Bridesmaids, Order Dresses Early To Avoid Wedding Stress

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding the perfect dress for the bridesmaids. But when should they be ordered to ensure they arrive on time? The general consensus is that six months before the wedding is a good time to order bridesmaid dresses. This allows ample time for the dresses to be made or shipped, and for any alterations to be carried out. However, it's worth noting that some sources suggest ordering them four months in advance is sufficient, while others recommend eight months to a year if you're opting for a custom gown.

When to order

Ordering bridesmaids' dresses too early or too late can be a common pitfall for brides-to-be. Here is a timeline to ensure that everything goes smoothly and the dresses arrive on time for the wedding.

It is recommended to start shopping for bridesmaid dresses around eight months before the wedding. This is the time to start gathering inspiration and narrowing down the styles, colours, and lengths that you like. If you have a large number of bridesmaids, it is a good idea to start shopping with one or two key decision-makers to help create your vision. Once you have decided on a few potential styles, you can get feedback from all the bridesmaids and reach a final verdict.

Around six months before the wedding, you should make a final decision on the bridesmaid dresses. It usually takes between two and three months for dresses to arrive, so you need to leave enough time for alterations. Ordering the dresses at the same time ensures that all the fabric is from the same dye lot, so the colours match. It also helps with organisation, especially if you have a large number of bridesmaids.

If you are ordering made-to-order dresses, you should allow even more time. These can take up to nine weeks to be produced and delivered. If your wedding is less than three months away, you may need to shop from a ready-to-ship collection.

Other Things to Consider

• It is important to talk to your bridesmaids about their budget before deciding on a dress.
• If any of your bridesmaids are pregnant, they may want to schedule their final fitting as close to the wedding day as possible.
• It is a good idea for the bridal party to try on their dresses a few days before the wedding, in case any last-minute alterations are needed.
• Bridesmaids should order their shoes, undergarments, and accessories four to six weeks after ordering their dresses.

Budgeting

To make this discussion easier, the bride can suggest a few price ranges, such as $100 to $200, $200 to $350, or $350+. If the desired dress is slightly above someone's budget, the bride can offer to pay the difference, cover alteration costs, or gift accessories or hair and makeup services. It is also important to consider additional costs, such as accessories and alterations, when budgeting for bridesmaid dresses.

One way to save money on bridesmaid dresses is to look for pre-owned options on sites like eBay or Poshmark. Mismatched bridesmaid dresses can also be a more affordable option, as it allows each bridesmaid to choose a dress within their budget that flatters their body type and style preferences. Renting bridesmaid dresses from sites like Rent the Runway is another cost-effective alternative, ensuring that the bridal party doesn't spend a fortune on a one-time outfit.

It is recommended to start shopping for bridesmaid dresses seven to eight months before the wedding. This timeline allows enough time for ordering, alterations, and accounting for any potential delays. By starting early, the bridal party can take advantage of sales and have a wider range of options to choose from. It is also beneficial to research different styles, brands, and price points before making a decision to ensure that the chosen dresses fit within the budget and align with the desired style.

Shopping

8-9 Months Before the Wedding:

Start by ordering your own wedding dress. This will give you a better idea of what style, colour, and level of formality you want for your bridesmaids' dresses. It is recommended to order your wedding gown at least nine months in advance, and a year ahead if you are having a custom gown made.

6-8 Months Before the Wedding:

This is a good time to start shopping for bridesmaid dresses. Begin by gathering inspiration and narrowing down the styles, colours, and overall look you want for your bridesmaids. Decide if you want them all to wear the same dress or if you want to mix and match. If you have a large number of bridesmaids, it is advisable to start shopping with one or two key decision-makers to help create your vision.

6 Months Before the Wedding:

Make a final decision on the bridesmaid dresses and place the order. It usually takes between two to three months for dresses to arrive, so this will leave enough time for alterations. Ordering all the dresses at the same time ensures that they are from the same dye lot, especially if you want your bridesmaids to wear the same colour but different styles.

4-6 Weeks After Ordering the Dresses:

Your bridesmaids should order their shoes, undergarments, and accessories. This will ensure that they have everything for the first fitting. If the dresses have strapless necklines, it is important to remind your bridesmaids to order strapless bras, as clear straps can be visible and may detract from the look.

4-6 Weeks Before the Wedding:

Schedule the first fitting for any necessary alterations. If more complicated alterations are needed, book the fitting further in advance.

1 Month Before the Wedding:

Set up the final fitting. Do not wait until the last minute, especially if your wedding is during the busy season for seamstresses. An exception to this timeline is if one of your bridesmaids is pregnant. In this case, she may want to schedule her final fitting as close to the wedding day as possible.

A Few Days Before the Wedding:

It is always a good idea for the bridal party to try on their dresses a few days before the wedding. This will allow for any last-minute alterations if needed and ensure that there are no unexpected issues on the wedding day.

Remember, proper planning will make shopping for bridesmaid dresses a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Fittings

Allow Time for Fittings

It is recommended that bridesmaids try on their dresses as soon as they arrive. This will allow time for any necessary alterations. Standard alterations should be scheduled at least four to six weeks before the wedding. More complicated alterations may require additional time, so be sure to call ahead and check with your tailor.

Final Fittings

The final fitting should be scheduled about a month before the wedding. This will ensure that any last-minute adjustments can be made. For pregnant bridesmaids, it is advisable to schedule the final fitting as close to the wedding day as possible to accommodate a growing belly.

Try on the Dresses a Few Days Before the Wedding

It is always a good idea to have the bridal party try on their dresses a couple of days before the wedding. This will allow time for any last-minute alterations if needed and provide assurance that there won't be any unexpected issues on the wedding day.

Shoes and Undergarments

It is important to consider shoes and undergarments when fitting bridesmaid dresses. These items should be ordered about four to six weeks after the dresses to ensure they arrive in time for the first fitting. This is especially important if the bridesmaids are wearing strapless necklines, as they will need to have the appropriate strapless bra for the fitting.

Online vs In-Store

Whether you order bridesmaid dresses online or in-store is a matter of personal preference. In-store boutiques offer personalized service and can help determine the exact timeline for alterations. Online ordering may be more convenient for wedding parties living in different cities, but be sure to allow time for returns or exchanges if needed.

Final checks

You've done the research, decided on a style, and chosen a colour. Now it's time for the final checks before you order your bridesmaids' dresses. Here's a timeline to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Six Months Before the Wedding: This is the time to make a final decision on the dresses. It usually takes around two to three months for dresses to arrive, so you need to allow time for alterations and delivery. Ordering six months in advance gives you some leeway in case anything goes wrong.

Four to Six Weeks After Ordering: It's time to order shoes, undergarments, and accessories. This ensures that everything will arrive in time for the first fitting. It's important to have these items for the first fitting to get the correct bust measurements and hem length. If your bridesmaids will be wearing strapless dresses, remind them to order strapless bras.

Four to Six Weeks Before the Wedding: Schedule the first fitting. All bridesmaids should try on their dresses as soon as they arrive to check for any major surprises. If standard alterations are needed, four to six weeks before the wedding is a good time for the first fitting.

One Month Before the Wedding: Set up the final fitting. This is crucial, especially if your wedding is during the busy season for seamstresses. The only exception is if one of your bridesmaids is pregnant; in that case, she may want to wait until closer to the wedding day to allow for a growing belly.

A Few Days Before the Wedding: Have the bridal party try on their dresses again. This gives you a few days to make any last-minute alterations if needed.

Remember, proper planning ensures that shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions