As promised, part one of two!
Ask any girl who’s ever been in a wedding how many times she has re-worn a bridesmaid dress. Almost always never. So when a bridesmaid hears the words, “You can always shorten it later. Then it’s like two dresses in one,” what she really needs to surmise is, “Ladies, we may need to be prepared to sell blood plasma to pay for the dresses.”
It is TOTALLY reasonable and quite do-able for a bridesmaid dress to stay in the range of one hundred and fifty dollars. Stores like David’s Bridal, Alfred Angelo, or even J.C. Penney have many styles and colors for the budget-minded bride (and bridesmaids). There is NEVER a reason to go couture or designer for a bridesmaids dress. I promise all parties involved will love you for not choosing the designer gown. Please do be kind and choose the least expensive dress your wedding vision will allow.
Perhaps think about including dress costs in your wedding budget and making hair/nails/whatever else you want your gift to your bridesmaids. We will be happy, you will be happy- and we’ll all live happily ever after!
My feelings on required treatments and styling is this: If it’s not an option, bridesmaids shouldn’t be footing the bill. I realize those wedding pictures will be all you’ll have after the day is done-but requiring your bridal party to undergo tanning treatments and spa days so they are as bronzed and glowing as you is a bit over the top!
Tips for the Blushing Bride: Perspective from the Perpetual Bridesmaid continued:
Ask any girl who’s ever been in a wedding how many times she has re-worn a bridesmaid dress. Almost always never. So when a bridesmaid hears the words, “You can always shorten it later. Then it’s like two dresses in one,” what she really needs to surmise is, “Ladies, we may need to be prepared to sell blood plasma to pay for the dresses.” It is TOTALLY reasonable and quite do-able for a bridesmaid dress to stay in the range of one hundred and fifty dollars. Stores like David’s Bridal, Alfred Angelo, or even J.C. Penney have many styles and colors for the budget-minded bride (and bridesmaids). There is NEVER a reason to go couture or designer for a bridesmaids dress. I promise all parties involved will love you for not choosing the designer gown. Please do be kind and choose the least expensive dress your wedding vision will allow.
Perhaps think about including dress costs in your wedding budget and making hair/nails/whatever else you want your gift to your bridesmaids. We will be happy, you will be happy- and we’ll all live happily ever after!
Liz, a good friend of mine, shared with me an amazing tale of a wedding she was in after college. Liz received an e-mail with bulleted requirements from the bride. While most bridesmaids would expect some sort of communication from the Mrs.-To-Be, this list was nothing like what you’d expect:
To:Liz
From: Bridezilla
Monday 4-4-08
From: Bridezilla
Monday 4-4-08
Subject: OPEN NOW- Wedding Details. Time Sensitive Material.
•All bridesmaids must go spray tanning two weeks before the wedding
•All bridesmaids must apply a packet of up-do styling gel on the day of the wedding
•You are NOT permitted to wash your hair that day, or the day before
•Hair must be at least shoulder length, and no “odd” hair color is acceptable.
•All highlights must be subtle and recently touched up
•All wedding party members are required to stay at the reception sight two day before the wedding for facials, waxing and manicures
•All bridesmaids MUST have their hair styled at the spa salon- NO EXCEPTIONS
•If you are planning on getting pregnant/are pregnant contact me immediately. The dresses may not work for you
My feelings on required treatments and styling is this: If it’s not an option, bridesmaids shouldn’t be footing the bill. I realize those wedding pictures will be all you’ll have after the day is done-but requiring your bridal party to undergo tanning treatments and spa days so they are as bronzed and glowing as you is a bit over the top!
Looking back, it's funny that I wrote all these things! Now that I've been a bride myself, I can see I was a bit harsh on brides to be! To all MY bridesmaids, if I was over the top, in any way, I apologize! There is nothing I enjoy more than being a bridesmaid--every time I'm asked, I truly DO count it a great honor. While my examples were a BIT over the top and dramatic (I happen to be those things pretty often myself!)-- my advice to all brides to be: have the wedding you want, but be considerate while doing so!
xoxo
Jaime
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