Bridesmaids Dresses: Choosing The Perfect Time For Your Wedding Party

Bridesmaids' dresses are an important part of the wedding planning process. While it's not as big a deal as the wedding dress, it's still a close second. There are many factors to consider, such as different budgets, body types, and style preferences. It's recommended that brides start seeking inspiration for bridesmaid dresses about eight months before the wedding and make the final decision on the dresses around six months before the wedding. This allows enough time for the dresses to be ordered, shipped, and altered if needed. Bridesmaids should also keep in mind that custom or made-to-order dresses may take longer to arrive, so it's crucial to plan ahead and start the dress shopping process early.

Budgeting for the dresses

Budgeting for bridesmaids' dresses can be a tricky task, as there are many factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Start Early and Communicate Openly

It's important to start discussing budgets with your bridal party as early as possible. Be transparent about your financial situation and any expectations you have for the dresses. This will help alleviate any financial stressors for your bridesmaids and ensure everyone is comfortable with the chosen budget.

Offer Price Ranges

Instead of giving a single number, provide your bridesmaids with a few price ranges to choose from, such as $100 to $200, $200 to $350, or $350+. This allows them to select a range that fits their financial situation, and you can then plan accordingly.

Consider the Additional Costs

Remember that the dress itself is not the only expense. Accessories, alterations, and other related costs can quickly add up. Be sure to factor these into your overall budget and discuss them openly with your bridesmaids.

Explore Cost-Saving Options

If you're concerned about the cost, consider pre-owned dresses from sites like eBay or Poshmark. You can also embrace the trend of mismatched bridesmaid dresses, allowing each person to choose a dress within their budget that fits the specified colour or style palette. Rental options, such as Rent the Runway, can also be more affordable and prevent dresses from being one-time wears.

Be Flexible and Thoughtful

Understand that your bridesmaids are making a financial commitment, and be willing to meet them halfway. If the chosen dress is slightly above someone's budget, consider offering to pay the difference or cover alteration costs. You could also gift them accessories or offer to cover the cost of their hair and makeup as a thoughtful gesture.

Timing is Key

Finally, keep in mind the timeline for ordering dresses. It's recommended to start browsing for bridesmaid dresses around eight months before the wedding. This gives you and your bridal party enough time to make decisions, order the dresses, and account for any necessary alterations.

Remember, open communication and consideration for your bridesmaids' budgets will help ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Timing of the order

The timing of ordering bridesmaids' dresses is crucial to ensure everything goes smoothly and arrives on time for the wedding. Here is a detailed timeline to guide you through the process:

Eight Months Before the Wedding:

Start by finding inspiration and narrowing down the styles, colours, and desired look for the bridesmaids' dresses. This is also the time to decide if you want all your bridesmaids to wear the same dress or mix and match with different styles. It's recommended to begin with one or two key decision-makers to create your vision, and then get the opinions of all the bridesmaids before reaching a final verdict.

Six Months Before the Wedding:

Make your final decision and place the order for the bridesmaids' dresses. This timing is crucial as dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you'll want to allow extra time for alterations. Ordering all the dresses together ensures that the colour is an exact match, as shades can vary depending on the dye lot.

Three to Four Months Before the Wedding:

Schedule your first fitting. Even if you bought off-the-rack, alterations may be needed to ensure the dress fits your body type perfectly.

One to Two Months Before the Wedding:

Schedule your final fitting to allow time for any additional minor alterations. After the final fitting, find a safe place to store the dress until the wedding day, keeping it in a breathable garment bag.

4-6 Weeks Before the Wedding:

It is recommended to purchase shoes, undergarments, and accessories around this time. If the bridesmaids are wearing strapless dresses, ensure they can order strapless bras or clear straps.

A Few Days Before the Wedding:

Have the bridal party try on their dresses again to ensure everything fits well and there are no last-minute surprises. This gives you a few days to make any necessary arrangements or alterations.

Remember, it's always better to give yourself a cushion of time and start planning early. This will help make the process stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Choosing the style

Start Early

It is recommended to start seeking inspiration for bridesmaid dress styles about eight months before the wedding. This will give you ample time to explore different options and make a well-informed decision. During this time, you can browse through magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and dedicated wedding websites for ideas. It is also a good idea to involve your bridesmaids in the process, especially if they will be purchasing their own dresses. Their input can be valuable in terms of style preferences, budgets, and body types.

Decide on a Theme

Do you want your bridesmaids to wear the same dress, or would you prefer a mix-and-match approach? If you opt for a cohesive look, consider choosing a specific colour, fabric, or length that complements your wedding theme and the bridesmaids' skin tones and body types. If you decide to mix and match, you can select a colour palette and allow each bridesmaid to choose a style that suits them, or you can assign specific colours and styles to create a curated variety.

Consider Logistics

When choosing the style, keep in mind that some dresses may require alterations to ensure a perfect fit. Built-in boning, intricate beading, or delicate fabrics may also impact the comfort of your bridesmaids, especially if your wedding is during a particularly hot or cold season. Discuss these factors with your bridesmaids and try to accommodate their comfort and preferences as much as possible.

Be Mindful of Budgets

The cost of bridesmaid dresses can vary significantly, and you want to ensure that your bridal party feels financially comfortable. Discuss budgets early on in the process and try to find styles that align with everyone's financial capabilities. This may involve shopping around, comparing prices, and considering alternatives such as renting dresses or choosing a less expensive fabric.

Order on Time

Once you've decided on the style and colour, it's important to place the order on time. For custom or made-to-order dresses, allow for longer lead times, usually around six months before the wedding. This will give you enough buffer time for shipping, alterations, and addressing any unforeseen issues. If you're ordering off-the-rack dresses, you may have a shorter timeline, but it's still best to give yourself a comfortable cushion of time.

Remember, choosing bridesmaid dress styles is a collaborative process, and it's important to keep an open mind and be flexible. By starting early, considering everyone's input, and staying organised, you'll be able to create a beautiful and cohesive look for your bridal party that they'll feel confident and happy in.

Ordering shoes and accessories

It's important to leave enough time for your bridesmaids to order their shoes, undergarments, and accessories. Around four to six weeks after the dresses have been ordered, your bridesmaids should order these items. This will give plenty of time for the items to arrive and for your bridesmaids to try them on with their dresses to complete their look ahead of the wedding day.

If you're having your bridesmaids wear a strapless neckline, double-check that they are able to order strapless bras. Clear straps are still visible and will detract from the gorgeous look of the gowns.

It's also a good idea to have the bridal party try on their dresses a couple of days before the wedding. With a few days' notice, you can make arrangements for any last-minute alterations if needed and feel assured that there won't be any unexpected issues on the wedding day.

If you're ordering custom or made-to-order shoes or accessories, be sure to allow extra time for these to be produced and delivered. It's always better to give yourself a cushion of more time than needed in case of any unexpected changes.

Finally, don't forget to bring the shoes you plan to wear to your dress alterations appointment. This will ensure the correct length for your dress.

Final alterations

The final alterations to your bridesmaids' dresses should be completed between four and six weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to address any minor changes that may be required.

Schedule your final fitting about three to five weeks before the wedding day. You'll then be able to take your dress home and keep it in a safe place until the wedding. Find a space in your closet or somewhere away from anything that could damage the dress, and make sure it's in a breathable garment bag.

On the day before the wedding, ensure that you have your bridesmaid dress and any other accessories, like earrings or jewellery, all in one place. This will ensure that everything is safely transported to the venue or bridal suite.

It's a good idea to check in with the bride-to-be to see if she wants anyone to bring or invest in a portable steamer. That way, all the dresses can be wrinkle-free and wedding-day ready.

On the day of the wedding, it's time to get glammed up! After you've steamed your dress, put it on and then help the bride with any finishing touches.

Frequently asked questions