Time to place the bridesmaid dress orders!
This one’s for the girls. It’s time to order bridesmaids dresses! While the thought of finding a dress everyone will be happy with is a little daunting, remember that your girls ultimately want YOU to be happy. Here’s our foolproof plan for choosing your bridesmaid gowns:
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Browse your options.
Get inspired by other great weddings like the variety we have in all of our Arkansas Bride issues. It’s a good idea to have a few colors in mind before shopping, so you can help narrow down the selection. -
Keep budgets in mind.
While you may know your wedding budget inside and out, remember that your girls will likely have to purchase their gowns on their own. Be mindful of finding a dress within their price range so it won’t break their bank. -
Plan a shopping day.
We’re about all things local, so make some appointments at local boutiques for your best gals to try on a variety of dresses. Make a day of it by dress shopping in the morning and finishing up with brunch or lunch once you find the winner(s). Make sure you have your gown picked out before shopping for bridesmaids dresses to make sure nothing clashes. -
Find the perfect fit.
A bridesmaid dress is typically ordered using a person's biggest measurements, so your friends will likely buy dresses at least a size larger than they normally wear. If a friend wants to buy a size smaller, let her know it's much easier to alter a bigger dress, and if the dress ends up being too small, she'll likely have to order a new one. -
Learn ordering etiquette.
It takes two to three months for orders to arrive and four to six weeks for alterations. A six-month cushion will give you and your friends ample time to find and order the dresses and get them fit.
Other things to do this month:
- Book a caterer.
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Order wedding cakes.
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Book florist.
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Book videographer.
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Secure ceremony musicians.
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Research honeymoon destinations.
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Shop for reception bands.
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Send save-the-dates.
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Reserve a block of rooms for guests.
