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Let's face it: gone are the days of forcing your bridesmaids to shell out for those lovely, but not-practical-for-anything-els e turquoise dresses that go so well with the rest of your carefully chosen wedding decor. And most brides also don't have the coin to simply make up the difference all buy them all for the members of their wedding party. But don't fret. There are plenty of ways around this... especially if you're willing to think a little outside of the box.

Weddings, like everything else, have changed with the times. It is now perfectly acceptable to have unconventional wedding parties, flowers, and of course, unconventional dress. In fact, truly, anything goes. Now, this isn't to say that you SHOULD give up all your traditions - if they're important to you, then plan for them in your wedding celebrations. However, if you want to save money on things like bridesmaids dresses, you may need to be flexible.

All of that said, here are some ideas for dressing "the maids" without breaking the bank:

- choose an easy colour like brown or black (great for evening weddings) and ask your bridesmaids to buy thenselves each a dress in that colour. Even if they all have completely different dresses, your corsages and other wedding flowers will give them some uniformity (you could also spring for the cost of manicures for all which is far less than however many dresses). And no one should complain because they can always wear those dresses again.

- call a local community college and ask for a referral to a costume/fashion design student and once introduced, have a look at some of their past work, and if they're competent, get them to design and sew your dresses

- choose very simple off-the-rack dresses from a department store and have a sash or wrap in an expensive silk made to personalize the dresses

- go to a bridal store and purchase bridesmaid dresses off the rack... one of your maids a different size? Buy a larger size than she needs and have the dress taken in. They don't have three dresses in the same colour? Make your maid of honour stand out by changing the hue of her gown.

If you're crafty and careful, your bridesmaids dresses don't have to cost you a fortune.

Learn more about this author, Katriina L..
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