Where can I find cheap, modest bridesmaid dresses?

Question

I'm getting married in November, and I'm on a tight budget, but I don't believe in making bridesmaids buy their dresses. I don't think it's fair for me to ask them to spend money for my wedding! I'm aiming to spend $50 or less on dresses, but all of my bridesmaids are LDS, so they need to be modest, (sleeves, at least knee-length, no plunging necklines) too. The color I'm looking for is royal blue. Does anyone have suggestions? I've looked all over the place and it's so hard to find cute, modest dresses in the right color for a good price! I must have checked over 20 different places already. Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

In a case like this, think outside the bridalwear box.

One option you have is separates. Many places will have ball skirts or shells available. JcPenney, Nordstrom Rack, and other department stores will usually have clearances.

Another option you have is maybe a trade of services. Do you know anybody who is a seamstress? If you did, you could swap services. It could be anything-gardening, bringing a hot meal once a week, watching the house while on vacation, painting, you name it. The one main expense would be anything related to that, as well as buying fabric for the dresses. To some it may sound tacky, but I think it's a good way for you to get the dresses made and to help out a neighbour as well.

An option that won't exactly be the royal blue but would be a very striking look for the BM's would be to have a black long or half-sleeved button-down shirt with a ball skirt like I mentioned, and then a cummerbund or sash. It is a very Carolina Herrera-inspired look and while it doesn't scream bridesmaid, pieces of it can be reused.

Answer 2

Think outside the bridal box. Hit department store clearance racks. Try TJ Maxx/Marshals type places.

As a last resort find a seamstress and have the dresses made.

Answer 3

what type of dress are you looking for because im about to bombard you with what i like which is a cross between reniacance and gothic LOL so what style you going for something like prom. renicance themed like the 50's LMAO give me somthing to go by....

its sort of plain but....

http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp...

this one has no sleeves but with a nice wrap...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Royal-Blue-Bridesmai...

any chance you can buy the fabric and get a seamstress? if i ever get married again im going renicaince LOL

http://cgi.ebay.com/Simplicity-Renaissan...

Answer 4

I would try looking at Target.com. They have lots of bridesmaid dresses for a very good price:

http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_fe_l_1_16...

Answer 5

I found a few good places for you online. I know it is scary to order online, but if you measure right, then finding a dress online is pretty worth it!!! i found a few dresses with a  good price for you...I HOPE THIS HELPS!!!!

http://www.beautifullymodest.com/store/s...

you may also try looking at mother of the bride dresses. it just depends on how formal your wedding is going to be. if it is informal, then the dress options at department store be the best option for you. Good Luck!!!!

Answer 6

http://www.amazon.com/V-neck-dress-plus-...

http://www.amazon.com/Knit-surplice-dres...

what about suit jacket and skirt sets?

Answer 7

Maybe JcPenny.  I found a gorgeous gown when I was the MOH at my sisters wedding.  It was on sale because it was after prom.  Places like Target.  Macy's when they have sales! Sears.

Good Luck!

Answer 8

I would try to check Body Central. They have really cute dresses and thats where i got my bridesmaids dresses... After spending 1 hr. on the phone with a woman from David's Bridal...i found almost the EXACT dress for $100 cheaper!

Answer 9

Go to your local fabric store (or www.sewingpatterns.com) and then get your local seamstress to make the dresses. That way they will cost less and be the exact style you need.

Good luck!

Answer 10

T.J Maxx or Marshalls

Answer 11

I'm LDS and getting married next month.  I had a hard time and the ones with sewn on sleeves are kinda tacky, in my opinion.    I went to Ann Taylor and bought the "celebration" collection bridesmaid dresses, but I got the ones on clearance so they ended up only being about $40 each.  THey are sleeveless, but I just had the girls buy/borrow a brown sweater/shrug to wear over it if they wanted to make it modest.  They all seem to like it and the dresses were way more stylish.

Answer 12

Find the fabric you like at the fabric store, and give them all about 6 yards or so and let them make their own dress. The dresses might all be from different patterns, but the fabric is the same in all of them. Either they can sew them or find someone else to make them. Be a hhhhhheck of a lot cheaper than buying them.

Answer 13

Don't look for bridesmaids dresses as such. The current styles are such that you're lucky to get straps.

$50 is less than you'd normally pay for a day dress, formal dresses last a long time, especially with the style you're looking for. Instead of going for that small an amount either let them pick their own, or have them all OK the dress, to make sure that it will get later use. (Although my sister said ok to the dress, and now says that she doesn't think she'll wear it again, which bugs me, because she never outright said I should get a different dress).