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.

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.

Like the bride, your bridesmaids need to bring the actual shoes or shoes with the same heel height that they
will be wearing on your wedding day to their appointment for alterations. They should also bring any special
undergarments they will be wearing as well. (Ex: strapless bra, pantyhose, girdle, etc.)

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.