As you begin to plan the wedding, you will undoubtedly run into costs and expenses that you never thought about. That's OK, this is normal. However, it could become a real obstacle when you are working on a tight budget. Chances are, if you are on a tight budget, your bridesmaids are too. It's important to consider what the girls can realistically afford when planning what they will wear. Once you decide colors and theme, this becomes easier. The last thing you want to do is create resentment or struggles for the ladies you hold so dearly.
So, what can you do? Be upfront with what your expectations are for your "dream" wedding. Ask the girls for their feedback and for an honest amount that they can each afford. You will get a range of price points and I suggest finding something that falls in the middle to lower end of this range. After all, You are the star of the big day, right?
One trendy idea is to go with separates. I fitted white or ivory top with a tulle skirt is gorgeous. You could do a couple of different colors to tie the whole wedding together. Tulle skirts also work with a wide variety of body types and they are very comfortable and easy to wear too. You could do matching bouquets for each girl and matching shoes. In the "anything goes" mindset of today's wedding planning, you can totally get away with the bridesmaids in short dresses/skirts while you are wearing long.
Think outside the box. Your wedding will go some much more smoothly and be a more relaxed affair if everyone involved feels comfortable.