A few questions for you!

Re: A few questions for you!

• emilykathleen511

  

  January 2010

  In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-party_questions-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:37Discussion:d7dba829-6ee9-4ef8-b117-b9123da451e5Post:37abc931-89a7-4491-b493-c78495bc7f43">A few questions for you!</a>:
  [QUOTE]Hi ladies! I have a few (possibly repetitive) questions for you! I have 6 BM - all shapes and sizes so am planning on letting them pick whichever dress they like from B2 in the color "Bahama Breeze". Do you think it will matter if they are different fabrics? Or some are short and some are long? I was just going to tell them to pick whatever they like but was told by the saleswoman that I should limit those choices... Opinions appreciated! Also as far as dress budget - I really do not want to put anybody out, I am not 100% sure of their budgets but they seem to have a range of prices, starting at about $100.00 or so. I guess finding out everyone's limits feels awkward to me (I am not one for talking about money!) and we are willing to help out if someone cannot afford it... Has anyone brought this up? Is there a good way to? I actually must go to bed now but will check back tomorrow! TIA
  Posted by therickson[/QUOTE]
  
  I think it is wonderful to be flexible! I definitely think different fabrics is fine. Dress length I would say would be better to limit a bit just to give the wedding a more unified look, but it's totally up to you. It's great that you are being flexible! I would just ask each girl individually about her dress budget, and if only one or two girls are in a lower range than these dresses run, I would just tell them (individually) that you really like these dresses and it would mean a lot if you could cover the difference for them. If they don't feel comfortable with that, then just choose less expensive dresses (I know department stores tend to have dresses for less than the bridal boutiques).

  
  
  

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• SarahPLiz member

  

  January 2010

  1- Have the talk about the budget, individually, with each BM. Just ask her what price range she is comfortable with, and then choose a designer in that price range. Remember that there may be alterations cost, and other costs associated with the day, so just because they say the limit is $200 doesn't mean you should pick a $200 dress.
  
  2- Being open to all different styles with the same color is wonderful. I much prefer to see BMs comfortable in what they are wearing, with a little personal style, than Stepford-style. Different fabrics is totally fine. The saleswoman just expressed her opinion, but feel free to have your own opinion, as this is your wedding, not hers.
  
  I imagine if you are this flexible that you will also let them pick their own shoes. THis would be great to mention in the budget talk, because they may already have a suitable pair.

  
  

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• emilyinchile member

  

  January 2010

  I think the fabric and length choices are up to you. It will look a bit more uniform to have them all in a similar length, and even more uniform to have the same fabric. But if you don't care about uniformity, then there's no reason to do that just because some saleslady told you to.
  
  I know the money conversation can seem awkward, but it really doesn't have to be. I think even an e-mail to each saying "I'm conscious that I'm asking you to buy a dress, so please let me know how much you're willing to spend so that I can make sure to find something that works with your budget" is fine. If someone responds with a number below the prices you're looking at, then you can have the conversation Emily suggested.
  

  

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• mbcdefg member

  

  January 2010

  1. Different lengths/fabrics are entirely up to you. I took a somewhat similar approach and gave my two BMs a choice between three dresses, but they were in the same color, fabric and length. That was a personal preference of mine. Plus I think your saleswoman has a point about limiting the choices, just because I think that narrowing it down might make it easier on you. But if you want to give them more free reign, that's totally fine (I think this works best if you're the type who will approve whatever they like ... if you think you'll be more picky and might reject their choices, then I think narrowing it down by fabric and length is a better idea, so that you don't keep sending them back to look for something else).
  
  2. I just e-mailed each BM and said, "Please tell me what you can afford on a dress." I got lucky and they both e-mailed me back with the same price quote. So I only looked for dresses under that amount. Also keeping in mind that they would need alterations and that they also might be buying other stuff if they decided they needed it (new shoes, undergarments and hose, jewelry, etc.), plus they said they wanted pro hair and makeup done so I tried to stay enough under their budgets so that they'd have money left over for that.
  
  I would call or e-mail each girl and ask what her budget is. If they're under the price of these dresses that you like, I'd reply with, "I sort of have my eye on a certain designer. How would you feel about trying a sample on? If all of you girls like it, then I will contribute the rest of the cash if it falls over your desired budget."

  

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