Wedding Party

bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots

I never thought that the one detail that would stress me out the most would be the bridesmaid dresses. I have four girls, four different body types, and four very different personalities. So finding not only a dress to flatter each of their physiques, but something that goes along with cowboy boots, has been quite difficult. Any suggestions for dress shops would be SUPER helpful! We've already been to David's Bridal and will be going to Alfred Angelo's this weekend. But I'm also looking for something a wee bit more casual than formal. Thanks in advance for your time and suggestions! :)
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Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots

  • I don't think there are many on this page who are fans of cowboy boots at a wedding. They are too informal, and unless you are wearing a sundress instead of a wedding dress, then they are not appropriate. Also, just keep in mind that if you dictate footwear, you also need to be paying for them. Good boots are expensive, and cheap boots hurt.

    If you are looking for casual sun dresses, then check out department stores including Macy's, Dillards, and Nordstrom. They may have nore what you are looking for.

    This issue comes up a lot on the Attire and Accessories page. I'd try searching there to see what others have posted.

    "There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness." -Friedrich Nietzsche, "On Reading and Writing"
  • itzMSitzMS member
    First Answer First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Comment
    Ditto MSU.

    I hate cowboy boots for weddings. I feel like this is one of those things we'll all look back on in 20 years and say oh gawd why...kind of like the poofy-sleeved bridesmaids dresses of the 80s and 90s.

    A cute flat with a knee-length chiffon or cotton dress is just as "casual", and so much more classic.

    What color dresses do you want?
  • It is definitely a pain to find a dress that will go with cowboy boots. I think that a dress with lace or more of a sundress type would go with cowboy boots better than anything formal. I know I don't want my bridesmaids in a really formal dress because we are having an outside wedding at a park. 

    Here are some ideas of dresses with cowboy boots for you though:

    http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258111144385/

    http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258110969237/

    http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258110969210/

    http://pinterest.com/pin/403846291555462851/

    http://pinterest.com/pin/403846291555469900/
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:02a1a07c-8660-4492-b5dd-7fba74f6f3c8">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]The reason you are having a hard time is because cowboy boots are work shoes and BM dresses are generally for formal affairs.  They aren't designed to be worn together. Why not just pick a color and let them each get a dress that they like?
    Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]
    This. <div>
    </div><div>
    </div>
    What did you think would happen if you walked up to a group of internet strangers and told them to get shoehorned by their lady doc?~StageManager14
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  • itzMSStageManager14: The wedding itself is going to be more casual than formal. It's an outdoor, country wedding out at a bed & breakfast that has a 100+ year old barn on the property. Hence the cowboy boots. I've seen a lot of pictures from other weddings of girls in short to tea-length stresses sporting boots and they all looked super cute! I guess it's a Texas thing. If you don't live here, then you don't really get it.

    @itzMS: I've been trying to search for cotton dresses but I haven't found many stores that carry them other than David's Bridal. Color isn't really the problem. I have four different body types I'm working with. I'm not necessarily looking for the same dress for each girl. Just ones that will compliment eachother as well as the girls wearing them.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:57048fab-a448-4e0c-9b68-0af5798d7241">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]It is definitely a pain to find a dress that will go with cowboy boots. I think that a dress with lace or more of a sundress type would go with cowboy boots better than anything formal. I know I don't want my bridesmaids in a really formal dress because we are having an outside wedding at a park.  Here are some ideas of dresses with cowboy boots for you though: <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258111144385/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258111144385/</a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258110969237/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258110969237/</a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258110969210/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/pin/52706258110969210/</a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/403846291555462851/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/pin/403846291555462851/</a> <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/403846291555469900/" rel="nofollow">http://pinterest.com/pin/403846291555469900/</a>
    Posted by shauntae930[/QUOTE]

    <div>
    </div><div>Thanks for the pins! I see all these cute dresses online but I can't find where they're sold locally and not super expensive.</div>
  • I lived in Texas for 13 years and never got it.  Have you tried looking for "country" dresses at department stores?
    What did you think would happen if you walked up to a group of internet strangers and told them to get shoehorned by their lady doc?~StageManager14
    image
  • If you have a Macy's near you, maybe any regualar department store, or possibly even a boutique they normally have cute dresses. They aren't super formal so they would probably be better to find the type of dresses you are looking for.
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  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:8d2c1091-82f9-4996-adda-d6700c673c2f">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]Dude, snot much?  Believe it or not, we have hick weddings here in Arkansas too. My point was that most of the dresses carried at AA or DB are going to be more traditional, and therefore most of them won't go with boots.  Hence my advice to give them a color and let them all shop at local stores for a more casual dress that fits the boots (and your mind boggling country wedding that couldn't possibly be understood outside of Texas).   But thanks for talking to me like an idiot and assuming I don't understand what a casual wedding is. You have fun planning that wedding now, shooter!
    Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

    <div>Excuse me! I posted my question in the hopes to get suggestions of stores where I could find the kind of dresses I'm looking for, since I am obviously striking out at AA and DB. What I wasn't expecting was being told repeatedly that my idea was ugly since no one here likes cowboy boots. So pardon me and my individual tastes. My earlier reply was me just shedding more light as to why I wanted boots. Not heels, not flats. So I am sorry that you took it so far out of context as to be offended. And frankly I was already considering your advice, of letting them go find dresses on their own. I was just trying the traditional route of dress shopping first, since I am actually planning all of this long distance and wanted some kind of time with my friends. </div>
  • I love cowboy boots for a wedding! I think that's a great idea!  I found my bridesmaids dresses at Lulu's and they are adorable and not that expensive, I think a lot of the dresses would be cute with cowboy boots.  http://www.lulus.com/
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  • Wheels987Wheels987 member
    5 Love Its First Comment Name Dropper First Anniversary
    edited April 2013
    Personally, I love cowboy boots. I really do. BUT they are so hard to find for certain figures. Does everyone already own their boots? I have larger calves and it's a PITA to find boots that work. I would hate it if I was "forced" to find boots--it would mean they would either not fit or I wouldn't love them. It seriously takes me forever to find boots that I love AND that fit. If they don't already have boots, please please please forgo the idea.

    Now, if they do have boots already and like the idea--let them pick their own dress with a color of your choice. I'm also having a more casual wedding, and everyone is picking a short dress in a color range of my choosing (paint chips at a hardware store!). It's been the easiest thing ever.

    EDIT: I just saw your post about wanting time with your friends. Dude. Not everyone wants to sit around and look at dresses for hours. Pick out a color then go to lunch/drink wine on couch/watch bad movies. I've never had to go dress shopping for bridesmaid dresses and I am so frickin thankful.
  • Sierra524Sierra524 member
    5 Love Its Name Dropper First Anniversary First Comment
    edited April 2013
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:c8ae7219-f206-4518-9c6a-06edbe3a9b8f">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots : Excuse me! I posted my question in the hopes to get suggestions of stores where I could find the kind of dresses I'm looking for, since I am obviously striking out at AA and DB.<strong> What I wasn't expecting was being told repeatedly that my idea was ugly since no one here likes cowboy boots.</strong> So pardon me and my individual tastes. My earlier reply was me just shedding more light as to why I wanted boots. Not heels, not flats. So I am sorry that you took it so far out of context as to be offended. And frankly I was already considering your advice, of letting them go find dresses on their own. I was just trying the traditional route of dress shopping first, since I am actually planning all of this long distance and wanted some kind of time with my friends. 
    Posted by kiwi0685[/QUOTE]

    Sorry, but when you post on a public forum, you get all different opinions. Wanted and unwanted. I am on board the no cowboy boots thing. They are not for weddings. & dont say that we dont get it because we are not from Texas. You dont have to be from Texas to have a "country" wedding. Im from PA & tons of girls have this same exact style of wedding. Its not just a Texas thing. But nonetheless, that doesnt make the cowboy boots anymore acceptable for a wedding.

    ETA: Im also curious as to if the girls already have the cowboy boots or if you are asking them to wear a specific color/style/brand?
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  • SJM7538SJM7538 member
    5 Love Its First Anniversary Name Dropper First Comment
    edited April 2013
    Ignore the opinions. Yes it's a public forum so you are going to get them but if you love the idea and your girls are on board Then i say go for it. IMO I would go with a more flowy dress with boots, maybe chiffon? I would check out J. Crew. Idk what the budgets are but they can be slightly pricey but they have a few options I think would work.
  • Do all the girls already own cowboy boots? If not, you will need to pay for them since you're requiring them.

    I would just give the girls a color and let them find their own sundresses.


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  • Do your BM's all already own a pair of cowboy boots?

    I'm not from Texas but I board a horse at a western show barn, so I know how expensive all the boots and bling can be.  And like a PP stated, I know how tricky it can be to buy a properly fitting pair of boots.

    "Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."


  • I think the only way you're going to make this work is if your BMs already own boots.    Since you really can't require that they wear boots unless you're going to be paying for them (and not as their gift) then that's a hard look to finance.

    I also echo the ladies that I'm not a fan of the look, but if you want to find dresses that work, Google the look and start to look at dress styles you like.  

  • I don't like it when brides require specific shoes, period. Shoes are super personal and a lot of people find cowboy boots uncomfortable. Please, please rethink this.
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  • I got stressed about BM dresses for like, a second.  Then I said "Aw screw it" and told my girls that they could get whatever they wanted in X length and X color.

    Ahhhhh best decision I made, other than saying "I do".
    Don't make me mobilize OffensiveKitten

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    Anniversary

  • I love the cowboy boots idea. I am a Montana girl getting married back home in Michigan. The one thing I want is to bring my country western lifestyle with me in my wedding. Go for it!!!  I think boots can go with just about any dress. It is such a common thing around these parts to wear your boots that it seems silly not too. Plus it's a great accessory that the girls will cherish and be able to wear for years down the road because boots are totally in style. I'm buying the boots for my girls as my bridesmaid gift to them. Something I hope they will love and cherish and always be reminded of me and our special day together.
  • In Response to Re:bridesmaids: dresses :[QUOTE]I love the cowboy boots idea. I am a Montana girl getting married back home in Michigan. The one thing I want is to bring my country western lifestyle with me in my wedding. Go for it!!! nbsp;I think boots can go with just about any dress. It is such a common thing around these parts to wear your boots that it seems silly not too. Plus it's a great accessory that the girls will cherish and be able to wear for years down the road because boots are totally in style. I'm buying the boots for my girls as my bridesmaid gift to them. Something I hope they will love and cherish and always be reminded of me and our special day together. Posted by annieplusmarc[/QUOTE]

    1 Giving the shoes you require they wear is NOT a gift.

    2 If the boots are so great and your friends would cherish them for years why don't they already own them? I buy the shoes I want to wear and cowboy boots aren't in my closet for a reason.
  • Your in texas, you are probably in the best place in the US to find super cute dresses that go with boots. My advice would be stop trying to make it work with "wedding" bridesmaid dresses and go to a local store that probably will be cheaper and have many more options year round that work with what you want. And your wedding is casual so you could pull off the different dresses that just go together and aren't all matchy. (i personally don't like the matchy, my ladies are wearing things that "go" that they already own)

    Either way i love the boots idea. and i hope it works out for you. good luck
  • Have you checked out Mod Cloth? They might have some cute sundresses that would work for your girls.

    Also, you haven't answered PPs, but do all of your girls have boots already? If not, you need to buy the boots if you are requiring them. And that does NOT count as your gift to them.
  • I love the cowboy boot idea my whole wedding party is wearign them even the moms and dads are gettign in on the fun. I will tell you the best dress with the boots are usually chiffon dresses they come in lots of shapes and sizes and the floaty material looks perfect with the boots. you can also try looking on the web some at different designers we are going with a Jordan dress that is pretty much all lace besides the bodice since my wedding dress is all lace. The best part of being a bride is it's your wedding some people may not see eye to eye with your invision but remember it's your day and you and yoru fiance are the directors of it so have fun worse case scenrio you can always find a seamstress to sew you some cute dresses if need be in a fabric you loce good luck and i hoep to see osme pictures of your lovel wedding. COngrats.
  • itzMSitzMS member
    First Answer First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Comment
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:d2ebcf14-aa15-4ba4-a37c-20ca936f3129">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]Have you checked out Mod Cloth? They might have some cute sundresses that would work for your girls. Also, you haven't answered PPs, but do all of your girls have boots already? If not, you need to buy the boots if you are requiring them. And that does NOT count as your gift to them.
    Posted by vonclancy[/QUOTE]

    Ditto to the Mod Cloth. In addition, Old Navy is super casual, cute, and a variety of sizes.

    Also, if someone isn't comfortable in boots, would you let them have the option of flats or sandals? It might look a little less demanding if you asked them to wear any boot, sandal, or flat in brown (or whatever your color choice would be).

    <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=15292&kwid=1&sem=false" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=15292&kwid=1&sem=false</a>
  • Thank you everyone for all the feedback! :)  

    I do realize that everyone has different tastes. And when I said that cowboy boots "must be a Texas thing", I was not implying that no other states wear boots or get the whole "country" affair. I've lived all over the US and travelled my whole life. In MY experience, I've seen more people wearing boots in Texas, than I have most other places I have been to. So again, nothing I said was meant to intentionally insult you or where you're from. 

    That being said, I see that the majority opinion is to check out department stores for sun dresses, ect, and to let the girls shop on their own. That is something I was considering so I am glad to have that option reinforced. The other reason I'm having a hard time with the dresses is because two of the girls have fuller figures and most places don't always have their size. I want them to be comfortable and not put into something just because I picked it.

    To answer the question about my BM's owning boots. Two of them do, the other two do not. I was planning to get a new pair for the wedding so I was going to loan the other pair I have to any of the girls who wish to use them. My MOH has two pairs so she was going to do the same. And when I'm talking about the boots, I'm not asking anyone to go and spend $100+ just for shoes. I've seen boots just as cute at Target or Payless. I am a budget bride so I'm not asking anyone to spend anything unrealistic. 


  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:725148cc-9b8a-451f-a607-4c7124f9f544">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]To answer the question about my BM's owning boots. Two of them do, the other two do not. I was planning to get a new pair for the wedding so I was going to loan the other pair I have to any of the girls who wish to use them. My MOH has two pairs so she was going to do the same. And when I'm talking about the boots, I'm not asking anyone to go and spend $100+ just for shoes. I've seen boots just as cute at Target or Payless. I am a budget bride so I'm not asking anyone to spend anything unrealistic. 
    Posted by kiwi0685[/QUOTE]

    While that's good, anything outside the dress that is required should be paid for by you - that includes professionally done hair and make-up, jewelry, accessories, shoes, and nails. Even if it's just cute target or payless boots that are cheap. So just try to budget an extra $40 into your budget for the cheap target shoes and get them for the girls if the borrowed pairs don't work.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:c181113a-60c9-462e-a6a1-88fa12a77d8b">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots : While that's good, anything outside the dress that is required should be paid for by you - that includes professionally done hair and make-up, jewelry, accessories, shoes, and nails. Even if it's just cute target or payless boots that are cheap. So just try to budget an extra $40 into your budget for the cheap target shoes and get them for the girls if the borrowed pairs don't work.
    Posted by vonclancy[/QUOTE]

    <div>Good point. Sears has boots that look like but obviously aren't <em>real</em> cowboy boots.</div><div>
    </div><div><a href="http://www.sears.com/bongo-women-s-fashion-boot-faith-cognac/p-054VA53925912P?selectedFilters=Style|Western%20boots&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4" rel="nofollow">http://www.sears.com/bongo-women-s-fashion-boot-faith-cognac/p-054VA53925912P?selectedFilters=Style|Western%20boots&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4</a></div>
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  • itzMSitzMS member
    First Answer First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Comment
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:c181113a-60c9-462e-a6a1-88fa12a77d8b">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots : While that's good, anything outside the dress that is required should be paid for by you - that includes professionally done hair and make-up, jewelry, accessories, shoes, and nails. Even if it's just cute target or payless boots that are cheap. So just try to budget an extra $40 into your budget for the cheap target shoes and get them for the girls if the borrowed pairs don't work.
    Posted by vonclancy[/QUOTE]

    Agreed.

    Though given the fact two of them don't even OWN boots it means they may not like them. Personally, I wouldn't be caught dead borrowing someone else's boots or shoes. Eeew other people's sweaty feet! Gross, not my thing. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-wink.gif" border="0" alt="Wink" title="Wink" />
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_bridesmaids-dresses-cowboy-boots?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:37Discussion:7f588d83-cf90-4217-b2fd-0b09c9d4826bPost:53e5ed39-b508-4045-a03e-fae392341ba8">Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: bridesmaids: dresses & cowboy boots : Agreed. Though given the fact two of them don't even OWN boots it means they may not like them. Personally, I wouldn't be caught dead borrowing someone else's boots or shoes. Eeew other people's sweaty feet! Gross, not my thing.
    Posted by itzMS[/QUOTE]

    Same here. And again. Boots fit differently. Personally, if I wore a pair of boots I wasn't used to, my feet would kill me at the end of the day. Wait, who am I kidding here... I would take them off immediately after pictures.
  • I don't know. It is HIGHLY unlikey that someone else's boots are going to fit them perfectly to the point they will be comfortable wearing them ALL day and night. And the absolute worst thing is to have to stand around in shoes that kill your feet and cause blisters. I have been there.

    If I were requiring my BMs to wear cowboy boots, I would offer to take each of them shopping to Target or Payless, have them try on different boots to find a pair that THEY are comfortable in, and then I would go up front to the register and pay for them, because I am requiring the footwear and I should pay. I should also want my BMs to be absolutey 100% comfortable in the shoes they are wearing, which is not likely to happen just borrowing boots from another person who has already worn them likely quite a few times.


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