Bridesmaid etiquette?

Jeamharris

How much would be considered a reasonable price for their dresses?
What if they are different sizes and shapes, what can I do to not make anyone stick out like a sore thumb during the ceremony?
Do most bridesmaids tend to go for long gowns or short dresses?

[Deleted User]

There's no right answer, everyone's "reasonable" price for a BM dress will vary. What you do is ask each of your BMs, privately, what they're comfortable spending on their dress. You go with the lowest number. If you want to avoid any sort of drama you could have the BMs pick their own dresses with some requirements (ex. black, chiffon, short.) If you want the BMs to have specific hairstyles, makeup, shoes or jewelry then you have to pay for it. All they're responsible for is the dress and alterations.

6fsn

Agreed with pps.  Privately ask them what they were thinking to spend.  Just from experience I'd say anything in the $75 to 100 range is going to be safe.  You can also just give them a color and fabric/length.

The length of the gown is usually determined by the wedding.  A Saturday in the park would be a less formal dress than a Saturday night country club affair.

tawillers

Ditto others, but also wanted to add that it's nice to see a bride finding this info out before the dress selection takes place.

It's a nice change from the brides that come to us crying because 3 of her 7 BMs can't afford the dress and haven't ordered it yet and the wedding is in October and it'll NEVER be in on time!!!11!

fmbyo

It's great you're more concerned with their finances than with your ZOMGZPERFECTWEDDINGZ!

Your BMs are lucky.

makemom

Ideally, you find this out when you are asking them to be a bridesmaid. If you think you're going to want expensive dresses, best to let potential bridesmaids know this when they are deciding if they can afford to be in the wedding.

I'm happy I'm seeing a trend toward shorter dresses, with brides giving more leeway to the bridesmaids.

Redheadbride2be18

when my best friend got married, I paid around $350 for a long slightly bussled braidsmiads gown, thats without alterations.

    For my wedding I stuck around the $150 mark.  One of my bridesmaid/friend, that I have known for about 2 years now, she stated she was expecting atleast $100 for a bridesmaid dress.  not including the alterations.

kenschm

I agree with everyone about discussing it with each girl. I've been in 3 weddings so far with prices ranging from $120-170 for each. Of the 3, only one of the brides asked if I was comfortable with the price and dress selection and none paid for the dress, shoes, accessories, etc. Everyone has their own financial situation and is at a different place in their life and I think it's appreciated by those in the wedding when the bride and groom take that into consideration. Hope that helps!