Bridesmaids: When To Order Your Dresses

Bridesmaids should order their dresses about six months before the wedding. Dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you need to leave enough time for alterations. It's always better to give yourself a cushion of more time than needed in case of any unexpected changes. If your wedding is less than three months away, you can shop from ready-to-ship collections, which can be delivered in as little as a few business days.

Order at least six months in advance

Ordering bridesmaids' dresses at least six months in advance of the wedding is a general rule of thumb. This timeframe allows for the dresses to be shipped and any alterations to be made. Designer dresses can take two to three months to arrive, and you should allow at least two months for alterations. Ordering six months in advance gives you a cushion of time in case of unexpected changes or delays.

It is important to consider the type of dress you are ordering. Custom or made-to-order dresses may have longer lead times, so it is advisable to give yourself an extra buffer. Some made-to-order dresses can take up to eight weeks to produce and deliver, so ordering four months in advance is recommended to allow for exchanges if needed. Off-the-rack dresses will arrive much quicker, and you can feel secure with the standard six-month window for ordering these.

If you are ordering online, find out the designer's timeline and go from there. Some vendors take eight weeks from the date of order to ship the dresses, and then you will need a few weeks for alterations. It is also worth noting that dresses and styles may change by season, so if you come across a dress you love, don't wait too long before ordering.

Another factor to consider is whether you want your bridesmaids to wear the same dress or different styles in the same colour palette. If you want them to wear the same dress, ordering at the same time ensures that all the fabric is from the same dye lot and the colours match perfectly.

To summarise, ordering at least six months in advance gives you ample time to make a final decision on the dresses, receive the dresses, and have any necessary alterations made. This timeline helps ensure that your bridesmaids' dresses complement your wedding dress and give off the desired vibe and sense of formality.

Allow time for alterations

Regardless of body type, almost every bridesmaid dress will require alterations to some extent. It's important to allow ample time for these adjustments to be made. The average turnaround time for alterations is about a month, so we recommend scheduling your first fitting at least four to six weeks before the wedding. If you require more complicated alterations, book your first fitting even earlier. Be sure to call ahead and make sure that your timeline fits with your tailor's schedule.

If you need standard alterations, schedule your first fitting at least four to six weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to make any necessary adjustments. If you're having your bridesmaids wear strapless necklines, stress that they need to wear strapless bras during the fitting. That way, you'll get the bust measurements just right.

For more complicated alterations, book your first fitting even further in advance. It's a good idea to try the dress on as soon as it arrives to ensure there are no major surprises. If possible, call and schedule your appointment slot three to four months before the wedding. That way, you're guaranteed an appointment, as wedding season gets busy fast.

The final fitting should be scheduled about one month before the wedding. Do not wait until the last minute! This is even more important if you're getting married during the height of wedding and prom season, as seamstresses tend to book up far in advance. The only exception to this is if you have a pregnant bridesmaid, who will want to do her final fitting as close to the wedding day as possible.

It's always a good idea to try on the dress a few days before the wedding. That way, if there are any last-minute issues, you'll have time to rush to a seamstress for some final alterations.

Order all dresses together

Ordering all the bridesmaid dresses together is a good way to ensure that the colour is an exact match. This is because the same dress can vary slightly in colour depending on the dye lot it comes from. Ordering them all at the same time means that you can be sure that all the fabric for the dresses will be from the same dye lot.

Ordering all the dresses together can also help to ensure that the dresses arrive in time for alterations. Bridesmaid dresses can take anywhere from two to three months to arrive, and you'll want to leave enough time for alterations. Ordering all the dresses together means you can be sure that all the bridesmaids' outfits will arrive at the same time, and no one will be left without a dress while the others are waiting for alterations.

Ordering all the dresses together can also be helpful if you want the bridesmaids to be in the same style or colour of the dress. If you order all the dresses at the same time, you can be sure that the style or colour you want will still be available. This also gives the bridesmaids plenty of time to try on the dresses and make any necessary alterations.

Finally, ordering all the dresses together can help to streamline the process and make it less stressful for the bride and bridesmaids. It can be overwhelming to try to coordinate dress orders for multiple bridesmaids, especially if they are all choosing different styles or colours. Ordering all the dresses together means that you only have to worry about one order, and it makes it easier to keep track of the budget.

Order custom dresses early

Ordering custom dresses early is a crucial step in wedding planning. Here are some reasons why it's essential to place orders for custom bridesmaid dresses well in advance:

• Timely Delivery: Custom dresses often have longer lead times than off-the-rack options. It can take anywhere from two to three months for a designer bridesmaid dress to arrive. By ordering early, you'll ensure that the dresses are delivered on time, leaving room for any unexpected delays.
• Alterations: Once the dresses arrive, alterations may be needed to ensure a perfect fit. This process can take several weeks, and in some cases, multiple fittings may be required. By ordering early, you'll have sufficient time for alterations without rushing or stressing closer to the wedding date.
• Colour Matching: If all bridesmaids are wearing the same colour, ordering the dresses together ensures that they are from the same dye lot and will be an exact match. Ordering at different times may result in slight colour variations, which can be noticeable in photos and affect the overall aesthetic of the bridal party.
• Stress-Free Planning: Wedding planning can be overwhelming, and leaving enough time for dress orders and alterations is one way to reduce stress. By ordering custom dresses early, you'll avoid the pressure of last-minute preparations and have more time to focus on other important aspects of the wedding.
• Budget Management: Custom dresses may require a longer lead time, and ordering early helps with budget management. Last-minute orders may incur rush fees, and there may be additional costs for expedited shipping. Ordering early allows for better financial planning and can help avoid unexpected expenses.
• Enjoy the Experience: Ordering early gives bridesmaids and the bridal party time to enjoy the dress selection process without feeling rushed. It allows for thoughtful decisions, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and confident in their choice of attire for the special day.

In summary, ordering custom bridesmaid dresses early is a key aspect of wedding planning. It ensures timely delivery, allows for necessary alterations, guarantees colour consistency, reduces stress, helps with budget management, and ultimately contributes to a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Shoes and undergarments should be bought four to six weeks after ordering the dress

Bridesmaids should order their dresses about six months before the wedding. This is to allow time for any alterations and to ensure the dress arrives on time. It usually takes between two and three months for dresses to arrive, so it's important to leave enough time for any necessary adjustments.

With that in mind, shoes and undergarments should be bought four to six weeks after ordering the dress. This timing ensures that these essential items are received in advance of the first fitting. It's important to have the correct shoes and undergarments for the initial fitting to ensure the bust measurements and hem length are correct. For example, if the bridesmaid dress has a strapless neckline, it's crucial to wear a strapless bra to the fitting. Having these items beforehand also allows for any unexpected delays or additional fittings.

Additionally, it's recommended to try on the dress as soon as it arrives. This way, there won't be any major surprises, and you can address any necessary alterations promptly. If standard alterations are needed, schedule the first fitting at least four to six weeks before the wedding. For more complex alterations, book the fitting earlier and ensure it fits with the tailor's schedule.

It's also worth noting that custom or made-to-order bridesmaid dresses may have longer lead times, so it's beneficial to allow extra time as a buffer. Ordering the bridesmaid dresses at the same time ensures that the fabric is from the same dye lot and that the colours match perfectly.

Frequently asked questions