Post # 1

Member
16 posts
Newbee
Hi !
I absolutely loathe the typical bridesmaid dress. They all seem SOOOO boring and so plain. Even the mix and match colors or mix and match tops are too plain and boring. I would like to take my maids to the mall or local prom dress shops to find more stylish cocktail dresses.. Is this a bad idea? We won’t have the luxury of buying from a designer, alterations, etc… it would literally be an off the rack purchase..
Has anyone done this? Were there any issues?
Post # 2

Member
720 posts
Busy bee
You can have your bridesmaids wear whatever you want. My friend outfitted all her bridesmaids in vintage dresses. Just make sure you find a great seamstress and there shouldn’t be an issue.
You could go to a store like Nordstrom who has a great selection of cocktail party dresses and they have an in-house alterations department.
Post # 3

Member
578 posts
Busy bee
I don’t see a problem with this- it’s your wedding and your day, and if that’s what you like then go for it! π
Post # 4

Member
54 posts
Worker bee
Hi!
I truly believe you can do whatever you want! Your bridesmaids will probably thank you as well because then they can actually get more than one use out of their purchase. I’ve had beautiful dresses but most likely wouldn’t rewear them no matter how many times I say I will. You just follow your vision and I’m sure it’ll look beautiful and it’s unique!
<br />Sarah
Post # 5

Member
3037 posts
Sugar bee
- Wedding: May 2015 - Walnut Hill Bed & Breakfast
Absoultely. The only thing that can be hard doing this is getting everyone’s correct size depending on the store’s availabilty. AND making sure all your maids can buy it right then because it could be out of stock and not coming back a week later. Whereas bridesmaid styles are always available and can be ordered.
Post # 6

Member
10 posts
Newbee
You can do whatever you want. I’ve seen people wear all sorts of different dresses.
Post # 7

Member
2446 posts
Buzzing bee
They can wear whatevs! For my wedding and my bffs wedding, the dresses were bought off the rack. So much cheaper, easier, and no alterations needed!
Post # 8

Member
767 posts
Busy bee
amrov17: I think it’s a great idea! I don’t think ordering from a bridesmaid dress designer is a luxury at all – more like a huge pain and added stress. I’d prefer my bridesmaids find a dress they can actually try on in their size to make sure it fits well and avoid alterations if at all possible. But if needed, you can still get alterations on an off-the-rack dress!
Post # 9

Member
963 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: March 2015 - On a Cliff Overlooking the Bay, Florida
amrov17: Absolutely! My BM’s are getting their dresses from wherever they want I told each of them I want them to be comfortable in their dress so they can choose it. I told them what color to get and make sure it’s short (around the knee) and if I’m not with them when they get them to send me a picture before buying. I don’t want them to spend a ton of money on dresses they will wear once (esp. since 2 just had babies this month) I want them to get dresses that they can hopefully wear again to a nice dinner or cocktail party. One of my girls scored on a dress at JCPenny of all places it was a cocktail dress on clearance for $14.99 originally $189.00. One got a dress from Modcloth I never really went on there before but they have a TON of cute dresses!
Post # 10

Member
2190 posts
Buzzing bee
amrov17: For my sister’s wedding, my other sister and myself bought matching off the rack dresses from Nordstrom. We wanted something we could wear again. This is what we bought in navy: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tadashi-shoji-embroidered-lace-sheath-dress-regular-petite/3434946. It was a little large in the bust for me, so I had it altered there with no issues.
Post # 11

Member
2730 posts
Sugar bee
You can do whatever you want. . .it’s your wedding. Anything goes in weddings these days! Make it your own π but we want pictures π
Post # 12

Member
665 posts
Busy bee
Same as some PPs, thats what I am having my maids do. I am doing mismatched chamagne/blush/neutrals so they can pick out from where ever they want as long as it fall into my colors π
Post # 13

Member
1503 posts
Bumble bee
amrov17: I did this with my ladies. I don’t even think anyone needed alterations… They just found dresses that fit them.

Post # 14

Member
16 posts
Newbee
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!
Your picture is beautiful.. I think this will definitely work π
Post # 15

Member
1503 posts
Bumble bee
amrov17: Thanks! Best thing is they can all wear the dresses again. At least this is what they tell me π Although one did just wear the dress for her own bridal shower.