Finding The Perfect Bridesmaids Dresses: Appointments Needed?

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and there are a lot of details to consider. One of the most important aspects is ensuring that the bridal party has their dresses ordered and fitted on time. While some bridesmaids prefer to shop in person, others opt for the convenience of online shopping. In this discussion, we will explore the topic of whether or not an appointment is necessary for bridesmaids' dresses and provide a timeline to ensure a stress-free experience.

Making an appointment

When booking an appointment, consider the day and time. If you want a quieter experience, schedule your appointment during the day, Monday through Thursday. These tend to be the quietest times in stores, and you'll be able to get as much attention as you need. If you're visiting on the weekend, making an appointment is crucial – be sure to let the store know how many people you're bringing so they can accommodate your group.

Before your appointment, do some research on styles you might like to try on. The most important step is to ask the bride for her opinion and vision – you want to make sure the dress you pick fits in with what she wants for her wedding day. If you already have specific styles in mind, save your favourites to discuss with your stylist. If you're unsure, many stores offer bridesmaid style quizzes for personalised recommendations, or you can browse their social media for inspiration.

On the day of your appointment, bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear to the wedding. If you haven't picked these out yet, don't worry – the store can help you with these and other accessories. You'll also get expertly measured during your appointment, so you can order your correct size.

In general, it's recommended to shop for bridesmaid dresses about six months before the wedding. This allows time for the order to arrive and any alterations to be made. If you have a shorter timeline, some stores offer ready-to-ship bridesmaid dresses that will arrive in just a few days.

Appointment essentials

Planning your appointment

David's Bridal offers a free bridesmaid consultation with every bridal appointment. This includes 60 minutes with an expert stylist, a dedicated fitting room, and guidance on choosing a colour palette and overall look for your party. You can also book a store appointment for bridesmaid dress selection so your stylist can help you pick out the style, fabric, and colour.

Before your appointment

Before your appointment, it's a good idea to do some research on styles you might like to try on. The most important step is to ask the bride for her opinion and vision. You want to make sure that the dress you pick fits in line with what she wants on her wedding day. If you already have specific styles in mind, you can save your favourites to discuss with your stylist. If you're unsure where to start, take a bridesmaid style quiz for personalized recommendations or check out real bridesmaids in their dresses for inspiration.

What to bring to an appointment

David's Bridal recommends bringing the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear to the wedding. If you haven’t picked them out yet, don’t worry—they can help with those, and other accessories too. Their bridesmaid dresses are offered in sizes 0–30, and you can try on a dress in your size to get an idea of how your specific style will fit. You will also get expertly measured, so make sure you are ordering your correct size for maximum comfort.

Ordering your dress ahead of time

In general, you should shop about six months out to allow for the order to arrive and any alterations needed. If you have a shorter timeline, shop for ready-to-ship bridesmaid dresses that will ship to you in just a few days. When buying your dress, be clear about your budget and what you can afford.

Ordering your dress

Ordering your bridesmaid dress is an important step in the process, and there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure everything runs smoothly. Firstly, it is recommended to order your dress about six months before the wedding. This is because dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you need to allow extra time for any alterations. If you have a shorter timeline, some stores offer ready-to-ship options that can be delivered in just a few days.

When ordering, it is important that all bridesmaids order their dresses at the same time. This ensures that the fabric for all the dresses will be from the same dye lot, and the colours will match perfectly. If you order at different times, there is a risk that the colours will not be an exact match.

Before ordering, it is a good idea to discuss the dress budget with the bride and the other bridesmaids. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the chosen dresses are affordable for everyone. It is also a good opportunity to discuss any specific requirements, such as the length of the dress or the style of shoes that will be worn.

When it comes to choosing the dress, the bride may decide to pick out the dresses herself, or she may give the bridesmaids freedom to choose their own within a certain colour or style. It is important to communicate with the bride and the other bridesmaids to ensure that everyone is happy with the chosen dresses and that they complement the overall wedding style and the bride's gown.

Finally, if you are ordering a custom or made-to-order dress, allow for longer lead times and consider ordering even earlier than six months in advance to accommodate any unexpected changes.

Fittings and alterations

When to Schedule Fittings

It is recommended to schedule your first fitting one to two months before the wedding. If you think your dress needs extensive adjustments, it is best to schedule your first fitting about six weeks in advance. This will allow time for a second fitting and a final fitting when the alterations are completed. During the busy season (April to October), it is advisable to schedule your fitting at least two months in advance to ensure you get an appointment. The final fitting should be done about one to two weeks before the wedding.

What to Bring to Fittings

It is important to bring the shoes you plan to wear on the wedding day to ensure the correct hemline. Additionally, bring any undergarments or shapewear you intend to wear, as these can impact the fit of the dress. If you plan to wear specific jewellery or hair accessories, consider bringing those as well, as they can affect the overall look.

Types of Alterations

The most common types of bridesmaid dress alterations include hemming the length, adjusting the straps, and taking in the bust, waist, or hips.

• Hemming the length: This involves adjusting the gown's length according to your height. Most bridesmaids will need to have the length altered to achieve the desired look and comfort.
• Adjusting the straps: Shortening or lengthening the straps ensures the dress fits snugly and prevents wardrobe malfunctions.
• Taking in the bust, waist, or hips: This involves altering the dress to achieve a more flattering and comfortable silhouette.

Other alterations may include adding sleeves, adjusting the neckline, or making changes to the train.

Cost of Alterations

The cost of bridesmaid dress alterations can vary depending on the extent of the alterations, the fabric of the dress, and your location. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay between $75 and $150 for alterations. Hemming typically costs between $45 and $90. More complex alterations, such as bust, waist, and hip adjustments, can cost $150 or more. The material of the dress can also impact the cost, with intricate beading or appliqué work increasing the price.

Choosing an Alterations Specialist

It is recommended to choose a skilled and reliable seamstress or bridal alterations specialist. Look for someone with experience in wedding or formal attire alterations and read reviews from previous customers. You can ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your bridal shop.

Accessories

Letting Bridesmaids Decide

It can be a nice touch to let your bridesmaids decide on their accessories, allowing their personalities to shine through. This is especially effective if they are all wearing the same dress, as different accessories will avoid a "cookie-cutter" look. You can give them some parameters, such as suggesting they stick to pearls or metallic accessories, or choose a specific type of jewellery, like necklaces and earrings. This approach can also help accommodate their budgets, as choosing accessories can be fun but also expensive.

Minimal Accessories

If the bridesmaid dress is embellished and iridescent, a sparkly necklace might be too much. Sometimes, less is more, and a simple pair of stud earrings or a single statement bracelet can be all that is needed to complement a sleeveless or strapless dress.

Matching the Bride

You can ask your bridesmaids to choose accessories that complement your own look. For example, if you are wearing a pearl choker, they could wear some simple strands of pearls. Or, if you are wearing a sparkly headpiece, they could each wear a similar clip in their hair.

Gifting Accessories

If there is a specific piece of jewellery you would like your bridesmaids to wear, consider choosing it as a bridesmaid gift. This is a polite way to ensure they wear what you want, and it will be something they can wear again and remind them of your wedding day.

Accessory Party

Get creative and have an "accessory party" where you and your bridesmaids get together to make your own accessories. You could meet at a bead or charm store and make matching or unmatching accessories. This way, you know your bridesmaids will want to wear the pieces on your wedding day and beyond.

Be Creative and Considerate

Don't feel restricted to traditional accessories like necklaces and earrings. If you are using baby's breath in your ceremony, add sprigs of it to your bridesmaids' hairstyles. Also, consider your bridesmaids' budgets. If they are already spending a lot on the dress, travel, and other wedding-related expenses, don't choose expensive shoes for them to buy as well.

Planning Ahead

Remember to plan and order accessories in advance, especially if you are looking for specific pieces to match. This will ensure that you have the accessories ready in time for the wedding and can avoid any last-minute stress.

Frequently asked questions