Bridesmaids' Dress Fittings: Who Should Attend?

Bridesmaids play an important role in weddings, and their attire is of utmost importance. While the bride gets to choose the style, fabric, or colour of the bridesmaid dresses, it is the bridesmaids' responsibility to try them on and ensure they fit well. This process is called a dress fitting, and it is pretty much essential to ensure that the bridesmaid dress fits like a dream on the bride's big day.

During a dress fitting, a bridesmaid will try on the dress, and a seamstress will make any necessary alterations to ensure a perfect fit. This may include adjusting the length, taking in or letting out the dress, or modifying straps. It is recommended that bridesmaids bring appropriate undergarments, uncomplicated clothing, two pairs of shoes, their measurements, and a positive attitude to their dress fittings.

While dress fittings are an important part of the wedding planning process, they can also be a source of stress for bridesmaids, especially if they are unable to make time for them. It is crucial for bridesmaids to prioritize dress fittings and communicate any issues or concerns to the bride in a timely manner.

What to wear to a fitting

Preparing for a bridesmaid dress fitting can be stressful, but knowing what to wear can make things much easier. Here are some tips to help you feel confident and prepared for your fitting:

Underwear

Start with the basics – underwear. Wear the exact undergarments that you plan to wear on the day of the wedding. Bring a few different bra styles, especially a strapless version, to see which one is most comfortable and works best with the dress. Stick to seamless styles and nude hues to avoid any visible lines or unwanted patterns showing through.

Clothing

Wear clothes that are easy to slip on and off. You'd be surprised how many bridesmaids show up to fittings in complicated outfits. Keep it simple with a cute shift dress that can be taken on and off in seconds.

Shoes

Ask the bride-to-be what shoes you should wear. If she doesn't have a preference, bring two pairs: a sturdy heel and a cute pair of flats. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will look on the big day and ensure you're comfortable.

Makeup and Hair

On the day of the wedding, you'll likely have your hair and makeup done. To get a true idea of how the dress will look, take the time to style your hair and apply some makeup before the fitting. You'll be more likely to love the dress if you feel good about your overall look.

Accessories

If the bride has gifted you with specific jewellery to wear on the day, bring it to the fitting. Otherwise, it's best to leave your personal jewellery at home, as it may snag on the fabric and cause damage. If you're set on wearing jewellery, put it on after you've put on the dress.

Hair Ties or Clips

If you plan to wear your hair up at the wedding, bring a hair tie or clip to the fitting. This will give you a better idea of how the dress looks with an updo and also provide more visuals of the neckline and back of the gown.

Remember, it's essential to keep a positive attitude throughout the process. Bridesmaid dress shopping is meant to be a fun bonding moment, so try to relax and enjoy the experience!

Who pays for the dress

Being a bridesmaid is an honour, but it can also be a financial burden. There are many costs associated with being a bridesmaid, and one of the biggest questions is: who pays for the dress?

According to wedding etiquette experts, traditionally, bridesmaids are expected to pay for their own dresses and accessories. This includes the cost of any alterations that may be needed to ensure the dress fits perfectly. However, this is not set in stone, and there is a growing trend of brides choosing to pay for their bridesmaids' dresses, especially if they have chosen a more expensive option.

If the bride is unable or unwilling to pay for the dresses, it is important that she communicates this to her bridesmaids upfront, so that they can plan and budget accordingly. It is also important to keep the bridesmaids' budgets in mind when choosing a dress, to avoid any conflict or upset.

If a bridesmaid is unable to afford the dress, it is recommended that the bride and groom step in to help cover the cost, if possible. This should be done privately, so as not to cause any resentment among the other bridesmaids. Another option is to choose a similar, more affordable dress, or to allow the bridesmaids to select their own dresses within a certain colour scheme.

Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules, and each wedding party will need to decide what works best for them. Open and honest communication about budgets and expectations is key to ensuring everyone is happy and the wedding day runs smoothly.

How to deal with a bridesmaid who won't attend fittings

Dealing with a bridesmaid who won't attend fittings can be a tricky situation, but here are some tips to help you navigate it:

• Communicate: Start by having an open and honest conversation with your bridesmaid. Express your concerns and try to understand her reasons for not wanting to attend the fittings. It's possible that she has a valid reason or is facing some challenges that you're not aware of.
• Offer Alternatives: If your bridesmaid is unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts or other commitments, try offering alternative dates or times that may work better for her. Be flexible and accommodating, if possible.
• Include her in the Process: Involve your bridesmaid in the decision-making process as much as you can. Ask for her input on the dress style, color, and any alterations she may need. This will make her feel valued and appreciated.
• Suggest Remote Fittings: If distance or time constraints are the issue, suggest remote fittings. Many bridal salons offer virtual consultations and fittings. Your bridesmaid can provide her measurements and work with a stylist remotely to ensure the dress fits well.
• Consider her Comfort: If your bridesmaid is uncomfortable with the dress style or has body image concerns, work with her to find a solution. Offer alternatives that align with her comfort level, such as a different silhouette or adding sleeves. It's important that your bridesmaids feel confident and happy.
• Be Understanding: Remember that your bridesmaid's absence may be due to personal issues or circumstances beyond her control. Be empathetic and try to put yourself in her shoes. A little understanding can go a long way in preserving your relationship.
• Set Clear Expectations: Communicate the importance of dress fittings and the potential consequences of not attending. Let her know that alterations may not be possible without her presence, and there could be issues with the fit on the wedding day.
• Involve Other Bridesmaids: If your bridesmaid is hesitant to attend fittings alone, suggest that she brings along another bridesmaid or a close friend for support and company. This can make the process more enjoyable and encourage her participation.
• Offer Solutions for Travel: If your bridesmaid lives far away, offer solutions to make travel easier for her. This could include helping with travel arrangements, providing accommodation options, or even mailing the dress to her so she can get it fitted locally.
• Be Flexible with the Dress Code: If your bridesmaid is uncomfortable with the dress or it doesn't suit her body type, consider giving her some flexibility. You can suggest a different dress style that complements the overall theme or allow her to choose a dress in a specific color palette that suits her better.

Remember, it's important to handle the situation with tact and empathy. Your bridesmaid's absence may be due to a variety of reasons, and finding a solution that works for both of you will help ensure a stress-free and joyful wedding experience.

How much to spend on a dress

Bridesmaids should expect to spend around $150 on average for their dress, although the cost can vary depending on factors such as the designer, style, and location. The average cost of a bridesmaid dress in 2023 was $130 per person, with prices being higher in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the US.

There are a few ways to save money on bridesmaid dresses. One option is to look for pre-owned dresses on sites like eBay or Poshmark. Another option is to choose mismatched dresses, which can be more budget-friendly and allow each bridesmaid to choose a dress that fits their style and budget. Renting dresses from sites like Rent the Runway is also a cost-effective option, with prices starting around $40.

It's important to consider the additional costs associated with being a bridesmaid, such as accessories, alterations, hair, and makeup. The couple getting married may offer to cover some of these expenses, but it's essential to have honest conversations about budgets to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the financial commitments.

To prepare for a bridesmaid dress fitting, it's recommended to bring undergarment options, simple clothing that is easy to take on and off, two pairs of shoes (a sturdy heel and flats), and your measurements. A positive attitude is also essential to ensure a fun and stress-free experience for everyone involved!

What to bring to a fitting

What to bring to a bridesmaid dress fitting

Underwear

Bring the exact undergarments you plan on wearing on the day of the wedding. It's also a good idea to bring a few different bra styles, especially a strapless version, to see which one is most comfortable and works best with the dress. Stick to seamless styles and nude hues.

Clothing

Wear clothes that are easy to slip on and off. Avoid button-down shirts and complicated footwear. A cute shift dress is a good option.

Shoes

Ask the bride-to-be what shoes you should wear. If she doesn't have a preference, bring two pairs of shoes: a sturdy heel and a cute pair of flats. This will give you a better idea of how the dress will look on the day.

Makeup and hair

On the day of the wedding, you'll likely have your hair and makeup done, so it's a good idea to do the same for the fitting. This will help you get a full picture of how you will look on the actual day.

Accessories

If the bride has gifted you with accessories to wear on the day, bring them to the fitting. If not, leave your personal jewellery at home, as it could snag on the fabric of the dress. If the bride hasn't selected any jewellery yet, consider wearing some fancy earrings to the fitting to complete the look.

Hair ties or clips

If you plan on wearing your hair up at the wedding, bring a hair tie or clip to the fitting. This will give you a better idea of what the dress will look like with an updo, and it will also allow you to see more of the neckline and the back of the gown.

A positive attitude

Getting fitted for a bridesmaid dress can be stressful, especially if you have body image issues. Try saying some positive mantras in the mirror before your fitting to boost your confidence.

Frequently asked questions