Bridesmaids' Dresses: Choosing And Timing For The Perfect Fit

Bridesmaids should ideally get their dresses six months before the wedding. This is because dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you need to allow extra time for alterations. It's also important to place all dress orders at the same time, especially if your bridesmaids are wearing the same colour, to ensure that they are an exact match.

Discuss budget with bridesmaids

Being a bridesmaid is a huge honour, but it can also be a major financial commitment. It's important to have open and transparent conversations about money to ensure everyone is happy and comfortable. Here are some tips for discussing the budget with your bridesmaids:

Be Transparent from the Start

It's best to be upfront about the financial expectations of your bridesmaids from the beginning. Discuss the budget and what expenses they will need to cover as early as possible. This will give them time to evaluate their financial situation and determine if they can commit to being a bridesmaid. It's also a good idea to be flexible and understand if someone can't afford certain expenses. There are other ways they can celebrate the couple, such as with a private dinner or by participating in the wedding in a different capacity.

Communicate Your Vision

Before discussing the budget, it's helpful to have a clear idea of what you want your bridesmaids to wear and the overall vision for the wedding. This will make it easier for you and your bridesmaids to shop for dresses and accessories that fit within the budget. It's also important to be open to feedback and willing to compromise if there are concerns about the cost.

Set a Realistic Timeline

Give your bridesmaids enough time to save and shop for their dresses and accessories. Starting the conversation about budget and expectations at least seven to eight months before the wedding is recommended. This will allow your bridesmaids to plan and account for any alterations or unexpected expenses. It's also important to keep in mind that made-to-order dresses can take several months to arrive, so ordering in advance is crucial.

Provide Options

To help your bridesmaids stay within their budget, offer a range of options for dresses, accessories, and other expenses. This could include suggesting affordable retailers, second-hand options, or rental services. If you're set on a specific dress that may be out of budget for some, consider pitching in to help cover the cost. Additionally, if you're open to it, allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dresses or accessories within certain parameters can give them more control over their spending.

Encourage Open Communication

Encourage your bridesmaids to be honest about their financial situation and any concerns they may have. Create a safe and judgement-free space for them to express their budget constraints without feeling embarrassed. If a bridesmaid is unable to participate in certain events or expenses due to financial reasons, work together to find alternative solutions. For example, they could offer to help with planning or suggest more affordable options.

Plan and Track Expenses

Help your bridesmaids stay on track by creating a budget spreadsheet or using budgeting tools and apps. This will allow them to plan and track their spending on items such as the dress, travel, gifts, and other wedding-related expenses. It's also a good idea to discuss big-ticket items first and budget for those, then move on to smaller expenses. This will ensure that the most important items are covered, and your bridesmaids can make informed decisions about their spending.

Order dresses 6 months before the wedding

Ordering bridesmaids' dresses is a crucial aspect of wedding planning. To ensure a stress-free experience and allow ample time for alterations, it is recommended to order bridesmaids' dresses approximately six months before the wedding. Here are some reasons why ordering six months in advance is essential:

Time for Alterations

The process of altering a dress can be time-consuming and may require multiple fittings. By ordering six months in advance, you allow a comfortable buffer for these adjustments. This ensures that the dresses will fit perfectly and be ready in time for the wedding.

Delivery Time

Designer bridesmaids' dresses or those from bridal boutiques can take around two to three months to arrive. Placing the order six months before the wedding ensures that you are well within this timeframe and accounts for any unexpected delays in delivery.

Final Fittings and Adjustments

With the dresses ordered six months in advance, there is ample time for final fittings and any necessary adjustments. Typically, the final fitting is scheduled one to two months before the wedding. Having the dresses ready earlier allows for last-minute alterations, ensuring a stress-free experience for the bridesmaids.

Colour Matching

Ordering all the bridesmaids' dresses together at the same time ensures that the colour remains consistent across all dresses. This is especially important if the bridesmaids are wearing the same colour. Ordering together guarantees that the dresses are from the same dye lot, resulting in an exact colour match.

Accessories and Shoes

Once the bridesmaids' dresses are ordered, it is essential to turn your attention to accessories and shoes. Usually, the bride will specify the colour and style of shoes she wants the bridesmaids to wear, especially if the dresses are short. Ordering the dresses six months in advance provides ample time to select and purchase the appropriate footwear and accessories.

Allow 2-3 months for dresses to arrive

Bridesmaids should expect to wait around two to three months for their dresses to arrive. This means that the dresses should be ordered at least six months before the wedding. This gives plenty of time for fittings and any necessary alterations.

It is important to note that dresses may take longer to arrive if they are custom-made or made-to-order. In these cases, it is recommended to allow a buffer of extra time. For custom dresses, it is best to order a year in advance, and for made-to-order dresses, eight to twelve weeks should be allowed for production and delivery.

If you are ordering from a specific designer, it is a good idea to check with the manufacturer to confirm how long the order will take. It is also worth confirming that they have enough stock to accommodate your order.

For those with a pregnant bridesmaid, it is recommended that she waits until closer to the wedding to have her final fitting. However, she should not delay placing her dress order.

Schedule alterations 3-4 months before the wedding

Scheduling alterations three to four months before the wedding is a crucial step in ensuring that your bridesmaids' dresses fit perfectly for the big day. Here is a detailed schedule to keep you on track:

3-4 Months Before the Wedding: Schedule Alterations

• This is the time to schedule your first fitting appointment with a seamstress or tailor. It is recommended to book this appointment in advance to ensure availability, especially during the busy wedding season.
• During this appointment, the seamstress will make any necessary alterations to the length, waist, or other areas of the dress to ensure a proper fit.
• It is important to bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on the wedding day to this fitting, as it will impact the measurements and fit of the dress.

Allow Time for Alterations

• Keep in mind that alterations can take some time, especially if they are more complicated.
• Schedule your first fitting with enough buffer time to account for any unexpected delays or additional fittings.
• If there are multiple bridesmaids, coordinating their fittings and ensuring they have their dresses altered in time is crucial.

Communicate with Your Bridesmaids

• Stay in close communication with your bridesmaids to ensure they are aware of the fitting schedule and any specific requirements or recommendations from the seamstress.
• This is also a good time to confirm that they have purchased the appropriate shoes and undergarments for the dress.

Final Fitting Closer to the Wedding

• While the first fitting is important, don't forget to schedule a final fitting closer to the wedding, usually about one to two months before the big day.
• This final fitting will ensure that any alterations made during the previous appointment were successful and that no further adjustments are needed.
• After the final fitting, the bridesmaids can take their dresses home and store them safely until the wedding.

By following this schedule and allowing ample time for alterations, you can ensure that your bridesmaids will look and feel their best on your wedding day.

Final fitting 1-2 months before the wedding

The final fitting of the bridesmaid dresses should be scheduled around one to two months before the wedding day. This is to ensure that any minor alterations can be made and that the dresses are ready in time for the wedding. It is important to note that seamstresses tend to be busiest during the wedding season, so booking an appointment in advance is crucial.

After the final fitting, the dresses can be taken home and stored in a safe place until the wedding day. It is recommended to find a place in the closet or away from anything that could potentially damage the dress. Storing the dress in a breathable garment bag will help keep it in good condition.

In the case of a pregnant bridesmaid, it is advisable to schedule the final fitting as close to the wedding day as possible, as the belly may still be growing.

To ensure a stress-free experience, it is beneficial to follow a timeline for bridesmaid dress shopping. This includes allowing sufficient time for dress selection, ordering, alterations, and the final fitting. By staying organised and starting the process early, any potential delays or unforeseen circumstances can be accommodated.

Additionally, it is important to consider the fabric and colour choices, ensuring they match the formality of the wedding and the season. For example, casual weddings may call for chiffon or jersey fabrics, while lavish and elegant events may favour satin, sequins, or crepe.

By following these guidelines, bridesmaids can feel confident that their dresses will be ready and fitting perfectly for the big day.

Frequently asked questions