Good Fabrics for Bridesmaids' Dresses and Prices

Does the fabric of the dress matter much in pricing? Somewhat. You'll find plenty of dresses in fabulous cotton that cost a bit less than silks, and organza and chiffon do cost more per-yard than dress cottons. Gown shop experts say that taffeta is trending up right now, since it's an inexpensive fabric that reflects color and looks gorgeous.

Again, it's always going to be the designer and the detail, as well as where you buy the dress, that will determine how much it will cost. A dress with lots of layers, requiring more fabric, will cost more as well. So be prepared to spend a bit more for a floor-length gown in a high-quality fabric with a few flowing layers. It's good to pay more for a dress made with quality materials; the dress hangs well, moves well, and has a pretty sheen that makes your bridesmaid group's dress choice stand out as high fashion, even if you landed a dress for under $100 from a great resource, using all of your extra resources.

So what are the great fabrics to look for? I spoke with several gown designers who say that bridesmaids are happiest in comfortable, soft, smooth, and flowing fabrics such as:

1. Charmeuse
2. Chiffon
3. Cotton
4. Crinkle Chiffon
5. Eastern Shantung
6. Shantung
7. Taffeta

And again, taffeta makes the list as one of the better-priced fabrics and cotton is on the list as well, as both an informal and a formal dress choice that keeps its shape and makes the green-weddings crowd happy.