Do you know when should you order bridesmaid dresses? Although the bridesmaid dresses shop isn’t as big as shopping wedding dresses, it does come close to second.
If you want a stress-free wedding (and no last-minute panic), the best time to order bridesmaid dresses is: 5–7 months before the wedding
This gives enough time for:
- Production & shipping
- Alterations
- Reorders (if needed)
💡 Ordering too late is one of the biggest mistakes brides make—and it can limit style, color, and sizing options.
Complete Bridesmaid Dress Timeline (Step-by-Step)
Order bridesmaid dresses online make it easy for bridesmaid everywhere to buy their dresses the same as usual clothes. But it isn’t like typical online shopping, they need to arrive at your front door before the date. And you still need to make sure that you buy the right dress as a bridesmaid.
Check out this go-to bridesmaid dresses shopping timeline to set and stick to a timeline to ensure no one is scrambling at the last minute.
9–12 Months Before: Start Planning
- Choose wedding colors and theme
- Decide on dress style (uniform vs mismatched)
- Set a budget for your bridal party
This is the time to explore options in the Bridesmaid Dresses Collection
7–8 Months Before: Choose the Dresses
- Finalize dress style, fabric, and color
- Get bridesmaids’ measurements
- Confirm budget with everyone
💡 Pro tip: Choose versatile styles (like satin, midi, or wrap dresses) so they can be worn again.
Find out whether or not the bride-to-be will be choosing a bridesmaid dress for you or if she’d rather you pick your own dress. If brides pick the dress, then you can send her your favorite style; otherwise, get a sense of what color or style she’s envisioning or at least wants you to try on when ordering your bridesmaid dress. However, it requires some patience.
Get the spaghetti navy mermaid bridesmaid dress / strapless silver mermaid gown for bridesmaids
5–7 Months Before: Place the Order
This is the ideal ordering window
Why?
- Avoid rush fees
- Ensure size availability
- Allow time for custom sizing
Browse affordable, rewearable options with free custom made service here: Shop Bridesmaid Dresses
5+ Months before the wedding is an ideal time to order bridesmaid’s dress if your time is enough. Before you shop your bridesmaid dresses, get your measurements; You can measure yourself with your family or friends according to instructions, or just go visit your local seamstress so you can have a professional take your exact measurements. Bridesmaid dress sizes are not the same as traditional clothing ones, so chances are their usual size won’t apply.
whether you choose to go into a bridal salon or opt to buy online, it needs to be done immediately after you hear which dress the bride wants everyone to wear.
many designers require bridesmaids’ attire to be ordered at least three months in advance of your wedding date.
And if possible, order all the dresses at the same time so they’re from the same dye lot.
2–3 Months Before: Dresses Arrive
- Try on dresses
- Check fit and length
- Identify alteration needs
1–2 Months Before: Alterations
- Hemming
- Strap adjustments
- Minor tailoring
This step is crucial for a polished, expensive-looking finish—even on budget dresses.
1-2 months before the wedding, make sure you get the dresses so you can get any alterations needed for the bridesmaid dress so you look and feel good in it. There are varieties of styles and colors of bridesmaid dresses, unsure of which dress will be the best? Check some wedding forums, Facebook groups, Pinterest before easily ordering online.
If your bridesmaid dresses are not made-to-order, so it probably won’t fit right away — even if you did buy off-the-rack. So it is good ideas to order custom made bridesmaid dresses if there is not enough time before the wedding.
Find a place in your closet or away from anything that could damage the dress and make sure it’s in a breathable garment bag.
2 Weeks Before: Final Try-On
- Ensure perfect fit
- Steam or press dresses
- Prepare accessories
One Day Before The Wedding
make sure that you have your bridesmaid dress and any other accessories, like earrings or jewelry all in one place.
On The Wedding Day
get dressed, help the bride with any of her finishing touches, and celebrate with her.
What Happens If You Order Too Late?
Ordering less than 3–4 months before the wedding can lead to:
- ❌ Limited styles and sizes
- ❌ Rush production fees
- ❌ No time for alterations
- ❌ Mismatched colors between dresses
👉 This is why planning early and choosing from a reliable collection matters:
Browse Bridesmaid Styles
How to Choose Dresses That Won’t Go to Waste
Consider these rewear bridesmaid dresses style, your bridesmaid girls will love their dresses:
- Satin slip dresses
- Midi-length styles
- Convertible / multiway dresses
- Neutral or trending colors (sage, champagne, black)
These styles transition easily into Parties, Date nights, Formal events.
Find Bridesmaid Dresses Without the Stress
Planning ahead makes everything easier—but choosing the right dress matters just as much.
Explore styles designed for:
- ✔ Rewearability
- ✔ Comfort
- ✔ Budget-friendly pricing
👉 Start browsing now: Bridesmaid Dresses at HappyProm UK
You may want to read more about
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses Ideas
Who Pays for Bridesmaid Dresses?
When to Order Bridesmaid Dresses FAQ
Ideally, no later than 3–4 months before the wedding. Ordering later than this may require rush production and limit your style and size options.
Most bridesmaid dresses take 4–8 weeks for production and delivery, depending on customization and demand. To avoid delays, browse early: View Bridesmaid Dress Styles
Yes—6 months is ideal. It gives enough time for ordering, shipping, and alterations without stress.
You’ll need time for alterations, which is why ordering early is so important. Minor adjustments like hemming or strap changes are common and easy to fix.
Some retailers offer rush options, but: Costs are higher; Style options may be limited. At happyprom.co.uk telll your event date first, if possible, we will rush your order for free.
Yes. Ordering together ensures:
Consistent color batches;
Matching fabric dye lots;
Uniform look in photos;
Follow this rule:
Order: 5–7 months before;
Receive: 2–3 months before;
Alter: 1–2 months before;
