Selecting Bridesmaids Gowns: How Long Should You Take?

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 important to remember that custom dresses take longer to arrive than off-the-rack options, so it's always best to give yourself a cushion of more time.

The process of choosing a bridesmaid dress starts with the bride deciding whether she will be choosing the dress herself or if she wants the bridesmaids to pick their own. The bride should also talk to her bridesmaids about their budget. Bridesmaids should get their measurements taken before purchasing a dress. Once the dress has been ordered, the next step is to pick out the shoes, usually specified by the bride.

Sectioning off time for research and deciding on a dress style, length, colour, material, and price point

Planning a wedding can be a time-consuming and challenging process, and choosing bridesmaid dresses is no exception. To ensure you allow adequate time for research and decision-making, it is advisable to start the conversation about bridesmaid dresses with the bridal party around eight months before the wedding. This will give you and your bridesmaids ample time to browse, try on different styles, and make informed decisions. Here is a guide to help you section off time efficiently and make choices confidently:

Research and Decision-Making Timeline

• Eight months before the wedding: Start by finding out whether the bride has a specific vision for the bridesmaid dresses or if she would like each bridesmaid to choose their own within certain parameters. If the bride has already selected her wedding dress, you can begin browsing for bridesmaid dresses and trying on different styles to narrow down options.
• Six months before the wedding: By this time, the bride should have chosen a specific designer or dress style for the bridesmaids. Ordering the dress is the next step, as it can take two to three months for a designer bridesmaid dress to arrive.
• Three months before the wedding: Schedule the first fitting for alterations.
• One to two months before the wedding: Schedule the final fitting to ensure the dress fits perfectly.

Style, Length, Colour, Material, and Price Point

• Style: The style of the bridesmaid dresses can depend on several factors, including the wedding's formality, the bridesmaids' comfort, and the bride's preferences. If the wedding is formal, full-length gowns might be preferred. If it's a more intimate gathering, short or knee-length styles can be a fun option. Consider the body types of your bridesmaids and choose a style that flatters everyone. If you're having trouble finding a single style that works for all, you can pick a specific colour or range of colours and allow each bridesmaid to choose a style that suits them.
• Length: The length of the dresses can depend on the season and climate of the wedding, the fabric you choose, and the heights of your bridesmaids. If you're getting married in a warmer month, shorter styles might be more comfortable. Consider the fabric, as some fabrics like chiffon work well in both short and long styles, while others like satin and taffeta tend to look better in shorter lengths. If you have bridesmaids of varying heights, styling them in short dresses hemmed at the same length above the knee can be a good option.
• Colour: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a colour. Consider the wedding's venue, your personal style, the season, and your bridesmaids' skin tones. If you're a minimalist, earthy and neutral tones might appeal to you. For summer weddings, consider offbeat colours like fuchsia or coral. If you want a more traditional look, colours like navy, burgundy, and blush are classic and flattering.
• Material: The fabric you choose will depend on the aesthetic you want to achieve. For a romantic look, consider chiffon, mesh, Georgette, or tulle. These fabrics offer a lightweight, ethereal, and flowy appearance. For a glamorous vibe, satin, crepe back satin, or sequins can be excellent choices. If you're going for a modern theme, velvet, lace, or novelty fabrics with floral prints or sequins can add interest and dimension.
• Price point: Discuss budget considerations with your bridesmaids early on. Be mindful of their financial situations and try to find dresses within a comfortable price range for everyone. If there are discrepancies in budgets, consider offering to pay the difference or cover alteration costs. You can also suggest renting dresses, which can be a more affordable option.

Remember, effective communication and timely decision-making will help ensure a smooth process for choosing bridesmaid dresses. Happy planning!

Ordering the bridesmaids' dresses

It is recommended that you order your bridesmaids' dresses about six months before the wedding. This is because dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you will want to allow extra time for any alterations. Custom dresses will take longer to arrive than off-the-rack options, so it is always best to give yourself a cushion of time.

If you are ordering a custom or made-to-order dress, you may need to allot extra time as a buffer. Many made-to-order dresses can take up to eight weeks to produce and deliver, so it is recommended that you allow four months for shopping and alterations.

If you are ordering online, make sure you look into shipping times in advance so you know if you need to order earlier than the standard six months. Off-the-rack dresses will arrive much quicker, so you can feel secure in the six-month window for ordering these.

If you are ordering different styles, colours, or shades of the same colour scheme, it is recommended that you place your bridesmaid dress orders at the same time. This ensures that the colour is an exact match, as the same dress can vary slightly in colour depending on the dye lot.

You should start seeking bridesmaid dress inspiration about eight months before the wedding, so that you have ample time to make a final decision.

Once you have ordered your bridesmaids' dresses, you will need to allow time for alterations. The average turnaround time for these is about a month, so we recommend having your alterations done between six and four weeks before the wedding. Simple alterations like a hem can be ready in a month, whereas more complex tailoring will take closer to six weeks.

To avoid last-minute stress, book your alteration appointments well in advance. For weddings in the off-season (Nov-Mar), aim to have your first appointment about a month before the wedding. In the busy season (Apr-Oct), allow at least two months before the big day. Once you've ordered your dresses and have an estimated ship date, get in touch with a seamstress to secure your spot.

Making alterations

Booking Appointments:

It is advisable to book your alteration appointments well in advance, especially during the busy season. For weddings during the peak season (April to October in the US), it is recommended to allow at least two months before the wedding date for alterations. For off-season weddings (November to March), one month in advance should be sufficient. It is also suggested to have multiple fittings, especially for significant alterations, to ensure a perfect fit.

Timing:

The timeframe for bridesmaid dress alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations and the tailor's schedule. On average, alterations can take around one to three weeks. Some sources suggest that the average turnaround time for bridesmaid dress alterations is about a month, with simple alterations taking less time and more complex ones requiring closer to six weeks.

Costs:

The cost of alterations depends on the specific adjustments needed and the rates set by the tailor. On average, bridesmaids can expect to spend around $45 to $150 on alterations, with prices varying based on location. Hemming a dress, for example, typically costs between $45 and $90. Taking in the dress at the waist and hips or adjusting the shoulders/straps usually falls within the $25 to $55 range.

What to Bring:

To ensure a smooth and accurate alteration process, it is essential to bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on the wedding day to your fitting. This will help the tailor adjust the length and fit of the dress accordingly. If you intend to wear shapewear or specific jewellery and hair accessories, bringing those items to the fitting can also help ensure a more precise alteration.

Final Fitting:

Before leaving the tailor's shop after your final fitting, be sure to try on the altered dress one last time with all the accessories and shoes you plan to wear. This will allow for any final adjustments to be made before the wedding day. It is also recommended to have the dress professionally cleaned or steamed to ensure it looks its best.

Scheduling a final fitting

• Schedule in Advance: Plan to schedule your final fitting about one to two months before the wedding, or three to five weeks before the big day. This will give you enough time to make any necessary alterations and ensure that your bridesmaid dress fits perfectly.
• Be Prepared: Before your final fitting, make sure you have all the components of your wedding day outfit. This includes the dress, shoes, and any special undergarments or shapewear. It's important to try on the entire ensemble together to ensure everything works harmoniously.
• Bring a Companion: Consider bringing a relative, bridesmaid, or trusted friend to your final fitting. They can provide a second opinion on the fit and style of the dress, and they can also learn the "mechanics" of the dress, such as how to zip it up, button it, or attach/detach any sleeves.
• Final Alterations: During your final fitting, work closely with your seamstress to ensure that all the necessary alterations are made. This may include taking in the bodice, adjusting the length, or creating a bustle to prevent the train from getting stepped on during the reception.
• Attention to Detail: Pay attention to every detail during your final fitting. Check the fit, comfort, and overall appearance of the dress. If there are any adjustments you'd like to make, speak up and ask your seamstress for their expert opinion. It's important that you feel confident and comfortable in your bridesmaid dress.
• Taking the Dress Home: After your final fitting, you'll be able to take your dress home. Find a safe place to keep it, such as a designated space in your closet, away from anything that could damage the dress. Use a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and maintain its freshness.
• Final Touches: In the days leading up to the wedding, assemble all your accessories, jewellery, and shoes. This will ensure that you have everything you need and that your entire outfit is wedding-day ready!

By following these suggestions, you'll be well on your way to a stress-free and organised final fitting for your bridesmaid dress.

Storing the dress safely until the wedding day

Bridesmaids should aim to get their dresses around 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 any alterations.

Once you have your bridesmaid dress, it's important to store it safely until the wedding day. Here are some tips to ensure your dress stays in perfect condition:

• Keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as the back of a closet or a spare room. Avoid attics or basements, as these can be damp and musty.
• Avoid hanging your dress if it has heavy beading or multiple layers of fabric. Instead, lay it flat, preferably in a sturdy box lined with acid-free tissue paper.
• If your dress is made of lightweight fabric, such as chiffon or organza, you can hang it up using a sturdy hanger with a padded hanger to protect delicate straps. Place the dress inside a fabric garment bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet to protect it from dust and moisture.
• Avoid storing your dress in plastic, as this can cause discolouration and staining.
• Try to resist the temptation to try on your dress or remove it from its storage bag, as this increases the risk of staining and damage.
• Keep your dress away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and pets.
• If you need to travel with your dress, carefully pack it in a suitcase or garment bag, making sure it is flat and wrinkle-free.
• A few days before the wedding, remove your dress from storage and hang it up to allow any wrinkles to drop out.

Frequently asked questions