Post # 1

Member
568 posts
Busy bee
I have had so much trouble looking for bridesmaids dresses that are long but still under 100 dollars and don’t look really plain. Would short dreses just be too weird for January? Where I live, it snows in January. The thing is, I am having the ceremony and reception in 1 building and I figured everyone would get ready there so the weather is not an issue, its just I dont want it to scream summer.
If it would be weird, do any of you bees know great online sites for cheap evening gowns?
Post # 3

Member
3766 posts
Honey bee
I’m saying yes because I’m having short dresses in February. While it doesn’t snow in SA, it can get cold. The girls actually wanted short dresses, and nothing is outdoors so I’m not too worried about them freezing.
Post # 4

Member
568 posts
Busy bee
@littlemisst08: Thanks 🙂 I was kind of thinking of going with a more winter themed wedding, but not the colors (I want regency and silver), but I wanted branches instead of flowers and a lot of white christmas lights. Do you think it would look weird with that?
Post # 5

Member
4511 posts
Honey bee
It’s totally ok. People wear short dresses to fancy events year-round. I’d just have them wear hose/tights.
Post # 6

Member
3766 posts
Honey bee
@Lalk2bee: I think it will be fine. Perhaps buy them a nice wrap or pashmina to make it look a little more winter-like?
Post # 7

Member
225 posts
Helper bee
It’ll be fine if the color isn’t summery as well. Find a wrap or something for them in case you want to take outside pictures though!
Post # 8

Member
3766 posts
Honey bee
@NorthernBelle10: Agree with the color advice. My bridesmaids will be in maroon and Maid/Matron of Honor in charcoal, so I think that adds to keeping it in line with the season.
ETA: They will also be wearing pumps instead of strappy heels/sandals
Post # 9

Member
7771 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
Sure- but they have to wear tights. Just put them in some black tights.
Post # 10

Member
568 posts
Busy bee
@cbee: @stillme: The problem is I hate tights! I dont like how they look unless its nude, but even then I am not a huge fan…
Post # 11

Member
7771 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
@Lalk2bee: Oh :/ I think opaque black tights with black shoes looks great! If you really don’t like that… maybe keep looking for long gowns?
Post # 12

Member
2213 posts
Buzzing bee
@Lalk2bee: What state do you live in? Here in Wisconsin I wouldn’t have bridesmaids with short dresses in January and not allow them to wear tights…would seem like some form of punishment! LOL
Post # 13

Member
568 posts
Busy bee
@domesticdiva: lol ya I live in the medwest. Weather can be so different though; you plan for a blizzard but it could be 50.
Post # 14

Member
1936 posts
Buzzing bee
@Lalk2bee: i think it is! Just pick thicker materials, and consider a higher neckline. Think velvet, thick satin, etc., and avoid flowy chiffon or other lightweight materials. Purchasing wraps for your girls keeps them warm and also makebra great gift.
Post # 15

Member
1418 posts
Bumble bee
Short is absolutely appropriate! As long as you keep them in a winter fabric, something thicker, they will look fine! I would also stick with darker colors, as well. A perfect look in my head would be black dress, black stockings, and black shoes! The dark color looks more formal even though it’s short, stockings for winter, and you will totally stand out!
Post # 16

Member
3720 posts
Sugar bee
I mis-voted, it is fine. I go to plenty of cocktail parties in December and January and everyone wears short dresses. I would just make sure they are knee or tea length, a satin-like fabric, of a darker color, and with peep or closed toe shoes.
Edit: About tights, I think they look super silly with dress clothes. Many people at our Christmas parties (who are DC socialite snobs and rule followers, so they would be like the most judgy of your guests) do not wear tights. I never do, mainly because I want to show off my pedicure in my peep toe shoes. I am never cold when we get dressed at the hotel.