Help! Bridesmaids dresses. And accessory etiquette?

I saw some lovely dresses on quiz and asos website, my budget for bridesmaid dresses is £50 each I've already asked them if they would buy there own shoes,as there having long dresses they can have any shoes as long as there comfy for them

My dresses were in the Debenhams sale for £40 ish each and we're full length but with straps.

My bridesmaids bought their own shoes. I just said silver and they picked the style and heel height they were happy with. They didn't even have to buy new. They were fine with it.

I don't think there's anything wrong with asking your BMs to sort their own shoes, if you aren't fussed about them being the same they can wear what they've already got if they don't want to buy new ones.

In terms of dresses, a couple of friends have ordered from eBay, paid next to nothing and the dresses are beautiful. Also, www.sexyher.co.uk are good, their dresses are from the Far East, i think, but they're actually in the UK (they have a shop in Surrey) so you get more consumer protection.

My friend got her BM dresses from queeniebridesmaid website and they were £75 I think, you got few quid discount off each dress the more you bought. They were custom made, and most of the fit was fine! We got added length on them but then they needed taken up lol And I got the waist taken in but that was more I wanted it rather than it looked bad. The quality was really good and we looked gorgeous on the day if I say so myself! Lol so that could be an option? Loads of colours and styles to choose from

Bridal outlet stores - off the peg maybe? The one I went to today was selling floor length bridesmaids dresses for between £90 and £135.

What colour are you after? Debenhams have a blue cross sale on at the moment and fever design have full length dresses for £56. http://www.feverdesigns.co.uk/wedding/bridesmaids-dresses

Being full length gowns, the girls could wear their own shoes, but maybe provide some guidance if you want a certain colour/style, or pay for them yourself if you want something specific.

Hi,

My bridesmaids all brought their own dresses (and they are all different- I just wanted them to feel sexy so they are all in little black dresses of their choosing) and shoes (all wearing shoes they already have), but I am getting them matching accessories- necklace, sash belt, bag.

I think its worth discussing what your bridesmaids expectations are so they are prepared for any expense and so that they have control over the things that are important for them. My ladies are all very different shapes and some of them are every so body conscious (for no reason that I can see!). You have to do what you can to make them feel amazing and I am sure they will do the same for you on your special day. Good luck xx

Thank you all so much for your responses! That's really helpful! It purple I want but I really like that style and price of those debinhams ones! Will look into all those other sites suggested. Good idea about setting up expectations. I really want my BMs to feel comfortable in what I chose for them. One of them isn't a girly girl at all and doesn't do dresses really so going to be hard to please them all!

Hi justkeepswimmimg...(love the name! Now I have the song in my head...lol)

i got got my bridesmaid dresses through ever pretty which someone on here recommended. http://www.amazon.co.uk/clothing/dp/B00D2LWI8Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=clothing&ie=UTF8&qid=1437861855&sr=1-1 Really good quality! Bit big in the bust so will need alteration but I recommend them.

i am sure you will manage to find something and if you are honest with your bridesmaids in the beginning I am sure they won't getting their own shoes.

Good of luck and have fun planning, this forum is awesome for ideas and support.

Haha thank you I thought it was quite apt for the wedding planning stress, which I am determined to not get sucked in by!

So glad I've found this forum, so many useful ideas and lovely advice!

thank you for the link

Another vote for debenhams. post christmas sales are excellent. all those lovely hybrid party/prom/bridesmaid frocks are reduced!

I'm not sure which purple you are after (lilac or cadburys purple?) but here are some other options, all under £50!:

http://www.bhs.co.uk/en/bhuk/category/wedding-1020484/bridesmaid-3988957?refinements=Colour{1}~[purple]&noOfRefinements=1

This one is only £26, but has straps:

http://www.marksandspencer.com/crossover-v-neck-pleated-maxi-dress/p/p22305568?colour=DustedLilac

http://www.tkmaxx.com/view-all-womenswear/iris-ruched-maxi-gown/invt/53061550

This one is multiway, so you can have it look many different ways, incl strapless and only £50:

http://www.clothingattesco.com/dresses/f+f-signature-multiway-maxi-dress/invt/br520683&bklist=icat,4,shop,catgwedding,womens-bridesmaids

Thank you so much for showing me those. I particularity like the first one and last one although its a sort of lavender purple I'm after. I really like these: But that's just on Pinterest I'm not sure where I can find something similar

Sorry haven't got the hang of posting pictures yet!

Not strapless but a similar colour and great price:

http://www.johnlewis.com/kaliko-pleat-detail-jersey-maxi-dress/p1937632?colour=Grape

Also found this website, but could be a front for a Chinese one. No idea of their quality, but lots on here have recommended light in the box:

http://www.jodresses.co.uk/lavender-bridesmaid-dresses-uk.html