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Dress Shopping Prep
Before flipping through catalogs and visiting the local bridal shops,
warehouses, department stores or special occasion stores, you can speak to each
bridesmaid or set up an online chat to discuss what kinds of dresses they have
in mind and what kinds of dresses are out of the question. To get the ball
rolling, you can send pictures of dresses you like, or point to web sites where
they can check out your selections online. Also, in advance of shopping, gather
all of your bridesmaids' measurements (this can be confidential if your
bridesmaids are uncomfortable sharing their sizes with the group). The chart at
the end of this guide is a useful way to keep track of them all.
You should encourage your bridesmaids to have their measurements taken by an
experienced tailor or seamstress, in undergarments only. If they cannot go to a
professional, having a friend or relative help out is always more accurate than
trying to measure themselves. When you're ready to place the final order for the
dresses, you will need the following measurements:
Bust (fullest point of bust)
Waist (natural waist - across the belly button)
Hips (fullest part - right across the derrière).
Although measurements can be tedious, they are imperative for a good fit.
Remember: It is possible for everyone to be happy with her dress as long as you
keep in mind that everyone wants to look good and feel comfortable. Flexibility
and communication are key.
In general, brides start shopping for bridesmaid dresses shortly after they
order their own gown - about six to seven months before the wedding. The reason
for the early preparation is that complex orders can take awhile to be
delivered: You want to leave plenty of time to deal with fittings, alterations
and, of course, Murphy's Law (whatever can go wrong will go wrong). When you do
start shopping, try to be organized - especially if you have six bridesmaids
with you! - so that you don't have to labor over each dress. Shopping should be
fun and everyone should be included. There is no reason for anyone to be
surprised by the final choice.
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