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kiwi0685
member
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.
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?
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/
[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>
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[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]
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</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>
[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>
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.
[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?
I would just give the girls a color and let them find their own sundresses.
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 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.
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.
Either way i love the boots idea. and i hope it works out for you. good luck
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.
[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>
[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.
[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>
[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" />
[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.
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.