[Tippiechick]

When I got married, December 2002, I gave my 10 (yes, 10 bridesmaids and 500 guests) the choice of a $250 dress that is definitely wearable for many events or a cheaper dress from David's Bridal that ran about $120.

Everyone of them chose the more expensive dress. It had a higher quality of workmanship and had a much more elegant look. They were black velvet halter tops with a black satin skirt. I had an ivory and cafe au lait dress. We all carried red roses and the church was decorated with red roses and white lights. (It was Dec. 21st...)

I think it should be that the bride gets noticed before the bridesmaids. But, I don't think a bride should try to make her friends look bad! One of my attendants (my cousin) was in Playboy. I didn't try to make her look like crap just so I could look better. I think that's disrespectful to your friends to do that kind of thing.