Bridesmaids: Get Your Dresses Ready For The Big Day

Bridesmaids should order their dresses about six months before the wedding. It can take up to three months for dresses to arrive, and you'll want to allow extra time for any alterations. Custom dresses will take longer to arrive than off-the-rack options, so it's always best to give yourself a cushion of time.

Budgeting for bridesmaid dresses

Discuss Financials

Firstly, don't shy away from discussing money matters. While it may be an uncomfortable conversation, it is thoughtful to ask your bridesmaids about their budgets and what they can afford. Be direct and transparent about the financial expectations, as this will alleviate stress for everyone involved. You can offer a few price ranges to choose from, such as $100 to $200, $200 to $350, or $350+. If the chosen dress is outside someone's budget, you can offer to pay the difference, cover alteration costs, or gift them accessories.

Timing is Key

It is recommended that bridesmaids order their dresses about six months before the wedding. Custom-made dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you want to allow extra time for shipping and any necessary alterations. Starting the conversation about dresses eight months before the wedding is a good idea, so that you have ample time to browse, seek inspiration, and make a decision.

Shop Smart

There are several ways to save money on bridesmaid dresses without compromising style or convenience. Consider the following options:

• Renting: Renting dresses is a cost-effective and sustainable option. Services like Rent the Runway offer a designated page of bridesmaid favourites, making it easier to coordinate mismatched gowns.
• Second-hand: Buying pre-owned dresses on sites like Poshmark, eBay, or thredUP can help you find once-used dresses in excellent condition at a fraction of the cost.
• Mismatched Looks: Embrace the trend of mismatched bridesmaid dresses! Choose a specific colour or colour palette, and let your bridal party pick their own ensembles within your budget. This also ensures that everyone feels comfortable and confident in what they're wearing.
• At-home Try-On Services: Many retailers offer at-home try-on services, allowing you to try on multiple styles for a small fee before committing to a purchase.
• Look for Deals: Keep an eye out for deals and discounts. Some services offer promo codes, such as Nuuly's 20% off your first order with the code "THEKNOT20".

Additional Costs

When budgeting, don't forget to consider the additional costs that come with being a bridesmaid, such as accessories, alterations, and pre-wedding events. These expenses can quickly add up, so be sure to factor them into your overall budget.

Remember, open communication is key. Be transparent about your budget and don't be afraid to ask your bridesmaids about their financial capabilities. By planning ahead and being mindful of everyone's budgets, you can ensure that everyone has a positive and enjoyable experience.

Timing for ordering custom-made dresses

Custom-made dresses typically take longer to arrive than off-the-rack options, so it's a good idea to give yourself a generous buffer when ordering bridesmaid dresses. Sources suggest that custom dresses can take up to eight weeks to produce and deliver. Therefore, it is recommended that you start the shopping process at least eight months before the wedding. This will give you ample time to gather inspiration, decide on a style, and place your order.

It's worth noting that the more bridesmaids you have, the more complicated the process can be. To streamline the decision-making process, consider starting with one or two key decision-makers before involving the entire bridal party.

Once you've chosen a designer or dress style, go ahead and place the order. This should be done about six months before the wedding to allow for any alterations that may be needed. Remember, it's always better to give yourself extra time rather than procrastinate.

If you're working with a particularly tight timeline, some retailers offer ready-to-ship options or home try-on programs that can expedite the process. However, for custom or made-to-order dresses, expect longer lead times, and consider allotting extra time as a buffer.

To ensure that everything goes smoothly, stick to a timeline, and always give yourself plenty of time to account for any unforeseen circumstances or delays. With proper planning, shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

The process of dress fittings

• Start Early: It is recommended to begin the process of dress fittings about six months before the wedding. This allows ample time for any necessary alterations and ensures that the bridesmaids' dresses arrive on time.
• Discuss Budget: Before starting the fitting process, it is essential to have an open conversation about budgets with the bridesmaids. Be transparent about expenses and ensure everyone is comfortable with the price range for the dresses.
• Gather Inspiration: Start by gathering inspiration and narrowing down dress styles that align with the wedding theme and the bridesmaids' preferences. Consider the desired level of consistency in the bridesmaids' looks, whether they will all wear the same dress or have some variations.
• Choose a Decision-Making Process: Decide on the level of input each bridesmaid will have in choosing their dresses. The bride may opt for a more structured approach by selecting specific colours, lengths, and fabrics, or she may allow the bridesmaids to choose their own styles within certain parameters.
• Order the Dresses: Once the style and budget have been finalised, it's time to place the order. Ensure that all dresses are ordered simultaneously to guarantee colour consistency and reduce logistical chaos.
• Schedule the First Fitting: About three to four months before the wedding, schedule the first fitting with a seamstress. This appointment ensures that the dresses fit each bridesmaid's body type and allows for any necessary alterations, such as adjusting the length or waist.
• Final Fitting and Accessories: Schedule the final fitting approximately one to two months before the wedding. This appointment ensures that any alterations are correct and gives time for last-minute adjustments. During this period, finalise the accessories, such as shoes, jewellery, and undergarments, to ensure they complement the dresses.
• Try on the Dresses Before the Wedding: A few days before the wedding, have the bridal party try on their dresses again. This step provides peace of mind and allows for any unexpected last-minute alterations.

By following these steps and staying organised, the dress fittings for the bridesmaids will be a fun and memorable part of the wedding planning process.

Choosing a dress for out-of-town bridesmaids

Choosing dresses for out-of-town bridesmaids can be a challenging task, but with proper planning and communication, it can be a smooth and enjoyable process. Here are some tips to help you navigate this situation:

Start Early and Communicate:

Begin the process early by discussing dress options with your out-of-town bridesmaids. Ask them for their preferences, and take their body types, budgets, and styles into consideration. It is recommended to start browsing for bridesmaid dresses around eight months before the wedding, giving everyone ample time to order and make alterations.

Choose a Convenient Option:

Opt for a national chain store or an online retailer with a wide reach. Stores like David's Bridal, Alfred Angelo, or a local bridal shop with multiple branches can be convenient for out-of-town bridesmaids as they can visit a nearby branch for fittings and purchases. Alternatively, you can suggest online options with good return policies, such as Ann Taylor, J Crew, or Nordstrom, where they can order different styles to try on at home.

Provide Clear Guidelines:

If you prefer your bridesmaids to pick their own dresses, give them clear guidelines on the colour, length, and fabric. This ensures a cohesive look while allowing them to choose a style that suits their body type and budget. You can also suggest specific designers or styles that they can try on in local shops and send you photos for approval.

Virtual Options:

Some companies offer virtual fitting services, such as Bella Bridesmaids, which has shops across the country. They can provide complimentary fittings for out-of-town bridesmaids or guide them through taking their own measurements virtually. Additionally, online tools like shinyorb.com or Weddington Way allow you to create a showroom where you and your bridesmaids can share and discuss dress options.

Ensure Proper Measurements:

Stress the importance of accurate measurements to your out-of-town bridesmaids. They can visit a local tailor or dry cleaner to get professionally measured, or you can provide them with a video guide on how to take their own measurements accurately.

Order Together:

It is recommended that all bridesmaids' dresses be ordered from the same store at the same time to ensure that the dye lot is the same for all dresses, resulting in an exact colour match. This may require some coordination, but it will ensure colour consistency.

Remember to maintain open communication with your bridesmaids throughout the process, and don't be afraid to ask for their input and feedback. By following these steps, you can ensure that your out-of-town bridesmaids feel included and look fabulous on your special day!

Coordinating mismatched bridesmaid dresses

Bridesmaids should purchase their dresses around six months before the wedding. This is because it can take up to three months for a dress to arrive, and alterations may be needed after that.

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a great way to incorporate each person's style and preference while keeping a cohesive look. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Create a vision board: Use a digital vision board to share dress examples and inspiration photos with your bridesmaids so they can understand the overall vibe you are going for.
• Order fabric swatches: Request fabric swatches from dress brands to see how different colours, patterns, and textures look together. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that the colours match.
• Determine a unifying design detail: Even with mismatched dresses, it's important to have at least one consistent element to create cohesiveness. This could be the colour, fabric, print, or a specific design detail.
• Shop from the same retailer: Many brands offer different styles in the same fabric or colour palette, making it easier to coordinate mismatched dresses. Working with a retailer that specialises in bridesmaid ensembles can also give you access to stylists who can help your crew.
• Consider convertible dresses: Convertible gowns can be worn in a variety of ways, allowing each bridesmaid to choose the silhouette that makes them feel the most confident. They can even switch up their look between the ceremony and reception.
• Talk to your bridal party: Get input from your bridesmaids about what would make them feel comfortable and confident. They may have preferences for certain necklines, silhouettes, or colours.
• View dress combinations in person: Visit a bridal salon to mix and match different dress combinations in-store and see your ideas come to life.
• Consider hemlines: Choose a mix of different hemlines and silhouettes to add visual interest to your photos and give a chic look.
• Guide your bridesmaids: Instead of letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses, pre-select a few options for them to choose from. This will ensure that the colours and fabrics match and create a cohesive look.
• Get input from your bridesmaids: Discuss your bridesmaids' preferences and concerns. Some may want more modest or fitted styles, while others may not have any specific preferences. Involving them in the conversation will help ensure that everyone feels beautiful and confident.
• Tie the look together with identical accessories: Use accessories such as belts, hairpieces, or jewellery to tie the mismatched dresses together. You can also represent each dress colour in the bridesmaid bouquet for stunning photos.

Frequently asked questions