BRIDESMAID DRESSES... Casual or Dressy? Help me calm down...

Could you get a blingy sash to make it look more formal? Or do without the belt all together.

I like the first one a lot. The second one looks too casual in my opinion.

The belt does come off, that's a thought! We're supposed to go order dresses this weekend and one of my girls can't afford it "right now", well if I don't make her get it now she won't til it's too late. I feel bad, but it's been difficult since the get go.

I like the first one, the second one looks too casual imo.

I'm biased because the first one is 1 of my girls dresses. However I really like the 2nd. But if you aren't going for lace then don't get lace. But i agree with Alysha that a blingy belt might make it a little more formal looking. And a pretty pair of shoes.

I can't see when you're wedding is but my girls had issues getting the dresses they wanted because they waited to long to order. The only one that got the dress i wanted (your 1st picture above) was the only one that went on time as I instructed. So you need to make a decision and stick with it. Not sure what you are to do about the "can't pay for it right now" bridesmaid. That frustrates me for you!

Honestly, I think the second dress is just as formal! I have a similar lace dress (no belt) and I've worn it to multiple weddings. I agree to replace the belt with a sash to make it more formal, also dressing it up with shoes and jewelry. However, hydrangeas and daisies are pretty informal flowers so I don't think you'll have any issues.

I think the 2nd dress is nice - without the belt though. My girls are wearing lacey dresses - they are different and a bit more formal looking, but I think with jewelry, hair/makeup and some nice shoes, the 2nd dress won't look to casual at all.

I wore the first dress to a wedding this past September. And their were 3 other girls in the wedding party. Not sure what size your girls are but if you want mine its all yours. I will never wear it again. I can also ask the other girls that were in the wedding if they are willing to sell/ donate. (touchy subject at the moment...haha)

I'm sure you could dress up the second option. It's a nice starting place. Put a nice sash or belt on it, amp up the jewelry and throw on some sweet high heels and it goes from summer bbq to summer wedding in a flash.

I think the second dress would actually look nice, but do you have any tall girls? Sometimes their dresses can be a little short.

Have you talked to the girls? Were they ok with the price of the original dress or was it pushing their budget. Navy dresses are really popular, you could always give them guidelines and let them find their own in a price they are comfortable with.

I personally like the first one more. However, I do agree with Tania about checking out the selection that is put out for prom season at some of the bigger department stores. You may be able to find a dress that works well with the girls' overall budget.

I literally bought that Kohl's dress this past weekend. It's for my rehearsal dinner.

I think the lace dress is too casual and it may look better in pictures if you and them are not both in lace.

I think the Kohl's dress is too casual. It's something I would wear to work.

I say go with the first choice. Did you get your gown yet? If you purchased your gown from DB your girls will get a discount or sometimes they have sales.

Have you looked on target.com... they actually have bridesmaid dresses online for around $80 here is the ones my girls will be wearing but they have lots of other dressier options too.

I actually wore the first dress as a BM in a friend's wedding a couple years ago. I loved wearing that dress, and our bouquets were hydrangeas (and the wedding was not very formal). I think the other dress is way too informal. You might run into a guest wearing it.

I don't think you should make someone buy something that's not in their budget. If you really want the first dress, could you contribute at all to help the girls out? I like the second dress, but it doesn't feel "bridal" if that makes sense? I also love the Target bridesmaids dresses, as someone else mentioned!

Personally I think the second one is too casual for a BM. As a guest I would even consider it a little casual and maybe wear something similar if it was a brunch/day wedding but not for evening. That being said I wouldn't pay more than $60 for the first dress and since you say it's pricey my guess it's more than that? This is another example of the wedding industry jacking up prices on things just because it's for a wedding. ugh. Have you tried Macy's or JCP? Since it's prom season there's a ton of formal lodresses for a lot cheaper than going to a bridal salon that could be used for BMs..

The lace dress by itself is nice but that belt makes it more casual. I would definitely replace it with maybe a ribbon belt or a crystal belt!

I think both dresses are beautiful. I'm not sure what time of day your wedding will be, but I think they would work well since you said your wedding is not super formal. Yes, the second one is a bit casual, but you can change that just by replacing or removing the belt.

You can always partner either option with shoes and jewelry to dress it up a bit and make it look a little bit more formal. And to make your bridesmaids' look match your wedding colors, you can opt for jewelry that feature pink pearls and/or crystals.