Call Discount Bridal Service. (800-874-8794 or www.discountbridalservice.com) With savings of up to 40 percent and dresses that are shipped directly to each bridesmaid, DBS is a convenient and affordable alterative. (For more on this service, check out Find Your Wedding Dress for Less.)
Avoid rush cuts. Bridesmaids' dresses are expensive enough when ordered at full retail. Add that extra ''rush'' fee (incurred when you order a dress less than two months before your wedding) and you'll see the price rise 20 percent. Don't delay making this decision as you plan the rest of your wedding.
Sew your own. What's a bridesmaid-style dress, anyway? A basic dress pattern with little detailing or fuss. And can't you just buy typical bridesmaid fabrics such as taffeta or crepe at a fabric store? We've heard from several brides who had their favorite aunt sew their bridesmaids' dresses. Although not a solution for everyone, it has its merits.
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Pick a dress, any dress. Instead of forcing all the bridesmaids to wear the same dress, just give them a color (a swatch is best) and then have them buy separate dresses. Sure, they won't exactly match in style, but who cares? Let the bridesmaids hit the department stores and find a style that they can wear again. (One tip: suggest to them a basic style or skirt length). Obviously you can't be a control freak to do this, but it might be worth a shot.