Timing ...................

You should choose your bridesmaids dresses at least five months before the wedding. This would be ample time for the bridal shop to order and receive the dresses and also for bridesmaids fittings for alterations needed. Before looking for dresses, contact the location of the ceremony and check if they have any dress restrictions.

Bridesmaids dresses are usually ordered through a bridal shop. You also have the option of having the dresses made by a professional seamstress or buying your bridesmaid dresses at a department store.

When ordering through a bridal shop, your bridesmaids will need to leave a down payment to order. Come prepared with cash or a check in case the bridal shop does not take credit cards. Be sure to keep your sales receipt with the size and down payment written on your receipt.

Usually the bridal shop will not order the dresses until all the sizes and deposits for the complete party are in. This ensures the same dye lot of color when the manufacturer cuts the dresses.

How to Choose ........................

The rule of thumb for choosing bridesmaids dresses is just to compliment your gown and fit in with the type, décor and color scheme of your wedding. The bridesmaid dresses do not need to look like the bridal gown (i.e.: all dresses have to be off-the-shoulder, etc.), but they can if the bride prefers it that way.

A style and color that is flattering to all your bridesmaids is a difficult task, and it may not happen. The larger the wedding party, the more differences in opinions you will have as well. The most flattering for all figures are simple, elegant designs.

In recent years, a common trend is the bride choosing the manufacturer, color and fabric of the bridesmaid dress and the bridesmaids choosing their own style. This way all of your bridesmaids will not only look great in the proper style for their physical build, feel more comfortable, but also appreciate you for thinking of them.

Often the Maid of Honor is distinguished from the other bridesmaids. This can be done with another color, another style of dress, a different headpiece - she may wear gloves or a shawl or she may just have a larger bouquet.

For formal or semiformal weddings, the bridesmaids dresses should be floor-length to tea-length dresses. For an informal daytime wedding, the dress can be short or long.

For an out-of-town bridesmaid, have her call her local bridal shops to see if they carry the same dress to try it on there for size and measurements. Otherwise, she can give you her measurements over the phone. It is always best to order all of the dresses together because of the dye-lot variations in different bolts of fabric.

When her dress is in, send it to her with specific directions for hemming alterations so all of the gowns of the bridal party are the same length and any other specific alteration instructions.