Bridesmaid Dresses: Ordering Options For Your Wedding Party

Bridesmaids should order their dresses around six months before the wedding. This is to allow enough time for shipping, alterations, and any unexpected changes. Ordering at the same time as the other bridesmaids also ensures that the colour of the dresses is an exact match. It's important to consider that custom or made-to-order dresses may take longer, so it's recommended to allot extra time as a buffer.

When to order: 4-6 months before the wedding

Bridesmaids should order their dresses around four to six months before the wedding. This is to leave plenty of time for shipping and alterations. Made-to-order dresses can take up to nine weeks to be produced and delivered, so it's important to give yourself a cushion of more time than needed in case of any unexpected changes. Custom dresses will also take longer to arrive than off-the-rack options.

It's a good idea to start the conversation about bridesmaid dresses eight months before the wedding. This will give you time to discuss whether the bride will be choosing the dresses or if she would prefer the bridesmaids to pick their own within a certain colour or style. You can then browse for dresses and get your measurements.

Once the designer or style has been chosen, the dresses should be ordered around the six-month mark. This is to allow time for any alterations to be completed. It can take two to three months for a designer bridesmaid dress to arrive, so you don't want to be pushing it with alterations.

After ordering the dress, it's a good idea to pick out the shoes you will wear on the wedding day. Usually, the bride will specify the colour and style of shoe she wants everyone to wear, especially if the bridesmaid dress is short.

It's important to note that if you are ordering a custom or made-to-order dress, you may need to allow extra time.

Budget: Discuss expenses with bridesmaids

Budgeting for a wedding can be a tricky process, and it's important to have open and honest conversations with your bridesmaids about expenses and what they are comfortable spending. Here are some tips to help you discuss expenses with your bridesmaids:

Start the Conversation Early

Don't delay talking about money. Be transparent with your bridesmaids from the beginning to ensure everyone is on the same page and feels financially comfortable. Discuss dress budgets with your bridesmaids as soon as you've selected them to be in your wedding party. This will give you a better idea of what they can afford and help you make more informed decisions when choosing dresses.

Research and Provide Options

Before discussing options with your bridesmaids, do your research on styles, brands, and prices. This will give you a baseline to work from and help you provide a few alternatives that cater to different budgets. You can also suggest shops that offer payment plans or discounts to help ease the financial burden.

Be Mindful of Additional Costs

Remember that the cost of the dress is not the only expense your bridesmaids will incur. There may be costs for alterations, shoes, and undergarments, as well as other wedding-related expenses such as travel, accommodation, and gifts. Be mindful of these additional costs and try to choose dresses that are affordable for everyone, keeping in mind that your bridesmaids may have different financial situations.

Communicate Timelines Clearly

Inform your bridesmaids about the timeline for ordering dresses. It usually takes between two to three months for dresses to arrive, and alterations may be needed, so it's important to leave enough time. Communicate the deadlines clearly to your bridesmaids and give them plenty of notice. This will help ensure that everyone is able to get their dresses ordered and avoid last-minute stress or additional rush order costs.

Offer Alternatives

If you have your heart set on a particular dress that may be out of budget for some of your bridesmaids, consider offering alternatives. You could suggest renting a dress, buying a second-hand dress, or even propose a dress swap with another bridal party. Be creative and flexible to find solutions that work for everyone.

Be Understanding and Flexible

Remember that your bridesmaids are excited to be a part of your special day, but they also have their own financial commitments and obligations. Be understanding of their situations and try to be flexible where possible. If a bridesmaid is unable to afford the dress you've chosen, work together to find a solution. It's important to maintain open lines of communication and approach these conversations with empathy and sensitivity.

Remember, the most important thing is to have honest and transparent conversations about expenses and to keep your bridesmaids informed throughout the process. This will help ensure that everyone feels valued and respected, and it will contribute to a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for all.

Shipping times: Account for longer lead times for custom dresses

When ordering bridesmaids' dresses, it is important to account for longer lead times for custom dresses. While off-the-rack dresses can arrive much quicker, custom or made-to-order dresses can take significantly longer to produce and deliver. The production time for made-to-order dresses can vary depending on the brand and style of the dress, but it generally ranges from eight to nine weeks. In addition, shipping times can add an extra week or more, especially for international orders. Therefore, it is crucial to factor in these longer lead times when placing your order.

To ensure that the bridesmaids' dresses arrive on time, it is recommended to place the order at least four months before the wedding, and preferably six months or more in advance. This allows ample time for production, delivery, and any necessary alterations. By ordering well in advance, you can also account for any unexpected delays or issues that may arise. For example, if alterations are needed, most tailors recommend scheduling the first fitting at least four to six weeks before the wedding, with more complex alterations requiring even more time.

To streamline the process, it is advisable to order all the bridesmaids' dresses at the same time. This ensures that the dresses are made from the same fabric batch and guarantees an exact colour match. Ordering together also simplifies the coordination process, especially if some bridesmaids are located in different areas or countries. Additionally, some dressmakers may offer discounts for bulk orders, so ordering together can potentially save money.

When ordering custom or made-to-order bridesmaids' dresses, it is essential to communicate clearly with the dressmaker or retailer. Discuss the expected production and shipping times, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you have any concerns. It is also advisable to inform them of your wedding date, so they are aware of the timeline and can advise you accordingly.

In summary, when ordering custom bridesmaids' dresses, it is crucial to account for longer lead times by placing your order well in advance. This allows sufficient time for production, delivery, and any necessary alterations. By being proactive and allowing for potential delays, you can ensure that the dresses arrive on time and that your bridesmaids look their best on the big day.

Colour matching: Order all dresses at the same time

When it comes to your bridesmaids' dresses, colour matching is crucial to achieving a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look for your wedding party. To ensure that all the dresses match perfectly, it is highly recommended that you coordinate the ordering process and have all your bridesmaids place their orders at the same time. Here's why this approach is beneficial and how you can execute it smoothly:

Firstly, different fabrics and dress materials can appear slightly differently in photographs, and dye-lot variations can occur even with the same colour and fabric. By ordering all the dresses together, you can ensure that they are cut and crafted from the same bolt of fabric, guaranteeing an exact colour match. This is especially important if your bridesmaids are choosing dresses in a specific shade, such as a particular shade of blush or navy, where slight variations would be noticeable.

Secondly, ordering together allows you to account for potential production and shipping delays. If one bridesmaid's dress is delayed, it could throw off your entire wedding party's look. By ordering simultaneously, you can ensure that all the dresses arrive together, giving you ample time to address any alterations or last-minute adjustments needed. It also ensures that your bridesmaids have their dresses well in advance of the wedding, reducing everyone's stress levels!

To execute this, start by discussing with your bridesmaids and agreeing on a specific date for placing the orders. This will give everyone a deadline and ensure that no one is left rushing at the last minute. You may also want to consider creating a group chat or email thread specifically for dress discussions, where you can share links to the chosen dress style and any relevant colour swatches or fabric samples. This way, everyone has easy access to the necessary information.

It's also important to confirm with each bridesmaid their size and any specific measurements required by the dressmaker. Ensure that everyone understands the sizing chart and provides accurate measurements to avoid the need for extensive alterations later on. If possible, have your bridesmaids visit a local tailor or seamstress to get professionally measured, ensuring accuracy.

Finally, when placing the orders, double-check that the correct colour and fabric options have been selected by each bridesmaid. A simple mistake or oversight could result in a mismatched dress. It's also wise to confirm the delivery address and estimated shipping time with each bridesmaid, so you know when to expect the dresses to arrive.

By following these steps and coordinating the ordering process, you can ensure that your bridesmaids' dresses are perfectly colour-matched and that your wedding party looks absolutely stunning on your special day.

Alterations: Allow time for adjustments

Bridesmaids should order their dresses about six months before the wedding. This is to allow time for shipping and alterations. Dresses can take up to three months to arrive, and you should also factor in time for any adjustments. It's always best to give yourself a cushion of more time than needed in case of any unexpected changes.

The average turnaround time for bridesmaid dress alterations is about a month, so we recommend having your alterations done between four and six weeks before the wedding. Simple alterations like a hem can usually be completed within a month, whereas more complex tailoring will take closer to six weeks. It's important not to schedule your alterations for any earlier than six weeks out to ensure an accurate fit.

Depending on the complexity of the alterations, you may need to go back for multiple fittings to get the fit right, so having your first fitting six weeks before the wedding is a good timeframe to allow for any unexpected delays or additional fittings. If possible, call and schedule your appointment slot three to four months out from the wedding so that you are guaranteed an appointment. Wedding season gets busy fast, and you'll want to lock down your appointment in advance.

If you need standard alterations, schedule your first fitting at least four to six weeks before the wedding. If you need more complicated alterations, book your first fitting even earlier. Be sure to call ahead and make sure that your timeline fits with your tailor's schedule.

Frequently asked questions