My younger sister and I are both in the bridesmaid boat. She's participating in a high school friend's wedding and came up to Rhinebeck from New York City for the bridesmaids' dress fitting. Then she stopped at my house for a cup of tea and a good cry. She had just paid $200 for a dress that she knew she would never wear again.We all know that fashion faux pas can happen at weddings. I have a bad 80's number (from last year, not the 80's - natch) hiding in the back of my closet that set me back almost $300. My heart skipped a beat when the saleswoman at the bridal shop told me my total, but with the beaming bride standing next to me I set my debit card down and beamed right along. Luckily my sister was able to hold back her tears this week as well.
Because it's your wedding day, you have every right to decide how you want your ladies-in-waiting to look. And your bridesmaids will likely love you, no matter the style of the dress. But, remember, it's your big day - not theirs. So while you might be willing to pay a pretty penny for your dress, your gal pals may not be able to rise to the same ticket price.
Have a pow-wow with your ladies, or just your Maid of Honor, and get an idea of how much everyone in your bridal party is able to afford. After all, they did accept the honor of being in your wedding - and there is an associated expense with that honor.
Some ladies are willing to plunk down $500+ on a dress that will look killer at your wedding, while others might be more inclined to pay $100 for a dress that will ensure that you are the shining star of the party.
Not comfortable having that conversation with six of your nearest and dearest? Maybe you have your heart set on some designer bridesmaid dresses, but know that your gals will only be able to afford knock-offs. Instead of the sticky financial conversation, or doing dress research, "hire" a personal assistant. That's what your Maid of Honor is for!
That's what you will find me doing in my down-time these days. I've been digging through the internet for some hot bridesmaids dresses, and then digging up similar patterns at the craft store. One of the joys of working with a DIY bride is that she has an army of crafty people supporting her (it runs in her family apparently). With a modest budget we're hoping that each bridesmaid will have handmade dress that she will cherish for years after the big day!
So don't be afraid to look around, scout out some options, and find styles that work for you and your friends' budgets!
Jen Kiaba is a photographer and burgeoning crafter who lives in Rhinebeck, NY with her lovely boyfriend, two crazy cats and an adorable basset hound. When her hands aren't covered in tacky glue, she specializes in taking romantic portraits of happy couples in the Hudson Valley!