Budget-Friendly Bridesmaid Dresses

During the past two weddings I have attended as a bridesmaid, I spent over $400 on satin dresses that I have no intentions to ever wear again. In addition to each dress, I had to buy plane tickets, hotel rooms and rental cars. While I had a blast at both weddings, I wish that the brides had considered dress prices when they chose the gowns for bridesmaids. Instead of putting your wedding party into debt and forcing them to wear something they will never wear again, try choosing something that your bridesmaids either (a) can truly wear again or (b) will not force them to take out a loan just to stand next to you on your special day. Here are a few ways to save your favorite girls a few bucks on your special day:

* Explore the color wheel. Usually, brides have their bridesmaids wear the same color, but it can also be beautiful to have a rainbow of colors standing at the alter. Your redheaded friend will appreciate when she doesn't have to add another bright pink dress to her wardrobe, and your pale, freckled pal won't have to suffer another champagne-colored frock washing out her complexion.

* Mix up shapes. If you want to pick a single color for your bridal party, think about giving your friends a few options on style. Last year, I watched a bustier bridesmaid squeeze into a very tight bodice that forced her to hold her breath all night. Instead of forcing every shape into one dress style, give bridesmaids the option to choose a style and cut that fits their bodies best. If the dresses fit well, your bridesmaids may be more likely to wear them a second time, so they will be a little less bitter about the price.

* Opt for a shorter dress and avoid too many layers. I've spent nearly $100 to alter each of the bridesmaids dresses in my closet. I'm either too short, too curvy or too small to wear most long dresses right out of the box. For every inch and every layer on the dress, it seems the prices go up. If you aim for simpler, short or tea-length dresses, you will save your bridesmaids some serious cash and trips to the seamstress.

* Skip the bridal boutique. Many boutiques and tailors prorate dress prices for weddings, but retail stores, such as J. Crew, Target, Overstock, and Nordstrom carry budget-friendly options for bridesmaids.

* Rent dresses. The fellas have been doing it for decades, and companies like Rent the Runway and Wear Today Gone Tomorrow have gorgeous options for under $100 each.