Everything You Need to Know About Ordering Bridesmaid Gowns

There is so much to know about planning a wedding, and one task that can be harder than you might think is ordering bridesmaids dresses. First you have the pressure of trying to pick something that other people will wear and like. Then you have the logistics of getting them all ordered, altered, and ready to go.   It can start to feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. The easiest way to take off some pressure is to know exactly how things work. So here goes.     Timeline When planning a wedding, timing is everything. It is no different when ordering bridesmaid gowns. Its very important to know how long they take, and when you should order.   Actually, it's probably sooner than you think. Wedding dresses take a long time, and so do bridesmaid dresses.   Bridesmaid dresses take 3 to 4 months to arrive. We recommend ordering them at least 6 months before the wedding. At least. Why? You need to make sure you give everyone ample time to get their gowns, especially if they are being shipped elsewhere, and you need to give them time for alterations.   We only alter wedding dresses here, so your ladies will need to make other arrangements. And yes, these gowns will need to be altered.   Also, the 3 to 4 months timeline is in a perfect world. Sometimes there are unforeseen delays. Sometimes shipping takes longer. Sometimes factories are closed for a holiday. This doesnt mean we cant rush dresses or get things faster, and it doesnt mean that setbacks are common. It just means the sooner you order the more relaxed you can be as the wedding approaches.   Out of Town Bridesmaids So not all of your bridesmaids live in Baltimore, or even in Maryland? Its very common for brides to have bridesmaids who live all over the country. While we only have one location, here in the Baltimore area, we make it easy for out-of-town bridesmaids to order through us. All they have to do is get measured in their area and fill out an online form.    Sizing Sizing is very important. When we size for bridesmaids, just like in bridal, we have to consider the largest measurement. That means if someone's bust puts them in an eight and their waist and hips put them in a four, it's really better to go with the eight. That means that the rest of the gown would need altered depending on the shape of it.   We make recommendations based on the measurements, but bridesmaids are free to order the size they choose. It's just important to keep in mind that bridesmaid designers use their own specific size charts. And of course, bridesmaids, just like bridal, run small.   Now that you have the rundown on how bridesmaids ordering works at Betsy Robinson's, you can plan better and save yourself some stress.   Of course, you still have to pick the style!   {Lindsey}