oh, twobirds, how i love thee...

Every single one of my bridesmaids has to travel to our wedding and incur the hefty costs associated with the trip. Because of this, I was determined to purchase their bridesmaid dress for them! Of course, with six girls, this meant I'd have to keep costs down.

A few months back, I was dress shopping with PF (one of my bmaids!) for her wedding, and I tried on the twobirds dress. This dress is beautiful. Classy, flattering, gorgeous. Also, over my price limit. I loved how every girl could wear it in the style that suited their personality best.

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I tried to let this dress go and began my search by emailing bridesmaids CH and AT for their advice (though my brother is my MOH, he doesn't really enjoy dresses....or online shopping....or shopping at all for that matter). I kept my searching within a few parameters: around $150 or less, available online or at a national chain bridal store, and yellow or brown dresses only.

After a few hours of online research I found some promising ensembles in the colors and price range I wanted.

Mama Pencils liked this one from David's Bridal:

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This was also an option from DB:

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So was this one, a popular one from all time fave J. Crew:

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Or this:

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Bridesmaid AT returned the favor and found this option from Dillards:

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I sent out an email to the bridesmaids and asked for their thoughts. There was no clear favorite, and I was beginning to worry we'd never find the right one. I hadn't given up hope on the twobirds dress- it just felt perfect!-when I was gchatting with bridesmaid CH and PF one Friday night (lame, I know).

I shared my dilemma with them both, and both went to work searching for a more perfect option. Within five minutes, CH returned with the most fabulous, amazing, cost effective alternate to the twobirds dress! If only I had been smart enough to be specific with these brilliant women from the beginning!

The dress CH found was the answer. It's convertible, jersey cotton, chocolate brown, and 99 bucks! Within 48 hours, I ordered 6 in the chocolate brown for my girls and blackberry for me (honeymoon dress!)

Where did we find the perfect dress? Victoria's Secret! Here's the dress in a couple of different styles and colors, all found here:

I am really happy with our decision and I can't wait to see my gals rock this dress in May!

How did you find your bridesmaids' dresses? Did you find an alternate for a too-expensive item for your wedding? What was it?