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How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

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oldtimerocknroll
LIF Adult

Member since 11/14

1656 total posts

Name:

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I once paid $450.

The dress was supposed to be $200. The store called the next day and said they did not have my size available--they had one size smaller. They had to order another roll of fabric, and I had to pay for the whole roll. When the dress arrived, it was a little tight at the hips, but they certainly did not need an entire roll to fix it.

I absolutely did not tell the bride about this additional cost.

I think, under normal circumstances, $200 is average.

Posted 5/18/16 4:06 PM
 
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy

Member since 10/10

7789 total posts

Name:

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

$200 max. There is no reason at all to make people spend more than that on a dress.

Posted 5/18/16 4:11 PM
 

SecretlyTTC14
LIF Adult

Member since 12/13

1770 total posts

Name:
B

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I would tell the bride the dress is too expensive. If that's the dress she wants, maybe she will pay for some of it. I paid the deposit for all of my bridesmaids. For 2 of my bridesmaids I paid for the whole dress ($280) because I knew they couldn't afford it but I still wanted them to be a part of my day. I also paid for the hair and makeup for everyone in my bridal party. If a bride has certain expectations, she should be willing to pay for it. It shouldn't break the bank to be a part of someones wedding.

Posted 5/18/16 4:19 PM
 

Pinkisles
<3

Member since 11/13

2868 total posts

Name:

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I am in two weddings This year. The first dress cost $300.
The second was $160
This is before alterations.

Posted 5/18/16 4:38 PM
 

LIRascal
drama. daily.

Member since 3/11

7287 total posts

Name:
Michelle

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

My brother and sister both got married recently. One was $175 and the other was $200
I think 200 max and if it's too expensive, the bride should know. My sister paid all of her BM's deposits

Posted 5/18/16 11:38 PM
 

2BadSoSad
LIF Adult

Member since 8/12

6791 total posts

Name:

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I think my girls were $165, I let them completely pick out the dress they all agreed on. My only criteria was the color and tea length, after that...up to them. They all agreed on a dress that was $165. Up to $250 I think is reasonable.

Posted 5/18/16 11:50 PM
 

mommy2be716
LIF Adult

Member since 1/16

2921 total posts

Name:

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Posted by SandL

I once paid $350 for the ugliest dress ever, and this was about 10 years ago.

For my wedding,I gave the girls, the designer and color I wanted, and each chose their own dress. They ranged from $120-$180.



I did this exact same thing! We all had dark purple bill levkoff dresses in chiffon. There were about 10-12 dresses to choose from, and everyone got to pick their own. They were all around $160ish.

On another note, if I was the bride in this situation, and my bridesmaids/MOH expressed concern over the price of the dress I picked, I would be pretty embarrassed and would feel terrible that I upset everyone. From what you've already told us, I get the feeling that this bride doesn't care that it was expensive. If you speak to her, and her tune doesn't change, then I would have to politely decline being a bridal party member. Just explain that between your dress, the flower girl dress, alterations, hair and makeup, you will probably be spending close to $1000 (not including the bachelorette, shower, and hotel the day before the wedding). Maybe you can offer to keep your daughter as a flower girl, and offer to do a reading instead so that you can still be a part of her day.

Message edited 5/19/2016 7:23:45 AM.

Posted 5/19/16 7:17 AM
 

MrsB612
LIF Adolescent

Member since 12/12

784 total posts

Name:

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Try RK Bridal in the city. They have a No-Frills order option where they do not measure you and will not be responsible if the dress doesn't fit. My BM dresses were $284 plus alterations at Bridal Reflections and the same dress was $175 at RK - most girls only needed a hem. You jjust need to make sure you measure yourself correctly. GL!

Posted 5/19/16 3:19 PM
 

sfp0701
Liam's Mommy!

Member since 1/07

9764 total posts

Name:
Tricia

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I think 150$ is fine. I was in a wedding and I paid almost 300 for a gown that she then asked us to cut into tea length. I was livid. Then we found the dress cheaper and she wouldn't let us order from there. It was ugly too. If she wanted a tea length dress she should have found one. The gown was more expensive and then we cut it. So dumb.

Posted 5/19/16 3:37 PM
 

bunnyluck
LIF Adult

Member since 1/14

3196 total posts

Name:

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Mine was $120

I don't think I've paid more than $150...praise jesus!

Posted 5/19/16 3:47 PM
 

LMichele
LIF Adolescent

Member since 6/11

573 total posts

Name:

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I was in a similar situation. I was the MOH in a friend's wedding and way before BM dresses were picked, I spoke to the bride and expressed concern about the potential cost and she promised to keep it under a certain amount. When she picked the dress, it was over the amount. Not by much, but I ended up finding the dress for $100 cheaper at a bridal store I had previously ordered BM dresses from with a positive experience, and was told that I was absolutely not allowed to purchase the dress from where I found it for less. I was told when I accepted being MOH I accepted all costs associated with it (even though she blew past the agreed upon budget) I believe the actual text read "You WILL be ordering the dress from x store by x date. No exceptions."

I wrote back that I couldn't do it and haven't spoken to her since.

Posted 5/21/16 9:16 AM
 

LoveMyHubby605
Our April Baby is here!

Member since 4/11

2418 total posts

Name:
A

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Posted by MrsB612

Try RK Bridal in the city. They have a No-Frills order option where they do not measure you and will not be responsible if the dress doesn't fit. My BM dresses were $284 plus alterations at Bridal Reflections and the same dress was $175 at RK - most girls only needed a hem. You jjust need to make sure you measure yourself correctly. GL!



I have to share my experience (copied and pasted my Yelp review). They are scumbags

This place started off well. Yes it's no frills but I don't need to pay double for the same dress at a trendier or better decorated store. However, they are complete slimy, incompetent, LIARS.

I ordered 4 dresses with them in January 11 for my June 5, 2011 wedding. I was emailed a confirmation of my order and a delivery date of April 20th, 2011. Fast forward to April and only my maid of honor received her dress. I inquired about the 3 missing dresses and was told not to worry, that they sometimes come a few days later than the projected date.

I called again. Finally on April 25th, RK bridal called me back and told me that the designer (Alvina Valenta) had a problem with the dye lot and the dresses were going to be re cut. They gave me a new delivery date of May 20th.

Again, I was going to get married 6/5/11 and my 3 bridesmaids are out of state. This was a CONSTANT stress for me in my last month before my wedding. RK bridal kept telling me the dresses weren't finished (still blaming the designer). They were FINALLY received on MAY 25th. 10 days before my wedding. They had to be shipped overnight to my girls in DC and they had to scramble to get them fitted. They fit improperly the day of and had loose strings and such that clearly showed a rush job.

Fast forward to today. I had filed a complaint to Better Business Bureau about the designer. The designer in turn sent me scans of the orders they had received from RK BRIDAL. It clearly shows, in black and white, that my 3 dresses were not ordered until APRIL 25th and RK bridal did a 4 week rush on it.

They are LIARS. They lied to my face and blamed the designer. Somebody messed up BIG TIME and tried to cover their a$$.

I have proof of everything if they would ever acknowledge the complaint against them on BBB. Oh, they've never apologized either. But they did waive the shipping fee.

BIG WHOOOOP!!! AVOID!!!!!

Posted 5/21/16 10:04 PM
 

frosty
LIF Toddler

Member since 5/05

462 total posts

Name:

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

It has been so long since I was a bridesmaid (20+ years) that I don't remember exactly how much the dresses cost. I do remember one being expensive for me at the time, and I didn't speak up. Plus, it was hideous looking.

When I got married (almost 11 years ago) I had only one attendant. I let my MOH of pick out whatever dress she wanted (but I told her what color I wanted). She paid about $100 (not including alterations). And she was able to use the dress for other occasions after the wedding, with a bit of alterations (making the skirt shorter). I felt bad at the time that she had to spend so much. Chat Icon

Posted 5/22/16 3:59 PM
 

DiamondGirl
You are my I love you

Member since 7/09

18802 total posts

Name:
DiamondMama

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I think $200 before alterations should be the max, mine was less but that was almost 8 years ago, I am in my SIL's wedding and honestly I don't care what she picks as long as it's nice I don't mind spending more.

Posted 5/23/16 7:42 AM
 

alexb
LIF Adult

Member since 5/13

960 total posts

Name:

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

$500 max is the most ive ever paid... Also, i just went bridesmaid shopping with my cousin over the weekend and she also ended up spending $500 (no alterations are needed though).

I personally wouldnt mention a dress being too expensive but if youre expected to pay for things outside of the dress (like a bridal shower) then i would say something about things getting a bit expensive.

Posted 5/23/16 8:20 AM
 

alexb
LIF Adult

Member since 5/13

960 total posts

Name:

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Posted by LoveMyHubby605

Posted by MrsB612

Try RK Bridal in the city. They have a No-Frills order option where they do not measure you and will not be responsible if the dress doesn't fit. My BM dresses were $284 plus alterations at Bridal Reflections and the same dress was $175 at RK - most girls only needed a hem. You jjust need to make sure you measure yourself correctly. GL!



I have to share my experience (copied and pasted my Yelp review). They are scumbags

This place started off well. Yes it's no frills but I don't need to pay double for the same dress at a trendier or better decorated store. However, they are complete slimy, incompetent, LIARS.

I ordered 4 dresses with them in January 11 for my June 5, 2011 wedding. I was emailed a confirmation of my order and a delivery date of April 20th, 2011. Fast forward to April and only my maid of honor received her dress. I inquired about the 3 missing dresses and was told not to worry, that they sometimes come a few days later than the projected date.

I called again. Finally on April 25th, RK bridal called me back and told me that the designer (Alvina Valenta) had a problem with the dye lot and the dresses were going to be re cut. They gave me a new delivery date of May 20th.

Again, I was going to get married 6/5/11 and my 3 bridesmaids are out of state. This was a CONSTANT stress for me in my last month before my wedding. RK bridal kept telling me the dresses weren't finished (still blaming the designer). They were FINALLY received on MAY 25th. 10 days before my wedding. They had to be shipped overnight to my girls in DC and they had to scramble to get them fitted. They fit improperly the day of and had loose strings and such that clearly showed a rush job.

Fast forward to today. I had filed a complaint to Better Business Bureau about the designer. The designer in turn sent me scans of the orders they had received from RK BRIDAL. It clearly shows, in black and white, that my 3 dresses were not ordered until APRIL 25th and RK bridal did a 4 week rush on it.

They are LIARS. They lied to my face and blamed the designer. Somebody messed up BIG TIME and tried to cover their a$$.

I have proof of everything if they would ever acknowledge the complaint against them on BBB. Oh, they've never apologized either. But they did waive the shipping fee.

BIG WHOOOOP!!! AVOID!!!!!




I had a great experience at RK Bridal during my wedding but this was six years ago. Based on my experience, i sent my cousin there to find her wedding dress. The experience was awful!!!! The shipping time was delayed twice and she is getting married in June! We argued like crazy with them and cancelled the order with a full refund. We ended up at the wedding salon in Manhasset with zero issues...

Posted 5/23/16 8:23 AM
 

Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy

Member since 3/08

10420 total posts

Name:
Momx100

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I think $200 or less is appropriate.

I bought my bridal party their dresses because bridesmaids always complain about dresses. i.e. cost, style, color. I thought it would cause less drama if I bought the dress.

I have been in weddings where we could essentially wear whatever we wanted as long as the dress was the color bride wanted. My one friend bought all her bridesmaids Jenny Yoo dresses ($300+) and paid for our hair make up. Others made us pick from a few cuts at a store. My best friend picked a skirt from Zara and we were able to pick out a shirt. She hated traditional BM style dresses. Some girls waited too long and skirt was sold out in their size so my friend had to choose a second similar style skirt. It caused my friend a lot of stress. She couldn't understand why her bridal party could not/did not buy the ~$60 skirt in time.

Message edited 5/23/2016 9:08:33 AM.

Posted 5/23/16 9:06 AM
 

Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy

Member since 3/08

10420 total posts

Name:
Momx100

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Posted by alexb

Posted by LoveMyHubby605

Posted by MrsB612

Try RK Bridal in the city. They have a No-Frills order option where they do not measure you and will not be responsible if the dress doesn't fit. My BM dresses were $284 plus alterations at Bridal Reflections and the same dress was $175 at RK - most girls only needed a hem. You jjust need to make sure you measure yourself correctly. GL!



I have to share my experience (copied and pasted my Yelp review). They are scumbags

This place started off well. Yes it's no frills but I don't need to pay double for the same dress at a trendier or better decorated store. However, they are complete slimy, incompetent, LIARS.

I ordered 4 dresses with them in January 11 for my June 5, 2011 wedding. I was emailed a confirmation of my order and a delivery date of April 20th, 2011. Fast forward to April and only my maid of honor received her dress. I inquired about the 3 missing dresses and was told not to worry, that they sometimes come a few days later than the projected date.

I called again. Finally on April 25th, RK bridal called me back and told me that the designer (Alvina Valenta) had a problem with the dye lot and the dresses were going to be re cut. They gave me a new delivery date of May 20th.

Again, I was going to get married 6/5/11 and my 3 bridesmaids are out of state. This was a CONSTANT stress for me in my last month before my wedding. RK bridal kept telling me the dresses weren't finished (still blaming the designer). They were FINALLY received on MAY 25th. 10 days before my wedding. They had to be shipped overnight to my girls in DC and they had to scramble to get them fitted. They fit improperly the day of and had loose strings and such that clearly showed a rush job.

Fast forward to today. I had filed a complaint to Better Business Bureau about the designer. The designer in turn sent me scans of the orders they had received from RK BRIDAL. It clearly shows, in black and white, that my 3 dresses were not ordered until APRIL 25th and RK bridal did a 4 week rush on it.

They are LIARS. They lied to my face and blamed the designer. Somebody messed up BIG TIME and tried to cover their a$$.

I have proof of everything if they would ever acknowledge the complaint against them on BBB. Oh, they've never apologized either. But they did waive the shipping fee.

BIG WHOOOOP!!! AVOID!!!!!




I had a great experience at RK Bridal during my wedding but this was six years ago. Based on my experience, i sent my cousin there to find her wedding dress. The experience was awful!!!! The shipping time was delayed twice and she is getting married in June! We argued like crazy with them and cancelled the order with a full refund. We ended up at the wedding salon in Manhasset with zero issues...



I bought my bridesmaid dresses at RK Bridal. I had no problems. I think I got the sizes from my friends and placed the order myself. This was 10 years ago.

eta: The reason I placed the orders myself is because I was worried people would procrastinate and not get their dresses on time.

Message edited 5/23/2016 9:23:18 AM.

Posted 5/23/16 9:13 AM
 

Bridex100
Two Under Two Mommy

Member since 3/08

10420 total posts

Name:
Momx100

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Posted by alexb

$500 max is the most ive ever paid... Also, i just went bridesmaid shopping with my cousin over the weekend and she also ended up spending $500 (no alterations are needed though).

I personally wouldnt mention a dress being too expensive but if youre expected to pay for things outside of the dress (like a bridal shower) then i would say something about things getting a bit expensive.



I agree with this. I would just keep the dress but maybe discuss the bridal shower and/or bachelorette party. I especially don't think you should be expected to pay for a 75 person bridal shower.

My best friend had a very good friend who opted not to be in her bridal party because of cost. She ultimately only wore the bridesmaid dress and stood next to her at the alter. She did not participate in planning or pay for any other of the festivities. She did not attend the events though.

Message edited 5/23/2016 9:22:04 AM.

Posted 5/23/16 9:21 AM
 

LoveMyHubby605
Our April Baby is here!

Member since 4/11

2418 total posts

Name:
A

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Posted by Bridex100

Posted by alexb

Posted by LoveMyHubby605

Posted by MrsB612

Try RK Bridal in the city. They have a No-Frills order option where they do not measure you and will not be responsible if the dress doesn't fit. My BM dresses were $284 plus alterations at Bridal Reflections and the same dress was $175 at RK - most girls only needed a hem. You jjust need to make sure you measure yourself correctly. GL!



I have to share my experience (copied and pasted my Yelp review). They are scumbags

This place started off well. Yes it's no frills but I don't need to pay double for the same dress at a trendier or better decorated store. However, they are complete slimy, incompetent, LIARS.

I ordered 4 dresses with them in January 11 for my June 5, 2011 wedding. I was emailed a confirmation of my order and a delivery date of April 20th, 2011. Fast forward to April and only my maid of honor received her dress. I inquired about the 3 missing dresses and was told not to worry, that they sometimes come a few days later than the projected date.

I called again. Finally on April 25th, RK bridal called me back and told me that the designer (Alvina Valenta) had a problem with the dye lot and the dresses were going to be re cut. They gave me a new delivery date of May 20th.

Again, I was going to get married 6/5/11 and my 3 bridesmaids are out of state. This was a CONSTANT stress for me in my last month before my wedding. RK bridal kept telling me the dresses weren't finished (still blaming the designer). They were FINALLY received on MAY 25th. 10 days before my wedding. They had to be shipped overnight to my girls in DC and they had to scramble to get them fitted. They fit improperly the day of and had loose strings and such that clearly showed a rush job.

Fast forward to today. I had filed a complaint to Better Business Bureau about the designer. The designer in turn sent me scans of the orders they had received from RK BRIDAL. It clearly shows, in black and white, that my 3 dresses were not ordered until APRIL 25th and RK bridal did a 4 week rush on it.

They are LIARS. They lied to my face and blamed the designer. Somebody messed up BIG TIME and tried to cover their a$$.

I have proof of everything if they would ever acknowledge the complaint against them on BBB. Oh, they've never apologized either. But they did waive the shipping fee.

BIG WHOOOOP!!! AVOID!!!!!




I had a great experience at RK Bridal during my wedding but this was six years ago. Based on my experience, i sent my cousin there to find her wedding dress. The experience was awful!!!! The shipping time was delayed twice and she is getting married in June! We argued like crazy with them and cancelled the order with a full refund. We ended up at the wedding salon in Manhasset with zero issues...



I bought my bridesmaid dresses at RK Bridal. I had no problems. I think I got the sizes from my friends and placed the order myself. This was 10 years ago.

eta: The reason I placed the orders myself is because I was worried people would procrastinate and not get their dresses on time.



I did the same and ordered them all at once, in person myself. No reason for the screw up and the lies. Agh

To answer the op- my 2011 wedding Bm dresses were around $180 I believe. The wedding I was in most recently had a Jenny Yoo convertible dress that was like $350. I actually found mine on eBay for a little over $100. I ordered the fabric samples from the designer and made sure it matched another bridesmaid's dress who lived near by.

Best decision ever. So much money is involved I really think $200-250 should be the max before alterations

Posted 5/23/16 12:04 PM
 

JDubs
different, not less

Member since 7/09

13160 total posts

Name:

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

Posted by blu6385

Posted by JDubs


Wow so yeah if that were me there is no way I would be able to pay for all of that and I would say sorry I just can't do it... everyone's financial situation is different, the bride should (hopefully) understand that.

ETA what are the other bridesmaids doing?



one bridesmaids i dont know but from what it seems she is good with money and just going with it. and she has 2 grils in it and their dresses are like $230. which reminds me that my DD is supposed to be a flower girl and I have feeling that dress is over $200 Chat Icon

one of the bridesmaid is my BFF and she is just as pissed at me at everything being asked of.

The last one I don't know how she feels but I do know she doesn't have all this money to spare but she may just suck it up and not say anything. I have been debating reaching out to her



Maybe you can bow out and just have your DD participate as a flower girl then.

Posted 5/23/16 12:24 PM
 

blu6385

Member since 5/08

8351 total posts

Name:

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

thanks everyone the bride has agreed to pay for portion of the dress because she does not want to switch out.

I will say if we weren't shelling out over $500 (each) for the bridal shower, I would have probably shut my mouth and paid for all of the dress (though I would have definitely rolled my eyes and bitched to my friend that it was so expensive Chat Icon Chat Icon )

also there is no way I would ever pay almost $500 for a dress I would excuse my self from the wedding!
Chat Icon

Posted 5/24/16 10:39 AM
 

Jonsgirl04
Love my two girls! xoxo

Member since 9/08

6079 total posts

Name:
Stephanie

Re: How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

My sister in law put a $100 deposit towards each bridesmaid dress. So the total I owe is $117.00 plus alterations.

Posted 5/25/16 8:15 AM
 

AngnShaun
Sisters

Member since 1/10

21015 total posts

Name:
Ang

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

I got my dress and BM dresses at Davids Bridal... Because I got my dress there they got a discount on theirs... i believe it was somewhere around 80 after the discount.

They were on their own for alterations, but as far as i know.

I think my SILs BM dress was around $200 And it needed alterations. But that was in 2003 and i dont remember what the grand total was.

Posted 5/25/16 10:45 AM
 

EatingMyVeggies

Member since 1/12

6667 total posts

Name:

How much for bridesmaid dress? ADDED additional questions

You're supposed to ask each bridesmaid privately and individually what their max budget is and then accommodate. Brides can't assume $200 or $500 or whatever is appropriate, unless they want to pay for it themselves.

Posted 5/25/16 11:12 AM
 
Pages: 1 [2] 3
 

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