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| Typical costs: | - Bridesmaid dresses cost, on the low end, about $50 to $100 for an off-the-rack dress from an online shop or department store.
- In the mid-range, they cost $100 to $250 for a standard, satin bridesmaid dress without elaborate detail.
- On the high end, they cost about $250 and up for dresses made from fabrics such as silk, possibly with hand beading or other intricate details.
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| What should be included: | - Most bridal shops will professionally take the bridesmaid's measurements, and then order the dress. Even if you are purchasing your dress online or having it shipped from a non-local store, always have your measurements taken by a professional to ensure they are accurate.
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| Additional costs: | - Most bridal shops have staff members who do alterations, but they almost always charge extra for it. For most bridesmaids, alterations will run between $20 and $80, depending on what needs to be done. Common alterations include bodice adjustments, which are usually cheapest unless there is boning or beading to adjust; hemming, which varies in cost depending on the number of layers; and sleeve shortening, which is not complicated unless there is beading or lace.
- It's a good idea to get alterations estimates in writing before ordering a dress. Leanna Studios offers a primer on bridesmaid dress alterations.
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| Discounts: | - Finding a dress on sale is the best way to get a discount. If the bridesmaids live in different locations, a chain bridal store might be your best option.
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| Shopping for a bridesmaid dress: | - When choosing bridesmaids dresses, try to pick a color and style that will complement all of the bridesmaids' body types. Also consider whether the color will flatter your bridesmaids' skin tones. BridalGuide.com offers a guide on creating a unified look for the bridal party.
- Tip: To avoid rush fees, have your bridesmaids order their gowns as soon as you have decided on a color and style. Check to see whether they can order their dresses from the same bridal salon the bride is using. Brides.com has more tips for bridesmaids on avoiding overspending.
- When trying to choose a bridesmaid's dress, make the bridesmaids' budgets -- not yours -- the deciding factor, unless you plan to pick up the cost. For bridesmaids on a budget, Amazon.com and JCPenney.com offer low prices on bridesmaid dresses.
- In the mid-range, HouseofBrides.com and Nordstrom.com offer wide selections.
- For high-end designer dresses, TheKnot.com offers city-by-city guides to vendors.
- per dress
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Article updated March 2007 |
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