When to Order Bridesmaid Dresses: A Week-by-Week Plan

Bridesmaid outfits are usually ordered later than the bride's, and that's fine, as long as the group starts early enough for everyone's measurements to come in and the outfits to be made together. Here is a simple plan, counted back from the first function the group dresses for, not the wedding day.

The short answer

For a made-to-measure group order with us, start about four weeks before the first function. Bridesmaid outfits usually carry lighter work than a bride's, which is what makes four weeks enough.

If anyone in the group wants heavy hand embroidery, plan for longer: that takes about eight weeks from design approval.

A plan that works

Six weeks before: decide the look

• The bride's outfit is settled, so the palette can be chosen around it. See bridesmaid colours.

• Agree how the group will match and who is paying.

• Make a list of names and WhatsApp numbers.

Four weeks before: start the order

• Start the bridesmaid and family order. We send each person her own link for measurements.

• Designs and the price are agreed before anything is made, and payment is made in full in advance.

The next few days: measurements come in

Each person measures herself using our measurement guide. We follow up with anyone who hasn't finished, so the organiser doesn't have to chase.

Making

Making starts when all but one person has sent her measurements, so one late reply doesn't hold up the group. A late piece follows about a week behind and still arrives before the date.

The final week: try on and pack

Everyone tries her outfit on with the jewellery and shoes she plans to wear, well before the first function.

What makes the timeline longer

• Heavy hand embroidery on any outfit: about eight weeks from design approval.

• Late measurements: the single biggest cause of delay in any group.

• Changing the palette after the order starts.

• Peak wedding season, when it helps to start at the earlier end.

Ordering for several functions

If the group is dressing for sangeet, mehndi and the wedding, count back from the earliest of them. It's simplest to order all the outfits together.