Bridesmaids Dresses: How Early Should You Order?

Planning a wedding is a complex process, and there are many factors to consider when it comes to ordering bridesmaids' dresses. While it may not be as challenging as choosing the wedding dress, it is still a significant aspect of the celebration. The general recommendation is to order bridesmaids' dresses six months before the wedding. This allows ample time for the dresses to arrive, which typically takes between two and three months, and for any necessary alterations to be made. It is worth noting that custom dresses may take longer to arrive, so it is always beneficial to have a buffer of extra time.

To ensure a cohesive look, it is advisable to order all the bridesmaids' dresses simultaneously. This ensures that the fabric dye lots match, resulting in identical colours across the board. Initiating the conversation about bridesmaids' dresses eight months before the wedding is a prudent approach. This provides sufficient time to browse, seek inspiration, and make informed decisions. It is also essential to discuss budgets openly and early on to ensure everyone is comfortable with the financial commitment.

Order dresses six months before the wedding

Ordering bridesmaids' dresses six months before the wedding is the recommended timeline to ensure that the dresses arrive on time and can be altered if necessary. Here are some reasons why ordering early is crucial:

Time for Alterations

Ordering the bridesmaids' dresses six months in advance allows ample time for alterations. It's essential to consider that alterations can take a while, and your bridesmaids may need multiple fittings to ensure their dresses fit perfectly. By ordering early, you'll have the flexibility to account for any necessary adjustments without feeling rushed.

Shipping Delays

In some cases, shipping delays or unexpected issues may arise. Ordering six months ahead provides a buffer to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances. This way, you won't be stressed if there are unexpected delays, and your bridesmaids can still have their dresses ready in time for the wedding.

Dye Lot Consistency

If your bridesmaids are wearing the same colour, ordering simultaneously ensures that the dresses are from the same dye lot. This is crucial because, even with the same colour selection, slight variations can occur between different dye lots. Ordering together guarantees that all dresses will be an exact match.

Budgeting

Ordering the bridesmaids' dresses early allows your bridal party members to plan their budgets accordingly. Wedding expenses can add up quickly, and giving your bridesmaids advance notice helps them manage their finances. This also gives them the opportunity to discuss any budget-related concerns with you.

Accessories and Final Touches

Ordering the dresses six months in advance allows your bridesmaids to focus on other important aspects of their wedding attire. They will have time to select suitable shoes, jewellery, and other accessories that complement their dresses. This lead time also enables them to address any last-minute details or make substitutions if necessary.

Allow time for alterations

Bridesmaid dresses are designed in standardised sizes to accommodate a range of heights and shapes. Therefore, it is likely that some tailoring will be needed to ensure the dress is a perfect fit. The type of alterations required will vary depending on the individual and their preferences. For example, some may opt to alter the length of the dress to suit their height, while others may need to take in or let out a few sizes. It is recommended that you allow ample time for these alterations to be made, as they can take a while, especially if multiple fittings are needed.

In general, it is advised to schedule your first fitting around three to four months before the wedding. This will allow time for any necessary alterations to be made and ensure that the dress is fitted properly to your body type. It's important to keep in mind that multiple fittings might be necessary, especially if significant alterations are required. By scheduling your first fitting a few months in advance, you can avoid the stress of last-minute changes and ensure a perfect fit.

The average turnaround time for bridesmaid dress alterations is about a month. Simple alterations, such as hemming the dress, can often be completed within a month. However, more complex tailoring may take closer to six weeks. To be safe, it is recommended to have your alterations done between four and six weeks before the wedding. This will allow enough time for any necessary adjustments to be made while also ensuring the dress is ready in time for the big day.

It is also important to consider the time of year when planning for alterations. Wedding season, which typically falls between April and October, is a busy time for seamstresses and tailors. To ensure you get an appointment, it is advisable to book at least two months in advance during this period. For weddings in the off-season, from November to March, you can usually schedule your first appointment about a month before the wedding.

By allowing plenty of time for alterations, you can ensure that your bridesmaid dress fits beautifully and flatters your body shape. This will help you feel comfortable and confident as you stand by the bride on her special day.

Discuss budget with bridesmaids

When it comes to bridesmaids' dresses, it's important to discuss the budget with your bridesmaids to ensure everyone is on the same page and to avoid any financial strain. Here are some tips to help you navigate this conversation and create a budget that works for everyone:

• Start the conversation early: Discuss budget expectations with your bridesmaids as early as possible. This will give everyone time to plan and save accordingly. Be transparent about the expected costs, including the dress, accessories, alterations, and any other expenses.
• Be mindful of their financial situation: Keep in mind that being a bridesmaid can be financially demanding, especially with other costs like travel and gifts. Be considerate of your bridesmaids' financial situations and don't put them in a position where they feel pressured to spend beyond their means.
• Offer flexibility: If possible, provide flexibility in the choice of dresses. Allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses within a certain colour or style palette can help them find options that fit their budget. This also increases the chances of finding a dress they can wear again, maximising the value of their purchase.
• Research and compare prices: Do your research to find dresses that fit within your desired budget. Compare prices from different retailers and designers. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts to help your bridesmaids save money.
• Communicate the timeline: Let your bridesmaids know the timeline for purchasing the dresses. Inform them of the deadline by which they need to order their dresses to ensure they arrive on time and allow for any necessary alterations. A general guideline is to order dresses six to eight months before the wedding.
• Consider group purchases: Encourage your bridesmaids to shop together or make group purchases. Sometimes retailers offer discounts for group purchases, and your bridesmaids can also split shipping costs if they order together.
• Be open to alternatives: If your desired dress is out of budget for your bridesmaids, be open to exploring alternative options. They can look for similar styles from different retailers or consider renting or buying second-hand dresses.
• Discuss alterations: Alterations can add to the overall cost of the dress. Discuss with your bridesmaids whether they prefer to handle alterations themselves or have a recommended seamstress they can use. Sometimes, bridesmaids with sewing skills can help each other with simple alterations to save money.
• Provide clear guidelines: Clearly communicate your expectations for the dress and any accessories. Let your bridesmaids know if you have specific requirements, such as particular shoes or jewellery. If you are asking them to purchase something specific, consider contributing to the cost as a gift.
• Encourage honest communication: Create an open and honest environment for your bridesmaids to express their financial concerns. If they have difficulties affording certain expenses, work together to find solutions, such as suggesting cheaper alternatives or offering to cover part of the cost. Remember, it's important to maintain a supportive and understanding attitude throughout the process.

Research styles and colours

Researching styles and colours is the first step in the bridesmaid dress shopping process. This process should begin around eight months before the wedding, and the dresses should be ordered around six months before.

There are a few different routes you can take when it comes to researching styles and colours. If the bride-to-be has a particular style and colour in mind, she might choose the dresses herself. In this case, the bridesmaids can try on different silhouettes, necklines and more to help narrow down the options.

If the bride would prefer the bridesmaids to pick out their own dresses, they can start by looking at different styles and sending their favourites to the bride for approval.

Whether the bride or the bridesmaids are picking out the dresses, it's important to consider the wedding venue and theme. For example, if you're planning a beach wedding, you might opt for a shade that will stand out against the white sand, like fuchsia or orange. On the other hand, if your wedding is taking place in a forest, neutral-coloured gowns may be the way to go.

You'll also need to decide whether you want all of your bridesmaids to wear the exact same dress or if you'd prefer a trendy mix-and-match look with different dress styles.

• Blush
• Coral
• Yellow
• Wine-inspired hues like burgundy, maroon and merlot
• Navy blue
• Purple
• Green
• White
• Black

Order all dresses at the same time

Ordering all the bridesmaid dresses at the same time ensures that the colour is an exact match. Even the same dress can vary slightly in colour depending on the dye lot it comes from. Ordering simultaneously guarantees that all the fabric for the dresses will be in the same dye lot.

If you order the dresses at different times, you risk the colours not matching perfectly. This is especially important if your bridesmaids are wearing the same dress or different styles in the same colour palette.

Ordering all the dresses together also helps with planning. You can be sure that all dresses will arrive at the same time, and you can coordinate with your bridesmaids to ensure that they are all prepared for the wedding.

It is recommended that you start seeking bridesmaid dress inspiration eight months before the wedding and place your order six months before. This gives you plenty of time to narrow down your selections and make a final decision.

However, it's important to consider that custom or made-to-order dresses may have longer lead times, so it's a good idea to allot extra time as a buffer. Shipping times can also vary, so be sure to look into this in advance. Off-the-rack dresses will arrive much quicker, and you can usually feel secure with the standard six-month window for ordering.

Frequently asked questions