Custom Bridesmaids Dresses: Worth The Wait?

Bridesmaids' dresses are an important aspect of wedding planning, reflecting the event's theme and style, and ensuring the bridal party feels comfortable and beautiful. While some brides opt for a uniform look, with their bridesmaids wearing the same dress, others allow their bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a specific colour scheme or length requirement. Regardless of the approach, it is generally recommended that bridesmaids' dresses be ordered at least six months before the wedding to allow ample time for production, fittings, and alterations. Custom or made-to-order dresses may take longer, with lead times ranging from two to eight weeks, so it is crucial to plan accordingly to avoid any last-minute surprises.

How much time in advance should bridesmaids order their dresses?

Ordering bridesmaids' dresses is a crucial aspect of wedding planning, and the timing of the order is essential to ensure the dresses arrive on time and any necessary alterations can be made. Here is a comprehensive guide on when bridesmaids should order their dresses.

The Timeline for Ordering Bridesmaids' Dresses

It is recommended that bridesmaids order their dresses about six months before the wedding. This allows ample time for the dresses to be made and shipped, which typically takes two to three months. Ordering all the bridesmaids' dresses together ensures that the fabric dye lots match for a consistent colour across all dresses.

Pre-Ordering Steps

Before placing the order, there are several steps to take, including:

• The bride should first order her wedding dress, which should be done at least nine months before the wedding, and even a year in advance if it is custom-made.
• The bride and bridesmaids should discuss the bridesmaids' budget for their dresses.
• About eight months before the wedding, the bride and bridesmaids can start browsing for styles and narrowing down options. This includes trying on different silhouettes, necklines, and more.
• It is important to know the correct measurements of each bridesmaid, including bust, width, and length, before placing the order.

Post-Ordering Steps

Once the dresses have been ordered, there are several subsequent steps to ensure the dresses are ready for the wedding:

• About four to six weeks after ordering the dresses, bridesmaids should order their shoes and undergarments for the wedding. These are needed for the first fitting to ensure accurate bust measurements and hem length.
• The first fitting should be scheduled about three months before the wedding.
• The final fitting should be scheduled about one month before the wedding. This is especially important if the wedding is during the busy season for seamstresses, typically from late spring to October.
• It is recommended to try on the dress again a few days before the wedding to allow for any last-minute alterations if needed.

Factors Affecting the Timeline

It is important to note that the timeline for ordering bridesmaids' dresses may vary depending on certain factors, such as:

• The source of the dresses: Some companies, like Azazie, offer made-to-order dresses, which require time for production. Other companies may have ready-made styles available for quicker shipping.
• The complexity of alterations: If standard alterations are needed, scheduling the first fitting four to six weeks before the wedding is usually sufficient. However, more complicated alterations may require booking the first fitting earlier.
• The bridesmaids' preferences: Some bridesmaids may prefer to order their dresses early, especially if they know their preferred style and are ready to purchase. Others may want to wait a bit closer to the wedding, but still allowing enough time for production, shipping, and alterations.

In conclusion, ordering bridesmaids' dresses requires careful planning and timely execution. By following the recommended timeline and staying organised, bridesmaids can ensure their dresses are ready in time for the wedding, reducing stress and allowing for a more enjoyable experience.

What are the benefits of letting bridesmaids choose their dresses?

In the past, bridesmaids usually wore the same dress, with the maid of honour sometimes wearing a slightly different colour or extra embellishments. However, it has become more common for brides to let their bridesmaids choose their own dresses. This can be done in a controlled manner, for example, by choosing a specific skirt for everyone to wear and letting the bridesmaids choose a top in a specific colour. Alternatively, the bridesmaids can be given a colour or length requirement and be allowed to choose the rest of the outfit themselves.

There are several benefits to letting bridesmaids choose their own dresses:

They'll Wear it Again

If bridesmaids choose their own dress, they are more likely to select something they like and will hopefully wear again. This makes the purchase feel more worthwhile and is also better for the environment.

Customise Your Wedding Look

By letting your bridesmaids choose their dresses, you can completely customise your bridal party. You can ask your bridesmaids to mix and match by choosing a dress in a specific colour or wear skirts in different shades with white tops. You can even incorporate leather, extra tulle, and pant suits for a unique look.

Flexible Buying Options

For weddings less than six months away, buying non-traditional bridesmaid dresses can save a lot of time. When you buy through a boutique or more traditional dress store, bridesmaids will need to order their dresses three months in advance. However, if you give them more freedom, they may be able to buy off the rack, which is quicker and gives them more time to save money.

Comfort

Anyone who has been a bridesmaid understands that being assigned a specific dress isn’t ideal. When bridesmaids can choose their own dresses, they can seek out different styles, necklines, and cuts that flatter their figures and make them feel comfortable.

Confidence

When you look good, you feel good. Letting bridesmaids choose dresses they love (or at least feel comfortable in) will help them radiate confidence, not discomfort, on your wedding day.

Price

It can be expensive to be a bridesmaid. By letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses, you don't have to worry about settling on a price point that fits into everyone’s budget or feeling guilty for choosing expensive dresses.

How to ensure colour consistency when ordering bridesmaids dresses?

Ordering bridesmaids' dresses can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to ensuring colour consistency across the board. Here are some tips to help you achieve colour harmony for your bridal party:

Order All Dresses Together

It is recommended that you order all the bridesmaids' dresses at the same time. This ensures that the fabric for all the dresses will be from the same dye lot, resulting in a perfect colour match. Ordering the dresses at different times may lead to slight variations in colour, creating an unintended mismatch.

Create a Showroom

If you're using a service that offers this feature, create a showroom and invite your bridesmaids to it. This way, they can select the unique showroom number at checkout to ensure their dresses are created from the same dye lot. This is especially useful if you want your bridesmaids to wear the same colour but different styles.

Order Within a Short Time Frame

Even if you're ordering from a service that doesn't offer showrooms, it's important that all your bridesmaids place their orders within a short time frame of each other, ideally within 24 hours. This minimises the risk of colour inconsistencies due to changes in dye lots over time.

Get Fabric Swatches

Before finalising any decisions, request fabric swatches from the retailer. This will allow you to see the colours and fabrics in person and ensure that they align with your vision. Each fabric absorbs dye differently, so having physical swatches will give you an accurate representation of the colours.

Examine Colours on Full-Size Samples

While fabric swatches are helpful, they may not always accurately represent how the colour will look on a full-size dress. If possible, examine the colours on actual dress samples in daylight. This will give you a better idea of how the colours will look together and allow you to make any necessary adjustments.

Stick to One Designer

If you want to ensure a cohesive look, consider choosing bridesmaid dresses from the same designer's collection. This way, each bridesmaid can showcase her personality by choosing a different colour or style, while still wearing a very similar dress to the others. This also eliminates the risk of shade variations within the same colour, such as different interpretations of navy blue.

Pre-Select Options for Your Bridesmaids

If you're giving your bridesmaids freedom to choose their own dresses within certain parameters, it's a good idea to pre-select the options in advance. Choose the dresses, necklines, and colours that you like, and then let your bridesmaids pick their favourites from your pre-selected choices. This ensures that the dresses will meet your vision and reduces confusion during the ordering process.

Use a Vision Board or Mood Board

Create a digital vision board or mood board that can be shared with your bridesmaids. Include dress examples, as well as inspiration photos that capture the overall vibe and feel you're aiming for. This will help your bridesmaids understand your vision and make more informed choices when selecting their dresses.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your bridesmaids' dresses will have consistent colouring, creating a harmonious and cohesive look for your bridal party.

Who pays for the bridesmaids dresses?

The question of who pays for the bridesmaids' dresses is a tricky one and depends on a few factors, including regional customs and the bride's preferences.

Traditional Wedding Etiquette

According to traditional wedding etiquette, it is expected that each member of the bridal party, including bridesmaids, will cover the cost of their wedding-day attire. This is usually the case, even when the bride chooses the outfits. However, this tradition varies across the world. For example, in the UK and Ireland, the bride typically pays for the bridesmaids' dresses, whereas in the US and Australia, it is customary for bridesmaids to pay for their own.

The Bride's Preferences

If the bride has a generous budget, she may opt to pay for the dresses herself, especially if she has chosen an expensive dress or has a small bridal party. Alternatively, if the bride has her heart set on a particular person being a bridesmaid but they cannot afford the dress, she may choose to cover the cost as a thoughtful gesture. In this scenario, it is best to keep the arrangement private to avoid any potential awkwardness with the other bridesmaids.

The Bridesmaids' Budget

When deciding who pays, it is essential to involve the bridesmaids in the dress selection process and consider their budgets. Having an open conversation about finances can help set a budget or price range for the dresses and prevent overspending. If the bride chooses to have her bridesmaids pay for their own dresses, she should be upfront about the expected costs and select versatile styles that won't blow anyone's budget.

Other Considerations

If the bride is unable or chooses not to pay for the dresses, there are still ways to lessen the financial burden on the bridesmaids. The bride can select the dresses early to give everyone enough time to save up and make alterations. She can also opt for mismatched dresses within a specific colour scheme, allowing bridesmaids to choose more affordable options that suit their individual styles and budgets.

In conclusion, while there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of who pays for the bridesmaids' dresses, open communication, consideration of regional customs, and thoughtful budgeting can help ensure that everyone involved is happy with the arrangement.

How long do bridesmaids dresses take to be made?

The time it takes to make a bridesmaid dress depends on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the number of dresses being ordered, and whether the dresses are custom-made or off-the-rack. Here is a detailed breakdown of the timeline for bridesmaid dresses:

Selecting the Dresses

The first step in the process is for the bride to select the bridesmaid dresses. This typically happens around eight to nine months before the wedding. The bride may choose a specific dress for each bridesmaid or give them a colour or style to choose from. It is important to allow enough time for this process, as it may involve trying on different options and browsing through various silhouettes, necklines, and designers.

Ordering the Dresses

Once the bride has made her selection, the bridesmaids should place their orders as soon as possible. Most sources recommend ordering the dresses at least four to six months before the wedding. This allows for a buffer in case of unexpected delays. Made-to-order dresses may take longer, and some sources suggest allowing up to nine months for custom-made gowns. It is also important to consider the fabric dye lot when ordering. To ensure colour consistency, all dresses in the same bridal party should be ordered at the same time or within 24 hours of each other.

Shipping and Delivery

After the dresses have been ordered, it typically takes two to three months for them to arrive. However, this may vary depending on the designer and style. Some dresses may be available for quick ship, which can take a couple of weeks. It is worth noting that shipping times can be unpredictable, and it is always a good idea to leave some buffer time for potential delays.

Alterations

Bridesmaid dresses rarely fit perfectly off-the-rack and almost always require some alterations. It is recommended to schedule the first fitting at least one month before the wedding, and up to six weeks in advance if extensive adjustments are needed. This process may involve multiple fittings to ensure a perfect fit. The final fitting should be scheduled about one month before the wedding to allow for any necessary minor alterations. It is important to keep in mind that seamstresses tend to be busiest during peak wedding season (April to October) and book up quickly, so it is advisable to book appointments well in advance.

In summary, the entire process of ordering and tailoring bridesmaid dresses can take up to nine months, including selecting the dresses, ordering, shipping, and alterations. To ensure a stress-free experience, it is essential to start the process early and allow ample time for each step.

Frequently asked questions