Bridesmaid Gowns

On Saturday I had my bridesmaids join me for an entire day of wedding planning. We had several decisions to make, first and foremost being their attire.

Our day started at d'Anneli bridals, where Theresa and Kirstin were given free reign to pull dresses off the rack that they liked. I didn't want to be the bride with exacting specifications, and to be honest I didn't have much clue about where to go with the bridesmaid dresses in regards to our wedding.

After about 30 minutes of searching and trying on dresses, we were all getting weary of seeing the same thing in a different color: a-line, satin, tea length, sash bridesmaid dresses (which make up about 80% of the dresses available. The rest are absolutely ridiculous or inappropriate!).

To the right, an example of the type of dress we saw 100's of---->

We went into it knowing that we would avoid strapless dresses, and probably floor-length as well. I was worried that floor-length gowns would be a problem for my sister to walk in; but was also not resigned to tea-length imagining that Chandra's dress would simply be shorter if that is what it came to.

Noticing our frustration, our consultant (with good intentions) brought one out that we all laughed at on the hanger. It looked a bit dowdy and was a complete 180 from the dresses we had been trying on. In looking through the racks I remember passing it by because it really wasn't what I was thinking of in my mind. However, because this one was a bit different, we decided to bite and threw it over Theresa's head.

Our reaction to it was both instant, and unanimous. Not only was the dress stunning on, but it was universally flattering on both Theresa and Kirstin. I can only imagine (after having tried it on myself as well) that this will also be a good choice for my sister. It is floor length, which is how Theresa and Kirstin will wear it. Chandra's will be tea length (so she doesn't trip on the hem).

This dress is seperates, so the top and the skirt can be paired with other things in the future. The skirt is made of silk dupioni, and the top is made of silk with a lace overlay(which is hard to see in this photo) and a sash to match the skirt.

The caveat? A nearly $400 price tag. However, we knew it was very likely that we would be making the bridesmaid dresses. As if it were a sign, just a week before I had found a beautiful, purple polyester dupioni that would be ideal for the skirt. It has the same texture as the silk version, without that price tag! It is a gorgeous, dark grey purple and will look beautiful against our mountian backdrop.

Cost to purchase dress in bridal salon: $370 + alterations
Cost to make it at home: <$50.00 + time
Not only that, but the designer of this dress doesn't offer it in a purple that we would all agree on, especially considering the price-tag! When we got home, we pulled out all of the fabric samples I have collected during the planning process, and oooh'd and ahhh'd over the purple dupioni paired with ivory lace over a champagne satin. The sash on my dress is champagne, and having that showing through the lace will tie the entire wedding party together. Carina's dress will have a purple sash made out of the dupioni.

Photos: Theresa in fabric samples! Please excuse the complete lack of shape, we're looking at colors here :) Also, my dress from the back with the champagne sash.