that will enhance the beauty of your wedding without sending your attendants to the poorhouse!
There are ways to save money on bridesmaid dresses without sacrificing style. If you are looking for traditional dresses, one very simple way is to buy them from the same place where you purchased your bridal gown. They will often offer you a discount on your attendants' dresses, especially you are ordering them in a large quantity. At any rate, it never hurts to ask.
Another good way to save is to look for dresses on sale at the end of a season. This works best if you are planning well in advance so that you have time to search around. The only thing to be aware of is that all of the dresses may not be from the same dye lot if you buy them from different stores.
Don't forget about shopping for your bridesmaid dresses at regular stores instead of bridal shops. You might be able to find special occasion dresses for less than traditional bridesmaid dresses. If you buy them all at once, some stores will give you a discount if you open a store credit card for the purchase - sometimes as much as 20%.
Cocktail dresses are a more affordable alternative to full length gowns. They are often quite chic and stylish, so your bridesmaids will be very happy. It is really only the most formal weddings that require gowns to the floor. For most weddings, knee length or tea length dresses will be perfect.
Of course, you can also look for bridesmaid gowns at the large national bridal chains. You are likely to find excellent prices at those types of stores. However, the quality of the dresses can vary widely. Some may be well-constructed from nice fabric, but many others will be cheaply made. Be sure to look the dresses over carefully in the store,or check the return policy if ordering online in case you are disappointed with the quality.
If you have shopped around, and just cannot find a bridesmaid dress that is a bargain, you may want to consider how you can soften the financial blow to your attendants. Some brides will decide to purchase the dresses instead of asking their bridesmaids to shoulder the cost. Others may still expect their attendants to buy their own dresses, but will help them out in other ways.
For instance, some brides will give their attendants all of their accessories as bridesmaid gifts. The cost of shoes, a handbag, fabulous jewelry, and a wrap can add up very quickly. It is the thoughtful bride who gives her friends bridesmaid gifts that are not only beautiful, but useful as well. Special jewelry can also be personalized to make it even more unique.
Every bride wants her bridesmaids to look fantastic for the wedding. The dresses are typically very expensive, but there are ways to save money on them. With some smart shopping, it is possible to find bridesmaid dresses that are both attractive and affordable. |
