Along with the countless appointments and fittings for your own wedding dress, your bridal party is also looking for the best gown. Whether you're providing your bridesmaids with a matching set of dresses or letting them pick their styles, make a shopping and alteration timeline for them.
A handy schedule will help wedding planning stay on track. Use these tips to create the ultimate timeline for your bridesmaid dresses.
Why Timing Matters
Last-minute shopping for bridesmaid dresses can be stressful for you and your bridal party. While you're meeting with the wedding planner and perfecting the reception, you'll have to schedule numerous appointments for your bridesmaids.
Avoid Last-Minute Stress
Late shopping forces you and your bridal party to make impulsive decisions on the ensemble. To create the perfect bridal party look, accommodate enough time to make room for additional appointments in case of the unexpected. Plan ahead so the bridesmaids have plenty of time to find their dresses, get the dresses shipped, and make alterations.
Ensure a Perfect Fit
When the dresses arrive, give your bridesmaids enough time to test the fit and alter the dress if needed. The bridesmaids will wear these dresses for hours while walking, sitting, standing, and dancing. They should feel comfortable with the fit for a day's worth of activities.
Coordinated Aesthetic
Planning the bridesmaids' looks early will help the bridal party understand your vision. From color palettes to styles, a cohesive aesthetic will exude elegance. Coordinate these aspects with your bridesmaids early so they can consult you about completing the outfit with accessories and shoes.
If your bridesmaids feel uncomfortable with the dress design or style, listen to their suggestions. This will give you enough time to consider new ideas before the special day. Spend your time effectively by considering these factors when you make the bridesmaid dress timeline.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
Even a year before the wedding, you'll need to decide on the dress designs. Consider these tips to mark the start of your wedding planning schedule.
Finalize the Wedding Theme
Deciding on the wedding's theme will help you plan the decorations for the venue as well as your wedding dress. Consider the season, venue, and color scheme so you can plan for additional bridesmaid outfit ideas.
For example, a rustic autumn wedding differs greatly in style from a winter wonderland ceremony. Dress your bridesmaids appropriately to keep your wedding cohesive and organized.
Discover Dress Styles
While you may be able to order the exact same dress for your bridesmaids, not every dress is the same. The style of one dress may fit differently for another bridesmaid based on her body type.
Browse through the countless catalogs of designer bridesmaid dresses to find the right fit for your bridal party. From A-line and empire waist to sheaths and shifts, understanding what styles exist helps narrow down choices. Save images from bridal magazines and websites that appeal to you. Then, you can create a matching look while keeping your bridesmaids' comfort in mind.
Consult Your Bridesmaids
If you're having trouble brainstorming bridal party designs, ask for support from your bridesmaids. They could provide valuable input based on the wedding's theme, their personal preferences, and various logistics of the big day. A collaborative approach will make the wedding planning process a positive experience.
6-8 Months Before the Wedding
Just half a year until the wedding date, start heading into boutiques and bring your vision to life. Invite bridesmaids to their first fitting appointments and think about the budget for the dresses.
Schedule Dress Appointments
Schedule appointments with bridal shops to see style possibilities in person with your bridesmaids. Don't underestimate the opportunity of trying on various dresses—look for the perfect fit for each of the bridesmaids. Take advantage of the timeslot to browse the collections.
Choose the Dress Style and Color
After communicating your favorite styles and colors, search for the physical dresses at the boutique to bring your inspiration to life. Make sure the design complements the wedding's theme and matches the bridesmaids' preferences.
Discuss Budgets and Payments
Speak transparently with your bridesmaids about budget and payment. Confusion or miscommunication can leave your bridesmaids feeling upset or negative toward the wedding. It's essential to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to paying for the dresses, accessories, and alterations.
3-5 Months Before the Wedding
After trying on all kinds of dresses, it's time to finalize the style and place the order for the dresses. But there are a few more steps to follow so the dresses are ready for the big day with time to spare.
Place Dress Orders
With potential shipping delays and production lead times, order the dresses early to stay ahead of the wedding date. When ordering online, record each bridesmaid's measurements and match them to the site's sizing chart. Confirm all measurements are accurate before placing orders to avoid excessive alterations or returns.
Order Accessories
Coordinate shoes, jewelry, and hairpieces to complete the wedding outfits. Accessories complement the overall look; you can tie in various wedding elements or the bridesmaids' personal preferences.
Plan for Alterations
Schedule fittings to account for any additional minor alterations. These could be slight adjustments to the sleeves or shortening the length of the skirt. Consult with a trusted seamstress about your bridesmaids' preferences and finish these adjustments before the final fitting.
1-2 Months Before the Wedding
It's the last time to adjust the dresses before the special day! Finalize your bridesmaids' outfits with these last-minute touches at least one month before the wedding.
Attend Dress Fittings
Bring the bridesmaids to their final fitting appointment. Bring all of the accessories you've chosen for the wedding. Ask your bridesmaids to include the shoes and undergarments they plan to wear for the perfect fitting appointment.
Finalize the Look
Confirm accessories match the dresses and coordinate hairstyle and makeup ideas. Seeing each of the bridesmaids in their ensembles will help you visualize and determine the final look.
Celebrate your wedding with the women who have supported you for years. By following this bridesmaid dress timeline, it's simple to finalize your vision on time and worry less about what your bridal party will wear. Schedule bridesmaid dress appointments today and discover the beautiful dresses your local bridal boutique has to offer.