Bridal Salon vs. Online vs. Chain Store

[Camel]

I was in the bridal salon where I am buying my dress from today and I was checking out the bridesmaids dresses they have to offer but most of these dresses are in $200 range!

I've heard some really great things about Netbride (http://www.netbride.com/) a Canadian company online who sells brand name BM dresses at a discount rate.

So basically my question is where did all you of find your bridesmaids dresses? From a bridal salon, online or just from a regular store that can be found in a mall? Also, did all of your bms wear the same dress and buy them from the same place?

[thinking_much]

For my bridesmaid, I chose a style that I wanted and had a local seamstress to do it. It was cheaper and I got to choose the specific color I wanted :)

[4424]

i ordered mine from www.perfect-bridesmaid-dresses.com (http://www.perfect-bridesmaid-dresses.com). they were terrific and the dresses came way ahead schedule. i saved the girls a lot of $$ by buying it online.

[CHWedding]

I see you have sometime before the wedding. I say, look around and find what you like. If you found something online then get it. I got mines from Macys. However, I kept in mind I am having a destination wedding and I didn't want to my girls spending a lot of money on there dresses because they had to come up with money to get to the Bahamas. If your girls are all ok with spending $200 on a dress then go for it. It is your wedding, do what you like. I hear crazy stories from past brides that had bridemaid nightmare when it comes to an expensive dress. Good luck

[VenusElaine]

The possibilities for Maid gowns are as infinite as you wish to make them. I have seen some pretty hideous ones, totally unsuitable for the variety of the Maid's body styles; to the Brides that choose a number of separates combinations and let the Maids choose; to brides that hand them a fabric swatch and tell them to wear whatever in this color and a specific length.

I recently altered several tea length gowns that were $39.95 from Dress Barn.
They were empire waist chiffon overlay dresses that were just as attractive as the $100 or more dresses specifically for Maids, in the "new black" expresso brown for a fall wedding.

Do not limit yourself!

VenusElaine

[Camel]

I've given my bridesmaids a lot of freedom- the only thing I've been specific about is colour. I don't really care what they choose in terms of length, fabric etc.

My MOH has choosen her dress and the other bridesmaid has not even looked when I point things out she doesn't seem to really care. I think I may just have end up choosing for her and I want to keep it fairly inexpensive.

My big worry is having them buy something they don't really like, will never wear again and have to trade their first born to afford.