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Off the Rack or Tailor-Made – Choosing the Bridesmaids Dresses

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by Olathe McCarthy

Off the Rack or Tailor-Made – Choosing the Bridesmaids Dresses

Your wedding is getting near and now that you have probably gotten all you need for the wedding, your dress, shoes, and accessories, what about the bridesmaids? Once you have decided who the bridesmaids are and what the colors are going to be, you will need to pick out dresses. There are two options to pick from, buy them at a bridal shop or have them custom designed. This is really up to you. If you are having a small wedding with very few bridesmaids, then tailoring the bridesmaid's dresses might something you can do and afford. If your wedding party is big and your budget is small, then you may want to stick with a bridal store. If your bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses, then you will want to ask them what is in their budget. Some people in your wedding party may not be able to afford a custom made dress.

You can get great quality dresses from any bridal boutique. There are even discount wedding outlets that have many dresses for great prices. It is best to know what you are looking for and what will work with your ladies. You want to pick a style that suits them all well. The best thing to do is to bring them with you at the time of picking them out. If not all can go, and then after the majority has decided, bring the other ladies to get theirs. If they don't have all the sizes you need, don't worry they can order them for you. It is better to have them order the right size than try to alter another dress. Alterations are usually extra. Try to find a store that will do minor alterations for free, such as the bust line or a hem. This will save you from having to deal with as much hassle and money.

Bit of History

Alcohol is like love. The first kiss is magic, the second is intimate, the third is routine. After that you take the girl’s clothes off.

—Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)

You can always order from a catalog or online store, as well. Most stores have an online shopping site and you can start your search there. This can help narrow down what dress you want and if they have it in the colors you are looking for. You will be able to copy pictures of the dresses you like and send them to your bridesmaids for feedback. Once every one has agreed, then they can get fitted and let you know what sizes to order. This way all your dresses will come in at the same time. It will also save the hassle of you having to go to the store and wait while everyone tries on a dress or three.

You can also decide to have all the dresses custom made. If you are going to do that, make sure you have looked at plenty of dresses and know what you want. Before making an appointment with a seamstress, make sure that you have found the pattern for the dress you are searching for. The seamstress will need this to be able to make all the dresses. Some seamstresses have their own patterns and designs to chose from and you may not have to provide a pattern if you have chosen one of their dresses. Make sure all of your girls can come to the appointment to be measured. If you have some out of town bridesmaids then get their measurements after the seamstress tells you what she wants.

This choice can be more time consuming and require more time and money. There might be more fitting as the dresses are made. The seamstress might require you to buy and wash all your fabric before she will do the cutting and sewing, or she may include all of that in her price. Find out before if the dress price includes fabric, as well. If this is for a theme wedding then look online to see if any seamstresses have dresses in the style you want. Many seamstresses have online stores and specialize in costume design such as renaissance or Celtic dress designs that are of high quality and absolutely stunning. No matter which way you decide to go, make sure you and your bridesmaids are happy with the dresses. Make sure they flatter them, which in turn flatters you on your big day. You don't have to spend big to have the perfect wedding party. You just have to know what you want and what will work for all your girls.

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