Wedding Tips - Bridesmaid Gowns, Shoes & Accessories

Tip: Bridesmaid Dress Designers When You’re On A Budget

Even if you’re on a budget, there’s no need to fret about locating affordable bridesmaid dress designers. Here are some affordable dress designers to try that offer you style without putting a big dent in your finances.

Alfred Angelo – Alfred Angelo carries an extensive line of bridesmaid dresses and is a well-known, established brand. Choose from formal gowns that run from sleek and elegant to cocktail length dresses that are perfect for a garden ceremony.

Bari Jay – Bari Jay Bridesmaids offers more affordable bridesmaids gowns as well as evening wear and mother of the bride dresses. You can also find some of their gowns at major retailers like Nordstrom.

Group USA & Camille La Vie Bridesmaids – A newer arrival on the bridesmaid dress designers scene, this manufacturer has trend setting design appeal at more affordable prices. Their dresses cater to crowds who shop at stores like Bebe and Ann Taylor.

Raylia Designs – Raylia designs offers bridesmaid gowns in contemporary designs. Look for everything from soft, flowing chiffon creations to fitted satin designs in a range of colors.

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Tip: Dyeable Bridesmaid Shoes

If you want to color coordinate the entire bridesmaid ensemble right down to the shoes, you don’t have to go hunting through every department store and shoe retailer for the perfect match. Instead, get dyeable bridesmaid shoes so that you’ll get the color just right. Several manufacturers have shoes that let you dye them. There are dozens of shoe manufacturers to choose from, letting you choose from low heeled ballerina flats to vampy satin sandals. Manufacturers of dyeable bridesmaid shoes include Touch Ups, Dyeable Shoes. Color Creations, and Coloriffics. You can even get dyeable bridesmaid shoes from designers like Vera Wang and Kate Spade.

Typically, you send in a swatch to the shoe dye company and they’ll match it on a dyeable satin fabric. One online shoe retailer that handles this is My Glass Slipper.

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Tip: Five Dress Up Tricks Every Bridesmaid Should Know

Preparing to walk down the aisle as part of the wedding party requires a lot of preparation and planning. Simply picking out a bridesmaid dress can require multiple trips to the bridal salon. To make getting fitted and ready for your wedding day role as a bridesmaid easier, we’ve gathered a few tips every bridesmaid should know.

1. Have the proper undergarments on hand for your fittings. This includes having the strapless bra you plan on wearing underneath the bridesmaid dress so that your gown can be altered accordingly.
   
   
2. Do a test run with the complete ensemble to make sure everything fits properly. Trying on undergarments and hose with your gown will ensure you won’t run into any wardrobe difficulties during the ceremony or at the reception.
   
   
3. Have more than one spare set of hose on hand during the wedding day. A bridesmaid’s life during the day of the wedding is busy and hectic. It wouldn’t be unusual to find a snag in your pantyhose.
   
   
4. Have a touch-up kit on hand. Pack it with nail polish, lipstick, and powder to make sure your look is fresh throughout the day.

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Tip: Jessica McClintock Bridesmaid At A Discount

Jessica McClintock carries a full line of formal dresses for events from the prom to weddings. Their Jessica McClintock bridesmaid line consists of affordable dresses that range from a short and sweet charmeuse strapless dress to a glamorous fitted halter dress with a trumpet hem.

If you want to find the ultimate bargains with a Jessica McClintock bridesmaid dress, go to their outlet in San Francisco, California. The outlet has a good selection of dresses for bridesmaids, prom, and the bride herself. You’ll have to sift through numerous gowns – some of which may not be in premium condition. And you’ll have to be creative to find an entire set of bridesmaid dresses. But, when you can get a Jessica McClintock bridesmaid dress for $20 or less, there’s little to complain about.

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Tip: Maternity Bridesmaid Dresses For Expectant Mothers

These days, even expectant mothers can find bridesmaid dresses that work for their changing bodies. Depending on how far along your bridesmaid is, there are certain mainstream styles that may accommodate her. Dresses without a fitted waist can work for expectant mothers in the early to mid stages of her pregnancy. An empire waist can make the perfect solution. If you’re looking for designers that specifically carry maternity bridesmaid dresses for expectant mothers, look at David’s Bridal and Alfred Angelo.

Don’t limit your choices to just bridesmaid gowns, either. You have other options. You can find styles among mainstream dresses and maternity clothing retailers that can be appropriate as well. You’ll often be able to find a bargain by selecting a gown that’s not made just for the bridal party. If you still don’t find anything appropriate, have a maternity bridesmaid dress made. That way, the sizing will be just perfect for an expectant mother on the wedding day.

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Tip: Plus-Sized Bridesmaid Dresses

If you’re searching for plus-sized bridesmaid dresses, you’ll find that plenty of manufacturers carry them. Manufacturers such as Bari Jay and Bill Levkoff carry plus-sized bridesmaid dresses. Check with the specific manufacturer, but some dresses come in a range of sizes from 0 to 28. So whether you decide to let your bridesmaids wear different styles that compliment their individual figures or whether you decide to pick one style for all the members of your wedding party, you’ll have plenty of designs to choose from. If you’re set on a style that doesn’t accommodate the plus-size dress you’re looking for, you can still have all your bridesmaids in the same style of gown. Have a seamstress recreate your bridesmaid dress of choice. The end result should be a flattering perfect fit that your bridesmaid is comfortable wearing.

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Tip: Upscale Bridesmaid Gowns

If money isn’t an issue and you’re looking for upscale bridesmaid gowns to choose from, your choices for the latest fashion forward designs and finer fabrics are plentiful. Choose from silk gowns in delicate chiffons to elegantly modern designs in taffetas. These gowns tend to start with a price tag of $300 or more.

Upscale bridesmaid gowns include the Jenny Yoo Collection, Lou Razon Special Occasion, Amsale Bridesmaids, and Thread. The Jenny Yoo Collection covers everything from flower girl dresses to maternity bridesmaid gowns. The Lou Razon Special Occasion dresses come with details like runched bodices and ruffled lace skirts. Their silk collection of gowns denotes style without a “bridesmaid” appearance. Amsale Bridesmaids gowns are simple and elegant. Their current line features accentuated bodices which descend into draping hemlines. The result is a long, lean line. Thread has an extensive line of upscale bridesmaid gowns in fabrics from cotton seersucker to silk chiffon. Thread dresses are feminine yet modern at the same time. Their striped chiffon dresses create visual interest in a two-tone fabric.

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