7/17/2007

Secret Time...


OK Ladies, here is one of the biggest secrets in this wedding industry and probably the last thing some of you will want to hear. Bridesmaid dress companies are THE biggest rip off this side of theknot's "store". I'm serious girls, hear me out. These companies get away with manufacturing the worst quality clothing at horrific prices. And the reason the get away with it is because of brides who like the color selection they provide. This is a terribly old fashioned idea, pre-internet where you couldn't browse through 100's of dresses from home. Do yourself a huge favor. If you are having a warm weather wedding, look online now for dresses from your favorite retailers. They are all on sale and you will do your girls a huge favor. They can get a designer dress, of your choice (color, style, the whole thing...) that they can alter just as well as a regular bridesmaid dress, save some money and YOU will look better for having a chic wedding when you tell people "Oh, they are all Marc Jacobs". Trust me on this one girls! All the dresses listed here cost less than a standard BM dress and they are all from Neimans.
top to bottom left to right
Milly Cherry print on sale for $210.00
Nanette Lepore Strapless on sale for $156.00 (I heart this one so!)
Ya Ya Alfalo on sale for $231.00
Kay Unger on sale for $258.00

8 comments:

Sarah Gemba said...

Seriously, one the best tips I've ever read. If I were having traditional bridesmaids, there's no WAY I would do traditional BM gowns with so many other fabolous dresses out there for even less! Not to mention doing your friends the favor of giving them an opportunity to buy a dress they will REALLY wear again...

The secret's out!

SocialDesign said...

To be fair, I just want to let you all know that I did fall into the trap when I was getting married and went the traditional route. They looked beautiful, but I do regret it and hope you all won't make the same mistake!

Sarah Gemba said...

Your BMs looked fabulous, Amanda!

Abby said...

I wish i had read this like a week ago :P My first girl just put a deposit on her dress. We found fairly inexpensive and hopefully not too cheap ones but it is a great tip. :)

Anonymous said...

You guys absolutely rock. SUCH great ideas, all the time. Keep 'em coming!

Laura said...

This is a great tip and one that I will certainly look into, but I do have to say that I don't think the dresses you posted here (especially the minidresses) would pass for bridesmaid dresses. They look more like sundresses and are too casual for a wedding.

I am LOVING your blog however so please don't take the feedback personally!

SocialDesign said...

no worries!
please remember there are no rules for weddings. There is no level of formality you have to stick to. Bridesmaids can wear anything these days!

Anonymous said...

I so agree! I just found some awesome silk dresses at Loehmann's for my 2 BM. $40 each! And if they need alterations, they'll still be cheaper than a "bridesmaid" dress...

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