While I have not been there, I just heard about a place in West Hartford from a former bride (and now soon to be bridesmaid) that  focuses on non-bride (think bridesmaid/mother-of-the bride/etc.) dresses ONLY.  Evidently they have a great selection of modern, fresh, cute, stylish dresses!  Great idea!  My friend loves her new bridesmaid dress and thinks it might actually be worn again!  The shop is called "Of the Bride" and is in West Hartford center and is on the second floor of one of the buildings and is by appointment only.  Interesting!