Bridesmaid dresses - NOTHING suitable?

[kaykayblue]

I would be really grateful for any advice on where people are getting their bridesmaid dresses from, and view points on some issues I'm worrying about.

At first I was just having one bridesmaid, and I told her she could wear whatever the hell she wanted, provided it was one of three colours. Then I got a second bridesmaid, and I said the same to her, but to let me know before either of them bought anything so I could check they wouldn't clash hideously. I am paying for the dresses, so would like to spend under £100 if at all possible. That doesn't seem to be possible though...

Is this an insane approach? I keep seeing online how the dresses need to have something that pulls them together. I was thinking "maybe same hairstyle" but one girl has chin length hair and the other, waist length.

As an added complication, my fiancé's younger sister has indicated she would like to wear something similar to the bridal party, so can she have an idea of what she should wear. I am happy for her to be a bridesmaid even, except I don't want to have to pay for a third dress, and I can't advise her what to wear as I have no fucking clue!

When I only had one bridesmaid I was happy for her to have something really spectacular, but now there are two, I can't afford to spend £200 on each dress.

Any advice HUGELY appreciated. I'm getting more and more stressed about it!

[kaykayblue]

Just knowing where people are getting their bridesmaid dresses from would be very helpful?

:(

[OwlCapone]

I think you need to all go out together and choose.

[ThinkIveBeenHacked]

£100 is a totally acceptable budget - is it you or them who cant see anything under £200?

Maybe stay away from "official" BM suppliers and look at Monsoon, Coast and Phase Eight?

If they agree, get them in the same dress as it will look neater in the photos. Another thing is to say "both of you in pale blue please"

[MrsLettuce]

No idea what colour you're after but this is a lovely dress, this too

BHS do a range of official 'bridesmaids dresses' and have at least a couple of styles in most colours. Here.

[dietcokes88]

could something like these be an option - they're in your price range:
m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/au/Elise-Ryan/Elise-Ryan-Bandeau-Midi-Prom-Dress-with-Cornelli-Bodice/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4436069&cid=8799&Rf981=3680,3679&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Cobalt&un_jtt_v_frompage=1

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/au/TFNC/TFNC-One-Shoulder-Maxi-Dress-With-Embellished-Waist-Pleated-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4203183&cid=8799&Rf981=3680,3679&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Silvergrey&un_jtt_v_frompage=1

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/au/TFNC/TFNC-Bandeau-Maxi-Dress-With-Lace-Inserts/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4248739&cid=8799&Rf981=3680,3679&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Navy&un_jtt_v_frompage=1

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/au/Virgos-Lounge/Virgos-Lounge-Julisa-Midi-Dress-With-Wrap-Front-and-Embellished-Shoulder/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4204392&cid=8799&Rf981=3680,3679&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Red&un_jtt_v_frompage=1

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/au/Virgos-Lounge/Virgos-Lounge-Lena-Maxi-Dress-With-Embellishment/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=4203461&cid=8799&Rf981=3680,3679&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Navy&un_jtt_v_frompage=1

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/au/Elise-Ryan/Elise-Ryan-Maxi-Dress-with-Lace-Scallop-Back/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3948393&cid=8799&Rf981=3680,3679&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Navy&un_jtt_v_frompage=1

m.asos.com/mt/www.asos.com/au/Jarlo-Petite/Jarlo-Petite-High-Neck-Maxi-Dress/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3994534&cid=8799&Rf981=3680,3679&Rf1012=4461&sh=0&pge=1&pgesize=50&sort=-1&clr=Peach&un_jtt_v_frompage=1

[AuditAngel]

I was also going to suggest Monsoon or BHS.

[kaykayblue]

Thanks for the tips ladies! I looked at monsoon a couple of days ago, but didn't see much. I didn't know bhs did a selection and it never even occured to me to look in mango!

I'll check them out, thank you!

It's me who is struggling to see anything I like for less than £100 - maybe I am just super picky. I really like this one HERE from modcloth, but would prefer it in dark red. Or gold.

Shopping together...nervous laughter....we all live in different countries...

Maybe I should give them a length and narrow it down to two colours, and then just let them worry about it...

[TessTackle]

diydress.com is where we got ours.
Shouldn't really post a pic but feel your pain!

[TessTackle]

[[http://www.diydress.co.uk/wedding-apparel/wedding-party-dresses/bridesmaid-dresses/?gclid=CNP-i5aJx8ACFcrjwgodbwcABQ diydress] you select the colour, measure yourself then make your order. Ours only took a couple of weeks to arrive.

[TessTackle]

www.diydress.co.uk/wedding-apparel/wedding-party-dresses/bridesmaid-dresses/?gclid=CNP-i5aJx8ACFcrjwgodbwcABQ clicky link fail

[MrsLettuce]

this is neither red nor gold but it's a real stunner. sizes 6 - 12 left

[EstellaSpitsEmOut]

I've been bridesmaid twice this year. First bought for me was from Coast and second I chose from Debenhams. Both were gorgeous, and I would wear again. Both under £100. Good luck!

[MrsLettuce]

silver
deep red
another navy one
two colours available

[Crumbelina]

I agree - the official ones are a rip off. Ted Baker sale (if it's on). I got my dresses reduced from £200 to £100.

[GerbilsAteMyCat]

You can just give them a colour palette and a budget an leave them to it. Why don't you suggest to fiance's younger sister that you'll get her flowers that match the wedding party (little bouquet or something?) and that will tie everyone together.
I had 3 bridesmaids from 3 diverse locations who were all different shappes. I asked them to bring a dress they liked and I gave them all matching necklaces and flowers.
We had a low budget and this seemed to solve the problem!

[shoopshoopsong]

I got mine made by Dig For Victory (search dig for victory clothing Brighton) she makes new dresses out of vintage fabric and patterns. Think bespoke is a bit over £100 but ready made ones in her shop are about that.

[youmakemydreams]

I just bought 4 dresses in Debenhams sale for £60 for all 4.
I was looking for a dress for myself to wear to a function and came across them and the sale stuff is buy one get one half price they were originally £89 each.

[kaykayblue]

Thanks for all the extra advice people!

I am checking out the websites and links that you guys have kindly suggested.

I really liked the idea of saying to them "pick out whatever your favourite dresses are and show me pics - if there's one that would work we'll go with that". That way I know they will feel comfortable in the dress they are wearing, none of us have to shop around, and I know it would work for the wedding. The only problem is that I would feel totally cheap not buying them a new dress for the occasion (even though I don't think they would care at all), and my dad was saying it would be weird to have them in completely different dresses.

I will see if I can find anything to suggest to them!!

[kaykayblue]

Mrs Lettuce - that first dress you posted is GORGEOUS, and it's silver and navy, so would technically work! AND it would fit in with the vintage theme.

I'm trying to canvass views.....!

Will check out others now

[tethersend]

What size are they?

This is lovely.

[FourAndDone]

My bridesmaid has had the twist and wrap maxi dress from bhs. It's great, it has about 12 different styles that can be made from the one dress think it was about £80. I'll try and find a link

[FourAndDone]

This is the short style, though they do a floor length and in a range of colours.
m.bhs.co.uk/mt/www.bhs.co.uk/en/bhuk/product/wedding-1020484/adult-bridesmaids-1020513/merlot-short-twist-wrap-dress-1066419?bi=25&ps=24

[everygalaxy]

We are having ophelia dresses from lindybop - they come in lots of colours and are very flattering (and only £44 each!)

[LittleMachine]

I got mine from Little Mistress. They have concessions in Dorothy Perkins and a massive range online.

I saw them on the Lorraine show of all places!

[sashh]

Do you they have anyone who can sew? You could just get some really nice materiel and send it to them, tell them to have it made in to what they want.

I went to a wedding where the bride's sister and 2 nieces were maid of honour flower girls. The MoH wore a suit and the two little girls dresses made from the same material. It worked really well.