Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Pale Pink Jacquard Dress- The Limited ($59.99),Yellow Dress- Modcloth ($49.99),Plum Ballerina Dress-Shabby Apple ($62), Blue Vera Wang Empire Dress- Kohl's ($40.60).

Having affordable bridesmaid dresses can be a huge relief for your closest friends- after all, many bridesmaids are on a budget too!  And you don’t even have to sacrifice style! Here are some quick tips for finding affordable dresses for your favorite girls:

• Think beyond typical bridesmaid dresses. It can still be a bridesmaid dress without the tag proclaiming it one! Look for dresses that match your wedding style anywhere you shop: at the mall, online, or even on designer discount sites. You'll be surprised at how many stylish options you can find without the hefty price tag of traditional bridesmaid dresses.
  
• Hit up the outlets. The outlets can be a good source for that perfect bridesmaid apparel at hugely discounted prices. So get your girls together and do some shopping! Keep in mind that you do need to get all of the dresses at once due to changing stock, so make sure you have either all your girls with you or their sizes for you to pick up their dresses. And bonus- many outlets have coupon books for extra discounts- check at the visitor service desk!
• Choose a dress they could actually wear again. This is will give your girls at least the option of wearing that dress again, which makes the cost more reasonable.
• Use your coupons. Here is another opportunity for some wedding couponing! Combine coupons or coupon codes with dress sales in stores or online to score some serious bargains on bridesmaid dresses. I've seen many fantastic dresses for under $50 using this approach- a complete steal!
  
• Let the girls do their own thing. I'm loving the trend of the bride choosing a specific color for the bridesmaid dresses and then letting the girls pick out their own dress. This way the bridesmaids can find a dress that works with their style and body type- and fits in their budget.
  
• Talk to the salespeople.  Wherever you end up getting those dresses, ask the sales associates if they can work out a discount. Depending on the store, you may be able to snag an extra discount for buying several dresses, for paying in full up front, or for buying the dresses at the same store where you purchased your wedding gown. It never hurts to ask!  
• Skip the alterations. Try to find a dress that will require minimal alterations for your bridesmaids, to save them from this added expense. So if you want a tea length dress, order a tea-length dress rather than a floor-length one that will need to be altered.
  
• Head to a bridal boutique. Sometimes bridal shops are the best option- particularly if you need a wide range of sizes or want a specific style or color. Some quick tips for keeping those bridesmaid dresses as low as possible: shop the sales rack or go when a store is advertising a special sale and ask for those discounts!

And of course don't forget to keep checking back here on the Belles Blog! I love sharing deals on bridesmaid dresses and will post any I find!