Dresses and More Dresses: My Bridesmaid Dresses

I had to hold off on writing this post for a while, since the dresses I ordered back in early September were back ordered a couple months. But, I'm getting ahead of myself, lets first talk about how the dresses were selected!

I started looking at BM dresses back in about April, not long after we got engaged. Fast forward until about mid August when I knew the time was ripe for getting summery dresses at a good price during the end of the season sales. Unfortunately, so many of the cute dresses I'd found last spring were no longer available, or only available in obscure sizes like zero and 18. So I started the search again, looking for cute purple dresses that were around $150 or under. (Mr. Cola and I are paying for the BM dresses, hair and makeup, and the groomsmen tuxes.)

Luckily, the one dress that had been my favorite back in spring was still available, a Calvin Klein satin dress in medium purple, from Nordstrom.com. Actually, a lot of my dress search took place on the Nordstrom and Macy's websites, since I didn't see the point in paying $100 extra for a dress, just because it was labeled a "bridesmaid dress." After enlisting my MOH/Sister to narrow it down to four choices from the multitude of options I'd found, I set up a Google Docs survey on our wedding website, with pictures and info on the four choices, and let the choice fall into the hands of my ladies.

Here were their choices (follow links below for picture sources):

Dress #1: Calvin Klein Satin Dress

Ruched charmeuse wraps the Empire waist of a classic dress. Braided straps draw the eye to a low V-neck in front, while the back is cut for a squared-off V-neck.

• Side zip with hook-and-eye closure.
• Slightly padded bust.
• Approx. length from shoulder: 39 1/2".
• Fully lined.
• Polyester; dry clean.
• By Calvin Klein; imported.

Fit: Form-fitting at bust; easy-fitting at hip.
Runs large; order one size smaller than your bust size.

View it online here.


Dress #2: Adrianna Papell Strapless Laser Cut Satin Dress

Overlapping layers of precision-cut satin shape a strapless dress with a gently flared A-line skirt. Soft edges are left unfinished for a delicate touch.

• Back zip with hook-and-eye closure.
• Removable shoulder straps.
• Approx. length from center front to hem: regular 34"; petite 33".
• Bodice is lined, with rubber gripper and padded corset.
• Polyester; dry clean.
• By Adrianna Papell; imported.

Fit: Order one size larger than your bust size.

View it online here.


Dress #3: Tahari by ASL Sleeveless Ruffle-Front Empire-Waist Dress

Charmeuse-backed ruffles cascade down the front of a sleeveless dress, simply shaped with an elasticized Empire waist and a flirty flounced hem.

• Slips on over head.
• Approx. length from shoulder to hem: 38".
• Fully lined.
• Silk; dry clean.
• By Tahari by Arthur S. Levine; imported.

Fit: Form-fitting at bust; semi-fitting at hip.
Use bust measurement to determine size.

View it online here.


Dress #4: Violet Pleated Collar Dress



Available made-to-order

To see pictures of this dress in action:
http://independentdesigner.blogspot.com/2009/08/ultra-violet.html

Pleated dress with fun pleated collar trim, Violet color cotton fabric
Center back invisible zipper, professionally made with care. Message your exact measurments for better accuracy.

Machine washable, care label included.

View it online here.

As it turns out, they agreed on Dress #1, the satin Calvin Klein that I'd had my eye on since April. Which was good and bad. Good because I know they'll all look HOT in that dress, but bad because I was (selfishly!) going to get it for myself if they didn't pick it. Oh well, it all worked out for the best, because I found other dress options for myself that I'll share in my next post.

Did you let your ladies have a say in which dress they would wear in your wedding?