How much were your bridesmaid dresses? (long, mini-vent)

Original post by Terrier412

Nov 17, 2002 10:43 PM

I'm just trying to see if I'm being unreasonable.....

My bridesmaid dresses are $178 (Dessy, #1935) plus alterations (which will, at the most, be about $20, and the bridal shop told me some girls may not even need it....)

I told the girls they can buy any dyable shoes they want (Payless/ Parade of Shoes would be fine). That's it in terms of the attire.

Yesterday, one of them was FREAKING out because her dress size is more money (because it's a size 24). In the end, she was basically freaking out over $15 bucks! She WASN'T upset because she thought it was unfair that she had to pay more for a bigger size -- it was the $15 dollars!!!!!!

Then she proceeded to order the smaller size!!!!!! (The size 22 is $20 more, the size 24 is $35 more). The bridal shop owner said 'I'll order whatever you want -- but don't come to me when it doesn't fit.'

So at this point I finally pipe in that I think she should order the bigger size -- the size that fits. After much discussion, examination of the dress, my friend saying 'But I don't know, it's $15 more!' at least 10 times, and the bridal shop owner showing her how there is NO room to take out the dress, my friend finally relented and ordered the bigger size.

Anyway, I kinda thought it was petty. I mean, when I asked them to be bridesmaids, I told all of them that I realized it was a huge expense, and that I'd understand if they said no. I also told them that I was only looking at dresses under $200.

I'm not mad at her or anything. I'm just curious what you gals thought about this, and what you were having your bridal party spend on their dresses.

Teri Posted: Nov 18, 2002 01:53 PM

Re: How much were your bridesmaid dresses? (long, mini-vent)

My dresses were about $200 with alterations. More than I wanted them to spend but it's hard to find dresses for less than that.

Maybe your BM was more upset about the fact that she had to pay extra for the bigger size? Not that it's your fault in the LEAST bit, but it does irk me too that manufacturers charge for because of the size - you don't pay more at regular clothing stores for bigger sizes! It's just one more way the industry makes it's money.....maybe that was the case, but either way, she shouldn't have acted that way.

Thrilled Posted: Nov 18, 2002 02:12 PM

Re: How much were your bridesmaid dresses? (long, mini-vent)

Mine are paying $220 not including alterations. Two of my bridemaids are over 5'9 and had to pay $20 for extra length and I did not hear a peep from either one. Now may be a good time to sit your friend down and make sure she fully understands all the costs inherent in being a BM. I can almost guarantee you this won't be the last time you hear from her on a $$ issue.

mv1003 Posted: Nov 18, 2002 03:10 PM

Re: How much were your bridesmaid dresses? (long, mini-vent)

I havne't picked out my BM dresses yet, but am looking in that price range. All of my girls are traveling having to pay air/hotel etc.. so, I'm trying to keep the cost of the dress reasonable for them. I really believe it wasn't the $15 extra bucks, but the fact is was a size 24. She wanted to order the smaller size, right? Maybe you should just talk to her and make sure it's not a financial burden? If she doesn't, just question about the size and see if she would like to try to get into a smaller one? I know a girl who gained so much weight for our friends wedding, her dress had to have material added to it. I'm sorry to hear this... I think the last thing a bride to be needs is extra stress from her bridesmaids. These are the ones who are suppose to do anything and make the whole planning expierence easier for you.

berlykim22 Posted: Nov 18, 2002 03:37 PM

Re: How much were your bridesmaid dresses? (long, mini-vent)

well, I have spent many a pretty penny on some bridesmaids dresses myself. the last was insane I cant even bring myself to mention.

So I decided to go with netbride.com, espeically after seeing other from this site have use them.

We picked a jim hjelm dress which was $240 without tax in stores and $158 on netbride with tax and delivery.

I will be getting dresses in Jan, and will post how it all went.

alter will be more, but I dont imagine more then $50

tarakinspa Posted: Nov 18, 2002 05:06 PM

Re: How much were your bridesmaid dresses? (long, mini-vent)

I think she is being ridiculous personally but I can relate because I can picture my friends doing something silly like that, maybe curly is right, just give her the 15$ bucks.

You are right in the average rice range as far as dresses btw, I looked into it. Mine are $140 and I dont think that is unreasonable either, sorry to hear she is making you stress over this, some people forget about others feelings when it comes to stuff like this, maybe she just needs a reminder how it is making you feel, talk to her.

SeptemberBride03 Posted: Nov 18, 2002 05:24 PM

Re: How much were your bridesmaid dresses? (long, mini-vent)

I got a deal through a family friend for $110 a piece - most of my BM were thrilled!! But, of course there is always one that complains. . . Its all okay now though. But, now I don't feel bad about them buying shoes and getting there hair done. I'll pay for their manicures and get them gifts. The dress is attached (I hope) - the color I ordered is midnight (dark navy).

146734_1.jpg

jpsgirl Posted: Nov 18, 2002 08:03 PM

Re: How much were your bridesmaid dresses? (long, mini-vent)

I know I'm nuts, but my dresses were plain black halter style on the top with a sweep train - I got them on line for $45 each, and the alterations cost about $35 each, and that way they were all able to wear plain black shoes!