Bridesmaids And Dresses: To Show Or Not To Show?

Bridesmaids should order their dresses around six months before the wedding, leaving plenty of time for shipping and alterations. This is because dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you need to allow time for any alterations. It's also important to order all the bridesmaid dresses at the same time to ensure that the colour is an exact match. If you're ordering custom or made-to-order dresses, you'll need to allow even more time – these can take up to eight or 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.

Budgeting for the bridesmaids' dresses

Budgeting for bridesmaids' dresses can be a tricky task, but there are some steps you can take to make the process smoother. Here are some tips to help you budget for your bridesmaids' dresses:

Discuss Budgets with Your Bridesmaids

It is essential to have open and honest conversations about budgets with your bridesmaids from the beginning. Understand their financial situation and how much they are comfortable spending. This will help you set a realistic budget for the dresses and avoid putting too much financial strain on your bridal party. Be transparent and flexible to ensure everyone feels included and respected.

Start Planning Early

Allow yourself and your bridesmaids enough time to find dresses that fit both your vision and their budgets. Starting early also gives you the advantage of being able to shop around for the best deals. It is recommended to start browsing for bridesmaid dresses about eight months before the wedding. This gives you and your bridesmaids ample time to find options that suit everyone's needs and preferences.

Consider Different Options

If you have a set budget in mind, communicate this to your bridesmaids and work together to find dresses within that range. You can also offer to subsidize the difference if some bridesmaids are willing to spend more while others have a lower budget. Another option is to select a specific colour and let your bridesmaids choose their own style from off the rack, which can often be more budget-friendly.

Research and Compare Prices

Before making any final decisions, be sure to research and compare prices from different designers, boutiques, and online retailers. This will help you find the best value for your budget and ensure you are getting a fair deal. It is also beneficial to look for sales or discounts, which can help you stay within your budget.

Be Mindful of Additional Costs

Remember that the cost of the dress is not the only expense. Alterations, shoes, and accessories can also add to the overall cost for your bridesmaids. Be mindful of these additional costs and try to find ways to minimise them. For example, you could suggest budget-friendly shoe options or allow your bridesmaids to choose their own accessories.

Renting as an Alternative

If you're open to the idea of renting, consider looking into rental websites that offer designer dresses at a fraction of the cost. This can be a great way to reduce the financial burden on your bridesmaids while still achieving a cohesive and stylish look for your wedding party.

Remember, it is important to keep an open mind and be flexible throughout the budgeting process. By involving your bridesmaids in the discussions and being considerate of their budgets, you can ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued. Happy planning!

The timeline for choosing and buying the dress

• Nine months before the wedding: The bride should have found her wedding dress.
• Eight months before the wedding: Start the conversation about bridesmaid dresses. If the bride is choosing the dresses, she should start browsing now. If the bridesmaids are choosing their own, they can start looking at different styles and sending options to the bride for approval.
• Six months before the wedding: The bride should have decided on the bridesmaid dresses. Order the dresses now to allow time for alterations.
• Four to six weeks after ordering the dresses: Bridesmaids should order their shoes and undergarments.
• Three months before the wedding: Schedule the first fitting.
• One to two months before the wedding: Schedule the final fitting.
• A few days before the wedding: Try on the dress again to check for any last-minute alterations.

The bride's vision for the dress

Start Planning Early

It is recommended that brides start planning their bridal party's attire about seven to eight months before the wedding. This allows ample time for the bridesmaids to order their dresses and make any necessary alterations. The bride should also keep in mind that certain details, such as the colour and fabric of the dresses, should be decided even earlier to guide the shopping process.

Consider the Budget

Discussing budgets privately with each bridesmaid is essential. It is important to be transparent about financial expectations and decide whether you, as the bride, are willing to subsidise any costs for your bridal party. This discussion will help you choose dresses that are within everyone's budget and ensure that your bridesmaids feel financially comfortable.

Choose the Colour and Fabric

As the bride, you have the exciting task of choosing the colour and fabric for your bridesmaids' dresses. This decision will set the tone and vibe for the entire wedding celebration. It is advisable to opt for colours and fabrics that complement your wedding dress and create a cohesive look for the bridal party.

Be Flexible with Silhouettes

While you, as the bride, should decide on the overall style and theme, allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dress silhouette can be a thoughtful gesture. Consider the different body types and comfort levels of your bridal party. For example, you may suggest full-length A-line gowns for a whimsical wedding theme but let them choose the sleeve length or neckline that suits them best.

Provide Clear Guidelines

If you decide to let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses, be specific with your guidelines. Provide clear instructions on the colour palette, length, material, and style of the dresses. This will make the dress hunt easier for your bridesmaids and ensure that the final choices align with your vision.

Make it a Group Activity

Consider making a fun day out of bridesmaid dress shopping. Invite your bridal party to join you in visiting bridal shops or create a dedicated group chat to involve those who can't be there in person. This not only makes the process enjoyable but also allows you to share your impressions and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Remember, the bride's vision for the dress is an essential part of creating a cohesive and stylish look for the bridal party. By involving your bridesmaids and considering their comfort, you can achieve a vision that makes everyone feel confident and celebrated on your special day.

The bridesmaids' comfort and confidence

Involve your bridesmaids in the process:

While the final decision rests with you, involving your bridesmaids in the dress selection process can help ensure their comfort and confidence. Start by shopping with one or two bridesmaids whose opinions you value. This can be your maid of honour, a close friend, or someone with knowledge of weddings, fashion, and style. Their input can help you narrow down your choices to a few options, which you can then present to the other bridesmaids for their feedback. This approach allows for a collaborative effort and ensures that the bridesmaids feel heard and valued.

Be mindful of their budgets:

Discuss budgets privately with each bridesmaid before shopping. This is a sensitive topic, but it is important to understand their financial capabilities and comfort levels. By doing so, you can make informed decisions and consider options that align with their budgets. If there are discrepancies in spending limits, you can opt for more affordable choices or subsidise the difference yourself if you wish to do so.

Allow for flexibility in silhouettes:

While you may have a specific colour and fabric in mind, allowing your bridesmaids to choose their own dress silhouette can provide them with comfort and confidence. For example, if you envision a whimsical, boho wedding, you can opt for full-length A-line gowns and let them select the sleeve length or neckline that suits them best. This approach ensures that they feel comfortable and confident in their own skin while still adhering to your overall vision.

Provide clear guidelines:

If you decide to let your bridesmaids choose their own dresses, be specific about your expectations. Provide clear guidelines on the colour, length, material, and style of the dress. This will help prevent confusion and minimise the back-and-forth during the decision-making process. It is also essential to set a deadline for their final dress choices to ensure enough time for alterations or last-minute changes.

Consider their comfort in other aspects:

Think about the venue and season when selecting dress silhouettes, fabrics, and accessories. For example, opt for breathable dresses for a sunny, seaside wedding, and provide wraps or cover-ups for cooler temperatures. Encourage comfortable shoes, especially if the terrain is uneven, and refrain from dictating specific footwear that may create an additional expense. Letting your bridesmaids accessorise with their own jewellery can also add to their comfort and confidence, allowing them to express their unique personalities.

Involving your bridesmaids, considering their budgets, providing flexibility, setting clear guidelines, and being mindful of their comfort in various aspects will ensure that your bridesmaids exude confidence and feel their best as they stand by your side on your special day.

The bride's level of control over the dress choice

The bride traditionally has a lot of control over the bridesmaids' dress choice. Bridesmaids usually cover the cost of their dresses, shoes, and alterations, so it's important to have a conversation about budgets before shopping. The bride can then decide whether to limit choices to a certain price range or subsidize the difference.

The bride should also gather inspiration online and start the process with a small group of decision-makers. It's best to have a vision for the look, including the color and fabric, and then allow bridesmaids to choose their own silhouette to ensure they feel comfortable.

If the bride has a specific dress in mind, it's a good idea to try it on first to ensure it's comfortable and practical. The bride should also be mindful of the venue when choosing dress silhouettes, fabrics, and accessories. For example, breathable dresses are best for a sunny, seaside wedding, and warmer options are more suitable for cooler temperatures.

Ultimately, it's the bride's decision, but allowing bridesmaids to have some input can ensure they feel confident and comfortable on the big day.

Frequently asked questions