Bridesmaids Fittings: Timing, Tailoring, And A Perfect Fit

Bridesmaids should get their dresses altered about six months before the wedding. Dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you should allow extra time for any necessary alterations. Custom dresses will take longer to arrive than off-the-rack options, so it's always best to give yourself a cushion of time. The average turnaround time for alterations is about a month, so scheduling alterations for six to four weeks before the wedding is recommended. Bridesmaids may need multiple fittings, so it's important to allow enough time for any necessary adjustments.

Bridesmaids should order their dresses six months before the wedding

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to the outfits. To ensure that the bridesmaids' dresses fit like a dream on the big day, it is crucial to allow ample time for fittings and alterations. Here are some reasons why bridesmaids should order their dresses six months before the wedding:

Time for Fittings and Alterations

Ordering the bridesmaids' dresses six months in advance provides a buffer for any necessary alterations. This lead time ensures that seamstresses have sufficient time to make adjustments, guaranteeing a perfect fit for each bridesmaid. It also allows for multiple fittings, addressing any concerns raised during the initial fitting. This process can be lengthy, especially when customisations or complex alterations are required.

Shipping and Production Delays

When ordering custom or made-to-order bridesmaids' dresses, longer lead times are common. Allowing a six-month buffer helps accommodate potential production and shipping delays. This is especially important when ordering from online retailers, as delivery times can vary. By ordering early, you can also take advantage of home try-on programs and swatch orders, ensuring colour accuracy and size suitability.

Consistency in Colour and Fabric

Ordering all bridesmaids' dresses simultaneously ensures colour consistency across the bridal party. Even the same dress style can vary in colour depending on the dye lot. Ordering early also helps to ensure that the chosen fabric is available and can be procured in the required quantities. This is particularly important for larger bridal parties or when using less common fabrics.

Peace of Mind

By ordering the bridesmaids' dresses six months in advance, you significantly reduce the risk of last-minute surprises or dress disasters. This buffer allows for unforeseen circumstances, such as a bridesmaid's change in measurements or a seamstress' unexpected unavailability. It also gives the bridal party time to focus on other aspects of the wedding, such as hair and makeup trials, without the added stress of dress fittings.

Accessories and Final Touches

Ordering the dresses early provides time to source matching accessories and finalise the overall look for the bridal party. This includes finding the right shoes, jewellery, and hair accessories that complement the dresses. It also allows for the addition of special touches, such as customised straps or alterations to the neckline or back of the gowns.

Bring undergarments to the fitting

It is important to bring the undergarments you plan to wear on the wedding day to your bridesmaid dress fitting. This will help you get a better sense of how the dress will look and fit.

Choose the right colour

If the bride has chosen white bridesmaid dresses, avoid darker-hued underwear to prevent visible panty lines. If you're wearing an ivory or white gown, opt for undergarments that match your natural skin tone. Alternatively, you can choose white undergarments or, if you need some colour, opt for blush.

Bra options

Since you're unsure how the dress will fit, bring a few different bra styles, especially a strapless bra. If the dress has a low or open back, it may have cups sewn in, but having bra variations will still be helpful. Avoid bras with rhinestones, large appliqués, or any other similar embellishments that could snag or catch on your dress.

Keep it simple

Keep it plain and simple by sticking to seamless styles and nude hues. No one wants to see your cheetah-print bra sticking out!

Wear uncomplicated clothing

When it comes to bridesmaids' dress fittings, wearing uncomplicated clothing is key. It might seem obvious, but many bridesmaids turn up to fittings wearing clothing that is tricky to get in and out of, such as button-down shirts. This can add unnecessary time and hassle to the fitting, so it's best to opt for something simple yet put-together. A cute shift dress that is easy to take on and off is a great option and will ensure you feel comfortable during the fitting.

It's also important to consider the type of footwear you wear to the fitting. Avoid anything too complicated, as you may be asked to try on multiple pairs of shoes to see which work best with the dress. Bringing two pairs of shoes to the fitting yourself is a good idea: a sturdy heel and a cute pair of flats. This will give you a good idea of how the dress will look on the day and ensure you're prepared for any shoe eventuality!

If you're unsure about what to wear to your fitting, it's always best to check in with the bride-to-be. They may have a specific shoe or style in mind, especially if they've chosen shorter bridesmaids' dresses. It's also worth noting that some bridesmaids prefer to bring shapewear to their fittings, especially if they plan on wearing it under their dress on the day of the wedding.

Overall, the key to what you wear to a bridesmaids' fitting is simplicity. Opt for clothing that is easy to change in and out of, and consider bringing a couple of different shoe options to try with the dress. By keeping your outfit uncomplicated, you'll ensure the fitting goes smoothly and you can focus on the fun parts, like seeing the dress in action!

Bring two pairs of shoes

When it comes to bridesmaids' dress fittings, it's important to be prepared. Knowing what to bring to your appointment will ensure that the process goes smoothly and you feel relaxed. Here's why bringing two pairs of shoes is essential:

Shoe Options for Different Heights

The first reason to bring two pairs of shoes is to account for different heel heights. Bridesmaids' dresses are typically designed for someone who is 5'10" tall. Therefore, bringing shoes with varying heel heights will help you determine the necessary alterations. If you plan to wear heels on the wedding day, bring a pair of sturdy heels to the fitting. This will give you an idea of how the dress will fall and help the seamstress decide on the required hemming. If you're unsure about the shoe style or height, bring a pair of flats as your second option. This way, you can see how the dress looks with a lower heel or no heel at all.

Backup Pair in Case of Damage

Secondly, bringing two pairs of shoes ensures you have a backup option. It is not uncommon for shoes to get damaged, especially if they are new and have not been worn in. Having a second pair provides a safety net in case the heel breaks or the shoe becomes uncomfortable during the fitting. This way, you can still try on the dress and walk confidently, knowing you have an alternative.

Visualising the Overall Look

Bringing two pairs of shoes also helps you visualise the overall look for the wedding day. Trying on the dress with different shoes will give you an idea of how the entire outfit will come together. You can consider the height, style, and colour of the shoes and how they complement the dress. This is especially important if the bride has not specified the shoes or if you are choosing your own. Bringing two pairs gives you more options to play with and helps you make a more informed decision.

Achieving the Perfect Fit

Additionally, bringing two pairs of shoes can aid in achieving the perfect fit. Trying on the dress with different shoes will affect not only the hem length but also how the dress fits your feet and falls around your legs. Certain shoes may make the dress appear tighter or looser, especially around the calves and ankles. By bringing two pairs of shoes, you can assess which style works best with the dress and makes you feel most comfortable.

Finalising Hemming Details

Lastly, bringing two pairs of shoes is essential for finalising hemming details. As mentioned, the hem length will depend on the height of the shoe. If you are unsure about the exact shoe you will wear on the day, bringing two pairs gives you a range of options. This will help the seamstress determine the minimum and maximum hem length required. They can then leave the hemming until the final fitting when you have confirmed your shoe choice.

In conclusion, bringing two pairs of shoes to your bridesmaids' dress fitting is a practical and thoughtful decision. It ensures you are prepared for any eventuality and helps you visualise the final look. By considering different heel heights, styles, and your comfort, you can make informed choices about your footwear and any necessary alterations to the dress.

Get alterations done four to six weeks before the wedding

Bridesmaids should aim to get their alterations done four to six weeks before the wedding. This is because the average turnaround time for bridesmaid dress alterations is about a month, so it is recommended to have a buffer of a few weeks to allow for any unexpected delays or additional fittings. Depending on the complexity of the alterations, there may be a need to go back for multiple visits to get the fit right.

It is important to note that bridesmaids should not schedule their alterations for any earlier than six weeks out from the wedding to ensure an accurate fit. This is because the seamstress will need time to complete the alterations and the dress may not be ready if alterations are done too early.

To ensure that the process runs smoothly, bridesmaids should bring the exact undergarments, shoes, and accessories they plan to wear on the day of the wedding to their fitting. This will help the seamstress ensure a proper fit and make any necessary adjustments.

Additionally, it is recommended that bridesmaids bring a positive attitude to their fittings. Fittings can be stressful, especially for those who suffer from body image issues. However, it is important to remember that the seamstress is there to help and will take the time to get the dress to fit correctly.

Frequently asked questions