Bridesmaids' Dress Fitting: Trying On And Choosing The Gowns

Being a bridesmaid is an honour and a fun experience, but it can also be a stressful one, especially when it comes to choosing and trying on dresses. There are many factors to consider, such as budget, body type, style, and colour. The process usually begins around eight months before the wedding, when the bride starts browsing for bridesmaid dresses after choosing her own gown. It's important for bridesmaids to get their measurements taken by a professional seamstress to ensure the dress fits well. Bridesmaids should also be mindful of the timeline and schedule fittings in advance to avoid any last-minute alterations. While the bride ultimately decides on the dress, it's good etiquette to allow bridesmaids some input and be mindful of their comfort and preferences. Trying on dresses can be done virtually or in-person, with some brands offering virtual try-on tools or at-home try-on programs.

Discuss budgets with the bridal party

Discussing budgets with the bridal party can be a sensitive topic, but it is an important conversation to have early on in the wedding planning process. Here are some tips to help you navigate this discussion:

Be Transparent and Open:

It is essential to be transparent and open with your bridal party about the budget for bridesmaid dresses. Have private conversations with each bridesmaid to understand their financial situation and comfort level with spending. This will help you accommodate their needs and ensure they feel financially comfortable.

Start the Conversation Early:

Don't delay talking about dress expenses. It is recommended to start browsing for bridesmaid dresses around eight months before the wedding. This gives everyone enough time to find dresses that fit their budget and make necessary alterations.

Consider the Range of Budgets:

Your bridal party may have varying budgets for their dresses. Some may be willing to spend more, while others may prefer to stick to a specific price range. Consider the budgets of all your bridesmaids and try to find options that work for everyone. You can either limit your choices to a lower price range or choose a more expensive dress and offer to subsidize the difference.

Be Mindful of Additional Costs:

Remember that there are additional costs associated with being a bridesmaid, such as shoes, alterations, and other accessories. Be mindful of these extra expenses when discussing budgets and try to find ways to reduce costs where possible. For example, you could suggest renting dresses or choosing a particular colour and letting each bridesmaid pick their style from off the rack.

Provide Clear Guidelines:

Once you have discussed budgets, provide clear guidelines to your bridal party about the colour, fabric, and any other specifications. This will help them stay within their budgets while still adhering to your vision for the wedding.

Be Flexible:

While it's your big day and the final decision is yours, it's good etiquette to let your bridesmaids have some input and flexibility. For example, you can choose the colour and fabric but allow them to select the silhouette or neckline that suits their style and comfort level.

Try on different styles

There are several ways to go about trying on different styles of bridesmaid dresses. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

Different Styles, Same Colour

This option is perfect for achieving a trendy mismatched look while keeping things simple and coordinated. It allows each bridesmaid to pick a style that suits their preference and body type. Remember, different dress styles will look better on different people! It is recommended to choose a colour that flatters everyone and ensure the dresses have at least one element in common, such as fabric type or neckline.

Same Style, Different Colours

If you can't settle on a single colour, go for a variety! Pick a dress style that suits everyone, like the ever-flattering A-line silhouette, and then decide on a range of colours. This way, you can avoid mismatched designs and still allow for some individuality. It's best if the bride specifies the colour for each bridesmaid to ensure a harmonious look.

Mix of Styles and Colours

If you want a truly unique bridal party look, consider dresses in varying styles and colours. This option requires more planning but will result in a fun and memorable outcome. Start by picking 2-4 colours that go well together, such as different shades of blue, pink, or neutrals. When choosing dress styles, ensure they fit the overall theme and wedding colour palette. Focus on similarities in silhouette, fabric, waistlines, necklines, or straps to maintain a cohesive yet varied look.

Create a Vision Board

To help guide your bridesmaids' choices, create a digital vision board that can be shared with the group. Include dress examples and inspiration photos to give them a clear idea of the overall vibe and style you are going for.

Order Fabric Swatches

Colours, patterns, and textures can look different online, so it's helpful to order fabric swatches to see how they look in person. This will allow you to narrow down your choices and ensure the dresses complement each other.

Determine a Unifying Design Detail

Even with mismatched dresses, it's important to have at least one consistent element across all the looks to create cohesiveness. For example, you may give freedom in choosing the style and cut but request that the dresses are all the same colour or fabric.

Shop from the Same Retailer

Many brands offer various bridesmaid dress styles in the same fabric or different shades of popular wedding colour palettes. Consider working with a retailer specialising in bridesmaid ensembles to streamline the process and access stylists' expertise.

Consider Convertible Dresses

Convertible gowns can be worn in multiple ways, allowing each bridesmaid to customise their look and feel confident. This option also lets them switch up their style between the ceremony and reception.

Remember, it's essential to consider your bridesmaids' budgets, body types, and style preferences when trying on and selecting different dress styles.

Get your measurements

Getting your measurements right is a crucial step in the process of trying on and buying a bridesmaid dress. You'll want to ensure that you get the correct fit, especially if you're buying online or having a dress made-to-measure. Typically, you can get your measurements taken while you're trying on different dress styles, but if you can't attend the shopping trip, it's easy to get a professional to take your measurements. Visit your local seamstress, who will be able to take your exact measurements. Knowing your correct measurements will ensure you buy the right size, especially when it comes to the bust, width, and length of the dress.

If you're buying off-the-rack, it's a good idea to check the maximum size available to ensure it will work for all the bridesmaids. If any of the bridal party are plus-size, don't expect them to purchase a dress that's too small. There are plenty of gorgeous size-inclusive options available.

Some companies offer at-home try-on programs, which can be a great way to ensure you get the right fit. These programs often include a measuring tape and size chart, so you can double-check your measurements at home. This is a good option if you want to try on a dress in the comfort of your own home and get a feel for the style and colour. You can also invite friends over to get a second opinion and help you decide.

It's also worth noting that if you're pregnant, you may need to order a size or two up, depending on how many months along you are.

Getting your measurements right will ensure you feel comfortable and confident on the big day, so it's worth taking the time to get this step right.

Order the dress

Once you've tried on a few dresses and found "the one", it's time to place your order. If you've had a traditional in-store try-on session, you'll likely have been measured by a professional, but if you've been trying on samples at home, you may need to take your measurements yourself or ask a friend to help. You'll need to know your bust, width, and length to ensure the best fit.

It's important to order your dress as soon as the bride decides on a style, colour, and designer. Designer bridesmaid dresses can take anywhere from two to three months to arrive, and you'll want to leave plenty of time for alterations. If you're buying off-the-rack, you may not need to allow quite as much time, but it's still a good idea to order early to be on the safe side.

If you're ordering online, check the delivery times and return policies carefully, and make sure you're ordering from a reputable company. You don't want to be left without a dress if the company goes out of business or fails to deliver!

Some companies offer custom gowns, allowing you to design your own dress by choosing from various bodices, skirts, fabrics, and colours. This can be a fun way to ensure your dress is unique and perfectly suited to your taste.

If the bride hasn't given specific instructions about shoes, it's a good idea to pick those out after you've ordered your dress. That way, you can be sure they'll match and complement the gown.

Finally, don't forget to confirm with the bride that you're on the right track. It's her big day, so she gets the final say!

Schedule a fitting

Scheduling a fitting is an important step in the process of bridesmaid dress shopping. Here are some tips to help you schedule and prepare for your fitting:

Know When to Schedule Your Fitting

It is recommended to schedule your first fitting three months before the wedding and your final fitting one to two months before the big day. This will give you enough time for any necessary alterations and ensure that your dress is ready in time for the wedding.

Choose Your Fitting Location

You can choose to have your fitting done at a bridal salon or opt for a virtual fitting from the comfort of your own home. Some brands offer virtual appointments, one-on-one styling sessions, and even programs that ship samples straight to your door. This can be a convenient option, especially if you are unable to physically visit a store.

Get Your Measurements

Before your fitting, it is important to know your correct measurements, such as bust, width, and length. These measurements can be taken while trying on different dress styles or by a local seamstress. Having accurate measurements will ensure that your dress is fitted properly to your body type.

Pick Your Shoes

The bride will usually specify the colour and style of shoes she wants the bridesmaids to wear, especially if the bridesmaid dress is short. Be sure to double-check with the bride about any style specifics before purchasing your shoes.

Prepare for Alterations

During your fitting, you may need to make alterations to your dress for a perfect fit. Whether it's altering the dress length, taking it in at the waist, or making other adjustments, allow enough time for these alterations to be completed.

Finalize the Details

After your final fitting, be sure to find a safe place to keep your dress until the wedding day. It is also a good idea to check with the bride if she wants anyone to bring or invest in a portable steamer to ensure wrinkle-free dresses for the entire bridal party.

Scheduling a fitting is an important step to ensure that your bridesmaid dress is ready and fits well for the wedding day. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process for both the bridesmaids and the bride.

Frequently asked questions