Bargain Flower Girl Dress

Types of Flower Girl Dresses

When most people imagine a flower girl, they picture a miniature bride. That image, however, is not generally appropriate for a flower girl’s attire. The purpose of having children as part of a wedding ceremony is not to make them look like adults, but to incorporate an innocent, sweet flair representative of young love into the festivities. To do this, there are many bargain flower girl dresses that can accentuate the “girly” characteristics of the flower girl without breaking the bank.

• Formal Dresses: These are the classic flower girl dresses made from satin, tulle, organza, and other “bridal” fabrics. They are often accentuated with rosettes, flower petals, lace, pearls, or other delicate embellishments, and are frequently the most expensive flower girl dresses. Formal dresses are often needed for:
  • Very formal, evening weddings.
  • A flower girl who is not quite old enough to be considered a junior bridesmaid.
  • Elaborate ceremonies including formal church ceremonies.
• Cotton Dresses: These are usually considered everyday dresses, but with an inexpensive accessory such as a ribbon sash, formal shoes, or the appropriate flower girl headpiece, these dresses can be versatile options for a flower girl. Simple cotton dresses are great options for:
  • Casual non-denominational weddings.
  • Outdoor or garden ceremonies.
  • Weddings in secular locations such as a hotel ballroom, park, or home.

Sundresses are fun informal options.

• Sundresses: Light, fun sundresses come in a range of styles and both bright and pastel shades that can coordinate with many wedding parties. Simple accessories can easily embellish even a plain dress to make it easily match a wedding theme. Sundresses coordinate well with:
  • Outdoor ceremonies in garden or parks.
  • Beach weddings.
  • Spring and summer informal weddings.
• Holiday and Special Occasion Dresses: Many families take formal pictures or attend formal events during the holidays – Christmas and Easter are the most popular choices – and many beautiful girls’ dresses are available during these seasons. Other special occasion attire, such as for a christening or communion, is also a great flower girl option, particularly for:
  • Seasonal weddings with a holiday theme.
  • More formal ceremonies.

There are many options for different flower girl dresses, but the key to a great bargain is knowing how to shop for the right dress and stay within a budget.

Shopping for a Bargain Flower Girl Dress

Because young girls can grow out of dresses quickly – many dresses don’t use adjustable materials or fabrics that can stretch to accommodate some growth – shopping for a bargain dress can be a challenge. To avoid the highest bills, parents of flower girls should understand where and when to shop for the best deal.

By Retailer

Different retailers naturally offer a different range of prices.

• Bridal Shops: These specialty retailers offer the greatest range of formal girls’ dresses, but also at the highest prices. To find a better bargain, ask about discounts if the bridal party dresses or wedding gown are purchased at the same store – some retailers may even throw in the matching flower girl dress free with a large enough order. Prices for flower girl dresses may average $70-200 from bridal shops.
• Children’s Formal Shops: These retailers specialize in formal attire just for children, and are often just as expensive as full-scale bridal shops. They will usually, however, offer a wider range of sizes and styles for younger children. Prices typically range from $50-150.
• Department Stores: Standard department stores such as JCPenny, Sears, and Dillards offer a limited selection of formal styles but a much wider variety of holiday dresses and casual dresses. These outfits may only be available during certain seasons, however, but they can be less expensive, often ranging from $20-75.
• Discount Stores: Popular styles and holiday wear is frequently available from discount retailers such as Target and Walmart for low prices, often $20-40. Casual dresses and sundresses may be even less.
• Online Stores: Online retailers for flower girl dresses and accessories often feature heavy discounts, particularly for older dress styles or the most popular designs. Depending on the retailer, even the most formal styles may be as low as $40, with higher priced dresses reaching $150-200. Online merchants offering bargain flower girl dresses include:
  • Flower Girl Dress for Less
  • Girls Dresses
  • Little Girl Dresses

By Time of Year

Knowing the best time to shop is crucial for finding bargain flower girl dresses. Because weddings are planned well in advance, it is possible to pick up formal or holiday dresses in the off-season when prices are lower, or to take advantage of end-of-season sales for greater discounts. If the wedding is months away, be sure to pick up the dress one or two sizes too large to be sure it will still fit (a large dress can easily be altered if necessary, but a too-small dress is difficult to resize). Just as with designer wedding gowns, flower girl styles alter season by season, and older styles are also less expensive.

Finding the Best Bargain

When shopping for bargain flower girl dresses, it is important to find not only a great deal, but also the best bargain available for the occasion. Always investigate alteration fees, the quality of the dress (and its durability), and any necessary accessories to be sure it is the best deal. Hidden fees can drastically inflate the price of even the best bargain, but savvy shoppers will be able to find an inexpensive and beautiful dress that will make the flower girl a true princess on the wedding day.