Dresses, dresses, everywhere.... and not a one for me!

(Source)
As most of us are, I'm trying to keep my wedding fun and guilt-free. One way I devised to do this was to have my bridesmaids each pick out a different dress they wanted (I pick the color and fabric), take measurements, and then have someone local (or on Etsy ) create the dresses. That way, each girl has something she likes and I'm not supporting the big chains.

As it turns out, there are plenty of people who will make the dresses for less money than it costs to buy from the major retailers. My girls loved the idea - especially as they range in size from 0 to 16 and are all over the world. So all I need to do is pick out the fabric and get going... Sounds easy, right?

Wrong! I have had 20 fabric samples sent to me and haven't found one that will remotely work! Here's what I want, ideally:

• A really really deep dark purple (almost black), like the color in the flower above. Don't ask me why I picked this color, since I'm not usually a pink/purple type of girl, but I've decided.
• A light, flowy fabric. It should be something the girls can wear again, and that isn't too hot for summer in Panama.
• Not crazy expensive

That's it - that's all I want! I didn't think I was being all that picky, but am getting frustrated...
(Source for pictures: still working on it. I copied them from a WB forum on purple dresses!)

Do you have any ideas for fabric that would work?

Have you tried a similar tactic with your bridesmaids?

Is it better (for peace of mind) to go the Dessy option?