In my last post I mentioned the need for practicality in shopping for a bridesmaids dresses, which led to a slew of e-mails on how, exactly, brides could cut their costs to keep the price of their bridesmaids dresses reasonable. Here's what the experts have to say about how to save money on bridesmaids dresses:

1) Choose a color and let your bridesmaids find their own dresses in that color in their price range.
2) Shop at department stores that carry formal wear and order multiples when they're on sale instead of custom ordering a dress.
3) Pick a designer and style and let your bridesmaids pick their own dress out.
4) Have a friend make your dresses instead of buying them off the rack.

Those fairy tale weddings with your perfectly gowned, matching attendants are nice in principle, but the price tags can be atrocious! Remember, your wedding is one day out of your life. Friends are forever-and if you want them to continue speaking to you that long, it pays to keep their budgets in mind when it comes to your bridesmaids dresses!