When Should Bridesmaids Get Their Dresses? Timing Matters

Introduction

One of the most exciting aspects of wedding planning is the process of determining when the bridesmaids should receive their dresses. This is just one of the many important decisions that must be made. Making this decision is essential in order to guarantee that everything goes off without a hitch on your special day. In this article, we will discuss the optimal timeframe for when bridesmaids should obtain their dresses, with the goal of ensuring that they look gorgeous and feel comfortable on the day of the wedding.

Early Planning (6-9 Months Before the Wedding)

In the early stages of wedding planning, which typically occurs 6-9 months before the big day, selecting bridesmaids’ dresses is a pivotal task. This phase sets the foundation for a cohesive and harmonious bridal party look. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this early planning stage.

Research and Decision Making

During this period, thorough research and careful decision-making are essential to ensure that the bridesmaids’ dresses align with your vision for the wedding.

Explore Dress Styles, Colors, and Designs: Begin by researching a wide range of dress styles, colors, and designs. This exploration will help you identify what resonates with your wedding theme and personal preferences;
Consider Bridesmaids’ Input: Involve your bridesmaids in the decision-making process. Their input is valuable as they will be the ones wearing the dresses. Take their body types and comfort into account;
Create a Visual Mood Board: To streamline your ideas and communicate your vision effectively, create a visual mood board or Pinterest board. This will serve as a reference point when discussing options with your bridesmaids and suppliers;
Choose Matching or Mix-and-Match Dresses: Decide whether you want your bridesmaids to wear matching dresses for a uniform look or opt for mix-and-match styles to showcase individuality within the bridal party.

Consider the Season and Wedding Theme

The season and theme of your wedding are crucial factors that should guide your choice of bridesmaids’ dresses.

Seasonal Considerations: Take the time of year into account. Lighter fabrics and pastel colors work well for spring and summer weddings, creating a fresh and vibrant ambiance. In contrast, fall and winter weddings call for deeper tones and heavier materials to provide warmth and a cozy atmosphere.
Alignment with the Wedding Theme: Ensure that the selected bridesmaids’ attire harmonizes with your chosen wedding theme. Consider the venue, decorations, and color palette to create a cohesive overall look.
Theme-Specific Dress Ideas: Depending on your wedding theme, here are some dress ideas:

Wedding Theme	Bridesmaids’ Dress Ideas
Beach Wedding	Opt for flowy and relaxed dresses in beachy colors.
Vintage Wedding	Vintage-inspired dresses with lace and antique hues can complement this theme.
Formal Ballroom Wedding	Elegant and sophisticated dresses with formal silhouettes are ideal for this setting.

Mid-Planning (4-6 Months Before the Wedding)

As you transition into the mid-planning phase, which typically occurs 4-6 months before your wedding, the focus shifts to the bridesmaids’ dress fitting sessions and making necessary alterations. This period is pivotal in ensuring that your bridal party looks flawless on the big day. During this phase, you should:

Coordinate Fitting Sessions: Reach out to your bridesmaids and schedule the first fitting session. Timing is crucial, as it allows ample time for alterations if needed;
Select a Skilled Seamstress or Tailor: Choose a reputable seamstress or tailor to oversee the fitting sessions and alterations. Their expertise will be instrumental in achieving the desired fit;
Expect Minor Adjustments: Understand that minor adjustments are common during the first fitting. These may include hemming, taking in or letting out the dress, and adjusting straps;
Maintain Communication: Keep an open line of communication with the seamstress or tailor. Clearly communicate your vision for how you want the dresses to fit;
Ensure All Bridesmaids Attend: It’s vital to have all bridesmaids present for the first fitting to address individual fit preferences and ensure uniformity.

Final Stages (1-2 Months Before the Wedding)

As you approach the final stages of wedding planning, which typically occurs 1-2 months before the big day, the spotlight shifts to the last fitting session for the bridesmaids’ dresses. During this critical phase, it’s imperative to ensure a perfect fit and maximum comfort for your bridal party. In this final fitting stage, you should:

Prioritize the Perfect Fit: Emphasize the importance of achieving a flawless fit for the bridesmaids’ dresses. This is the last opportunity to make adjustments, so attention to detail is paramount;
Confirm Comfort: While focusing on aesthetics, also ensure that the bridesmaids feel comfortable in their dresses. Comfort is key for their confidence and enjoyment throughout the wedding day;
Address Last-Minute Adjustments: Expect to make any necessary last-minute adjustments during this fitting. These could include final alterations to hemlines, straps, or any other minor tweaks to ensure the dresses look impeccable;
Communicate Preferences: Maintain clear and open communication with the seamstress or tailor. Reiterate your vision for the fit and any specific details you’d like to see perfected;
Verify Accessories: Use this final fitting as an opportunity to verify that all accessories, such as shoes and jewelry, coordinate seamlessly with the dresses.

Why Timing is Crucial

Timing plays a pivotal role in the bridesmaid dress shopping process. Failing to plan ahead can lead to unnecessary stress and complications. Let’s explore why getting the timing right is crucial:

Avoiding Last-Minute Stress

Ordering early ensures ample time for alterations. Here’s why this matters:

Sizing and Fit: Bridesmaids come in different shapes and sizes. Ordering early allows ample time for measurements and ensures that each dress is tailored to perfection;
Alteration Time: Dress alterations can take several weeks, especially during peak wedding seasons. Ordering early gives you the flexibility to make necessary adjustments without rushing;
Contingency Planning: Unforeseen circumstances like delayed shipments or dress defects can occur. Having a buffer period by ordering early allows time to address any issues that may arise.

Seasonal Considerations

Dress styles vary with seasons, impacting when bridesmaids should get their dresses. Consider the following seasonal factors:

Season	Recommendations	Timing for Dress Orders
Spring and Summer	Light fabrics such as chiffon and lace are popular for warm-weather weddings.	Ordering dresses in late fall or early winter ensures availability and timely delivery.
Fall and Winter	Heavier fabrics like satin and velvet are ideal for colder months.	Bridesmaids should order their dresses during the summer or early fall for autumn or winter weddings.

Coordinating Styles

Early decisions aid in harmonizing bridesmaid dresses with the wedding theme. Coordinating styles involves careful planning:

Color Palette: To achieve a cohesive look, bridesmaids’ dresses should complement the overall color scheme of the wedding. Deciding on colors early helps in coordinating with other elements such as flowers and décor;
Dress Styles: Coordinating styles can involve choosing uniform dresses or allowing bridesmaids to select variations within a specific theme. Giving everyone ample time to choose their styles ensures a harmonious ensemble;
Theme Alignment: Whether it’s a rustic, vintage, or modern wedding theme, early dress decisions enable bridesmaids to find attire that aligns with the overall aesthetic.

Practical Timeline

To provide a practical timeline for when bridesmaids should get their dresses, consider the following steps:

Timeframe	Task
Engagement to 12 Months Before Wedding	Begin discussing wedding details, themes, and color schemes with bridesmaids. Allow bridesmaids to start browsing dress options online or in stores.
9-12 Months Before Wedding	Finalize the color scheme and dress style guidelines. Encourage bridesmaids to try on dresses and get measurements. Set a deadline for dress orders.
6-9 Months Before Wedding	Bridesmaids should place dress orders. Consult with a seamstress or tailor for alterations. Confirm delivery dates with dress suppliers.
3-6 Months Before Wedding	Schedule fitting sessions for perfect fit. Address any necessary alterations.
1-3 Months Before Wedding	Finalize accessories and shoes. Ensure all alterations are completed.

The Importance of Alterations

Alterations play a pivotal role in ensuring that brides and bridesmaids look and feel their best on the big day. This article delves into the significance of alterations, highlighting how they contribute to a personalized fit, comfort, and enhanced visual appeal.

Personalized Fit

Alterations are the key to achieving a personalized fit for bridesmaids’ and brides’ dresses. Here’s why it matters:

Customization: Alterations allow for tailoring each dress to the individual body shape and size of the wearer;
Flattering Silhouette: Proper alterations ensure that the dress accentuates the wearer’s curves and flatters their unique figure;
Eliminating Sizing Issues: Alterations help in avoiding problems like gaping, bunching, or dresses that are too tight, which can be uncomfortable and unflattering;
Confidence Boost: A dress that fits like a glove boosts the confidence of the wearer, making them feel their best on the wedding day.

Comfort

Comfort is paramount for brides and bridesmaids who will be spending long hours in their dresses. Here’s why alterations are essential for comfort:

Freedom of Movement: Proper alterations ensure that the dress allows for easy movement, whether it’s walking down the aisle or dancing at the reception;
No Itchy Seams: Seam allowances can sometimes be irritating, but alterations can make sure the dress is comfortable against the skin;
Avoiding Tightness: Ill-fitting dresses can lead to discomfort, especially when sitting or eating during the wedding festivities;
Breathability: Alterations can also address issues related to fabric tightness, ensuring that the dress breathes and doesn’t feel constricting.

Visual Appeal

The visual appeal of bridesmaids’ and brides’ dresses is greatly enhanced through alterations. Here’s how alterations contribute to the overall aesthetic:

Eliminating Wrinkles: Properly fitted dresses are less likely to wrinkle, ensuring a polished look throughout the day;
Cohesive Aesthetic: Tailored dresses contribute to a cohesive and harmonious bridal party aesthetic, where all members look their best;
Attention to Detail: Alterations allow for fine-tuning details such as hemlines, necklines, and sleeve lengths to achieve the desired look;
Confidence and Elegance: When dresses fit perfectly, brides and bridesmaids exude confidence and elegance, making a lasting impression.

Conclusion

While focusing on when bridesmaids should get their dresses is crucial, don’t overlook other key elements of wedding planning like selecting the right venue. A thoughtfully chosen wedding venue can dramatically elevate the entire experience. For those seeking a wider range of options, consider exploring Beaverton, located just an hour and a half away. It offers diverse venue choices that could suit your needs. To aid in your search, our article about Beaverton Wedding Venues is a valuable resource, providing you with detailed insights and options.