Bridesmaids' Dresses

In this post you will learn

When to Buy Your Bridesmaids Dresses

Photo Source: Esty

Most bridesmaids’ dresses these days are more than bearable: many are downright flattering. Start shopping for your maids’ gowns as soon as you’ve decided on your dress. Take at least one attendant with you when you shop- you’ll need her as an advocate. It will take a few months to coordinate sizes, for the dresses to come in, and for alterations. Start as soon after the seven-month mark as you can.

In this article, you will get cost effective ways:

1. Costs

2. Input

3. Variety

4. Color

5. Chip in if you can

6. Custom maid

7. Shop ‘til you drop

8. Hair care

9. Black is back

Weddings by K'Mich Newsletter

Interested in getting more wedding tips, trends & DIY ideas  from K’Mich? Sign up to receive our fabulous newsletter every Thursday and every other Wednesday

7 Month Mark 

Research stores (the salon where you bought or shopped for your wedding gown, a wedding warehouse or outlet-type store, the dress department of your favorite department store) and ask bridesmaids for any “off-limits” styles or colors.

The 9 Valuable Bridesmaid Dress Tips You Should Know

1. Costs 

Anywhere from $50 to $400 per dress, depending on the designer and where you shop, but the average is $150 to $250. Bridesmaids should factor in an additional $50 for alterations and another $50 to $75 for shoes.

2. Input 

Make sure everyone sees the dress (even if it’s just a picture) and okay the style before you order.

3. Variety

Don’t make your bridesmaids wear the exact same dress. Choose a designer, choose a color, and let them each make their own choice from the line.

4. Color

Coordinate: If you are dead set on matching maids, it’s a good idea to order all the dresses at the same store so that they’ll be created from the same batch of fabric. (Same goes for dyeing shoes)

Source

5. Chip In if You Can

While it’s not required, we think it’s nice to pay for part- if not all - of the dresses, particularly if your taste is extravagant.

6. Custom Maid 

If you can’t all agree or your maids are more concerned about the style(s) they wear than you are, buy fabric and then hook them up with a seamstress - they can design their own dresses.

7. Shop ‘Til You Drop 

You aren’t bound to shop in a bridal salon. Off-the-rack at your favorite chain store will do, too. Make sure everyone buys the dress ASAP once you find it, though, because retail is not as accommodating as custom.

8. Hair Care 

Don’t inform your attendants they must get their hair professionally done (and pay for it themselves) on the wedding day. Make it a gift from you, or let them do their own hair.

9. Black is Back 

A bridal party in black is your best (and frankly, easiest) option for an evening affair. Nobody can complain about the color-and who can’t use another black dress? 

You may like:  Finding Complementary Colors | Lush Bridesmaids Bouquet To Steal

Updated: July 27, 2021 | Updated August 30, 2023