Deborah Chan
Bridesmaids should order their dresses about six months before the wedding. It can take up to three months for a designer bridesmaid dress to arrive, and you'll want to allow extra time for any alterations. It's a good idea to start gathering inspiration and browsing styles about eight months before the wedding. This will give you ample time to make a final decision and for any necessary alterations to be made.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early to start looking for dresses | 7-8 months before the wedding |
| When to order the dresses | 6 months before the wedding |
| When to schedule the first fitting | 3-4 months before the wedding |
| When to get alterations done | 4-6 weeks before the wedding |
| When to schedule the final fitting | 1-2 months before the wedding |
What You'll Learn
Order the bridesmaid dresses
Ordering the bridesmaid dresses is a crucial step in wedding planning. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate this process:
8 Months Before the Wedding:
Start by discussing the bridesmaid dress options with the bride-to-be. Find out if she has a specific vision for the dresses or if she would like you to choose your own within certain parameters. This conversation will give you an idea of the colour, style, length, and any other specifications she may have. It is also important to discuss the budget at this stage to ensure everyone is comfortable with the expenses.
6-8 Months Before the Wedding:
This is the time to start browsing and narrowing down your options. Visit bridal salons, try on different styles, and seek inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding-focused websites. It is recommended to place the order for the bridesmaid dresses around six months before the wedding. This timeline accounts for the fact that dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you'll need extra time for alterations.
3-4 Months Before the Wedding:
Schedule your first fitting. It is advisable to purchase the bridesmaid shoes at this stage to ensure the dress length is altered correctly.
1-2 Months Before the Wedding:
Schedule your final fitting. This will allow enough time for any additional minor alterations. After the final fitting, safely store the dress until the wedding day.
Day Before the Wedding:
Check that you have your bridesmaid dress and all the necessary accessories ready. It is also a good idea to confirm with the bride if she wants you to bring a portable steamer to ensure wrinkle-free dresses for the entire bridal party.
Wedding Day:
Get ready and celebrate! Help the bride with any final touches, and enjoy the day.
Remember, it is always better to give yourself ample time when ordering bridesmaid dresses to account for any unexpected delays or changes. Happy planning!
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Allow time for alterations
Bridesmaids should allow ample time for alterations to their dresses. While simple alterations like a hem can be ready in a month, more complex tailoring will take closer to six weeks. The average turnaround time for bridesmaid dress alterations is about a month, so scheduling alterations for four to six weeks before the wedding is recommended.
It's important to try on the dress as soon as it arrives to ensure no major surprises and to allow enough time for standard or more complicated alterations. If the alterations are more complex, book the first fitting even earlier. It's also crucial to call ahead and ensure that the tailor's schedule fits with your timeline.
After the first fitting, the final fitting should be scheduled about a month before the wedding. This is important, especially if the wedding is during the busy season for seamstresses, which is usually from late spring to October. An exception to this timeline is if a bridesmaid is pregnant; in that case, she should schedule her final fitting as close to the wedding day as possible to accommodate her growing belly.
Additionally, it's a good idea to try on the dress a few days before the wedding. This allows for any last-minute alterations if needed. By allowing sufficient time for alterations, bridesmaids can help ensure a stress-free experience and a smooth wedding day.
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Discuss budgets
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and it's important to keep your bridesmaids' budgets in mind when choosing their dresses. Here are some tips to help you discuss budgets with your bridesmaids and make informed decisions:
Be Transparent About Budgets：
It's essential to have open and honest conversations about budgets with your bridesmaids from the beginning. Be transparent about how much they can expect to spend on their dresses and other expenses. This will ensure that everyone is comfortable financially and that there are no surprises later on.
Research and Plan Ahead:
Before discussing specific budgets, take time to research the market and plan ahead. Look into the styles, brands, and price ranges available, both online and in-store. This will give you a baseline for your budget discussions and help you set realistic expectations.
Consider Different Budget Levels:
When discussing budgets with your bridesmaids, offer a few price ranges to accommodate different financial situations. For example, you can suggest ranges like $100 to $200, $200 to $350, or $350+. This way, you can find an option that works for everyone without putting too much pressure on anyone.
Individual Check-Ins:
Respect your bridesmaids' privacy by reaching out to each of them individually to discuss their budgets. This can be done via email or text, and it will allow you to have open and honest conversations without putting anyone on the spot.
Include Additional Costs:
Remember to consider additional costs beyond the dress itself. Accessories, alterations, shoes, and undergarments can all add up. Be sure to factor these into the overall budget and discuss them with your bridesmaids so they are aware of the total expected expenses.
Offer Alternatives:
If one of your bridesmaids is unable to afford the chosen dress, be flexible and offer alternatives. You can suggest pre-owned dresses, mismatched looks within a specific colour palette, or even offer to pay the difference. Renting dresses or opting for sustainable options can also be more budget-friendly choices.
Start the Process Early:
Give yourself and your bridesmaids enough time to find the right dresses within your budget. Starting the process early, around eight months before the wedding, will allow for a more relaxed search and ensure that you're not limited to last-minute options, which may be more expensive.
Remember, your bridesmaids are there to support you, and open communication about budgets will ensure that everyone is on the same page and can fully enjoy the wedding planning process.
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Shop online or in-store
There are many options for buying bridesmaids' dresses online, with some retailers offering swatches and samples to be sent to your home. Buying online can be a convenient option, especially if you are ordering multiple dresses, and many sites offer free shipping and returns. However, if you prefer a more traditional shopping experience, you can also buy bridesmaids' dresses in-store.
Online options
Many brands offer a wide range of bridesmaids' dresses online, with various styles, colours, and sizes available. Buying online can be a convenient option, especially if you are ordering multiple dresses, as you can often order swatches and samples to be sent to your home. Here are some popular online retailers for bridesmaids' dresses:
- Azazie: Offers over 500 budget-friendly styles in 80+ colour options, with inclusive sizing from 0-30 and custom measurements available.
- Birdy Grey: Provides size-inclusive gowns for just $99, with free swatches and easy returns.
- Lulus: Offers over 100 styles at affordable prices, with a bridal concierge service to help you decide.
- Nordstrom: Carries designer brands and ready-to-wear options, with convenient in-store services such as styling and alterations.
- ASOS: Features a diverse collection, including petite, plus-size, tall, and maternity options, with budget-friendly prices starting at $26.
- Kennedy Blue: Offers free dress samples and fabric swatches, with dresses starting at $99 and inclusive sizing.
- Revelry: Sends up to 10 fabric swatches and dress samples for you to try at home before purchasing made-to-order gowns.
- Reformation: Offers timeless and sustainable styles, with a range of sizes, colours, and styles, and prices starting at $98.
In-store options
If you prefer a more traditional shopping experience, you can also buy bridesmaids' dresses in-store. This option may be preferable if you want to try on different styles and get a sense of the fabric and fit before purchasing. Here are some popular in-store retailers for bridesmaids' dresses:
- Bella Bridesmaids: Boasts an impressive collection of designers, including sparkly gowns from Jenny Yoo and classic dresses from Watters.
- Nordstrom: In addition to their online options, Nordstrom has over 300 stores that offer tailoring services for bridal party dresses.
- Anthropologie: Offers a wide range of timeless and trendy options, with virtual styling appointments and an extended 60-day return policy.
Whether you choose to shop online or in-store, it is important to start your search early to ensure that you have enough time for shipping, alterations, and any necessary returns. It is also a good idea to have a clear budget in mind and communicate this with your bridesmaids to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the cost.
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Order shoes and undergarments
Once you've ordered your bridesmaids' dresses, it's time to think about shoes and undergarments. These should be ordered around four to six weeks after the dresses, leaving plenty of time for them to arrive before the first fitting.
It's important that your bridesmaids have their shoes and undergarments for the first fitting, as these can impact the bust measurements and hem length of the dress. For example, if your bridesmaids' dresses have strapless necklines, they'll need to wear a strapless bra to ensure the dress fits correctly.
There are lots of options for bridesmaid shoes, from comfortable flats to elegant high heels. You could opt for simple sandals or dress pumps, or go for something more unique, like sparkly rhinestone shoes or colourful hues. It's a good idea to choose a style that complements the bridesmaids' dresses and the overall wedding theme.
With so many options available, your bridesmaids are sure to find something that suits their style and budget.
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Frequently asked questions
You should start gathering inspiration and browsing for bridesmaid dresses about eight months before the wedding. This will give you ample time to make a final decision and order the dresses.
You should order the bridesmaid dresses about six months before the wedding. Dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you'll want to allow extra time for any alterations.
Schedule your first fitting about three months before the wedding. Bridesmaid dresses aren't always made-to-measure and will likely require alterations.
Schedule your final fitting about one to two months before the wedding. This will give you enough time in case you need to make any other minor alterations.
