BM dresses $

Marissa09Bride Posted: Jan 15, 2008 09:45 AM

BM dresses $

How much is too much to ask someone to spend on a BM dress? I've been a BM twice, in my brothers' weddings and my parents paid for my dresses so I don't have any personal experience to go on. I have 4 BMs, none of which are wealthy, but none of which are struggling. My mom is going to pay for my shower, so that's one less expense for them. I was originally thinking of keeping it around 200, but I don't know how realistic that is with the dresses I like (ie. Jim Hjelm). I don't want to put people out, but I also don't want to skimp on the BM dresses. Thoughts?

ellyoxox Posted: Jan 15, 2008 09:49 AM

Re: BM dresses $

i would say anything up to $200 is pretty reasonable, but keep in mind that they will have to pay for alterations too.

nicopico13 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 09:50 AM

Re: BM dresses $

I think $200 is fair. I was just in my friends wedding and her BM dresses ended up being close to $300 and I felt that was a little much because I am never going to wear the dress again!

Im a Pepper Posted: Jan 15, 2008 09:52 AM

Re: BM dresses $

that's a really great question. I was wondering the same thing, except my girls really don't have much money at all. In fact, two are still in school and not working. I'm so afraid to put them out!

Nelle5757 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 10:18 AM

Re: BM dresses $

Also, remember that some places may give you a discount depending on the number of bridesmaids you have &/or if you buy your dress there. I am trying to keep the cost of the dress to $250 max. I am also going to tell them not to order 3 sizes too big, because alterations can get obnoxious.

kabo0831 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 10:28 AM

Re: BM dresses $

i want my BMs to spend under 160

Im a Pepper Posted: Jan 15, 2008 10:29 AM

Re: BM dresses $

Posted by kabo0831

i want my BMs to spend under 160

is that doable with alterations and everything? b/c that seems like a fair amount.

PoppedInASnap Posted: Jan 15, 2008 12:02 PM

Re: BM dresses $

I wanted to stick to 150 because of alterations shoes etc....

GT143EA Posted: Jan 15, 2008 12:39 PM

Re: BM dresses $

The dress I want my girls to wear is $175. I think anything under $200 is reasonable.

Marissa09Bride Posted: Jan 15, 2008 02:07 PM

Re: BM dresses $

I was thinking that if there's a BM dress I love, but is expensive I could pay the difference if it goes over $200.

Im a Pepper Posted: Jan 15, 2008 02:09 PM

Re: BM dresses $

Posted by mpasquar81

I was thinking that if there's a BM dress I love, but is expensive I could pay the difference if it goes over $200.

that's a great idea... guarantees that you get what you want and they don't have to spend an arm and a leg!!

i haven't even asked my girls what they're willing to spend. do you guys think it's a good idea to ask them outright individually how much they can afford on the dress and alterations or is there a more tactful way of finding out? i don't want to offend my closest friends!!!!! lol

AugustBridein09 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 02:21 PM

Re: BM dresses $

I was in a wedding see the 'post your you as a bridesmaid' post and the Brida actually paid half of our dresses so it was $160 for our dresses......I paid $80 and she paid $80.....I thought this was a really nice gesture......but I wouldn't have mind paying like $200 to $250 for a dress.

Jumbles Posted: Jan 15, 2008 02:30 PM

Re: BM dresses $

sorry to crash but my BM's paid 140 w/ alterations , i didnt want them to pay alot since they were chipping in for my shower and bachalorette party and paying for hair and makeup

bluegreen08 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 02:48 PM

Re: BM dresses $

my BMs are either students (college or grad school) or new teachers so nobody has tons of $$. I wanted to keep costs below $200 (or lower if possible!) and luckily Lillette's gave us a great price + an add'l 10% off since I got my dress there. They came out to $160 + tax and alterations (there is an alterations cap). My girls didn't seem to have a problem with that.

I think paying the extra over a certain price point is the best way to get what you want without overburdening your girls.

yngcpl92203 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 04:03 PM

Re: BM dresses $

I am the maid of honor in my sisters wedding may 08. the dresses are beautiful and cost us each $187. i think it was definately reasonable as did the other 5 bm,

MrsDtoBe09 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 04:05 PM

Re: BM dresses $

I really love a lot of Jim Hjelm dresses and I think they're over the $200 mark so I guess I'd try to look around for the best deal. Overall though, I dont mind making my girls spend a little money because I either did it or will do the same for them!

little34 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 04:29 PM

Re: BM dresses $

I would say under $200....I am letting my BMs choose what dress they want from the designer I want. The only criteria is it has to be black and it has to be the same fabric.....other than that they can go wild...I don't want them to all be in the same dress.

Although if everyone fell in love with one dress and it was over and they couldn't afford it I would help pay....I am only having my MOH and 2 BM's so that is do-able for me to help if necessary.

TnJ041809 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 04:36 PM

Re: BM dresses $

I have n idea i'd love to stop at 150 but i'd also like everyone 2 have nice dresses so i have no idea.

KristiAnn923 Posted: Jan 15, 2008 07:46 PM

Re: BM dresses $

Posted by mpasquar81

How much is too much to ask someone to spend on a BM dress? I've been a BM twice, in my brothers' weddings and my parents paid for my dresses so I don't have any personal experience to go on. I have 4 BMs, none of which are wealthy, but none of which are struggling. My mom is going to pay for my shower, so that's one less expense for them. I was originally thinking of keeping it around 200, but I don't know how realistic that is with the dresses I like (ie. Jim Hjelm). I don't want to put people out, but I also don't want to skimp on the BM dresses. Thoughts?

I have been in a few weddings and have paid as little as $110 and as much as $300. The dresses I have picked out are about $220 and I think that is fair. I am having a very formal wedding so I had to go with gowns and I didn't want to skimp out either.