Bridesmaid Dresses: Attire Timeline

Bridesmaid Dress planning can never be started too soon and can be a great stress reducer. Below is a suggested timeline for making sure your bridesmaids will be dressed and ready for the big day in plenty of time. Be sure to enlist the help of your Maid of Honor!

9- 12 Months

Select and invite your attendants to be in your wedding.
Have all attendants measured professionally for their bridesmaid dresses as soon as possible.
Start thinking about colors and fabrics.
Shop for bridesmaid dresses.

6 – 9 Months

Decide on bridesmaid dresses.
Shop for the best price.
Order bridesmaid dresses.
Start shopping for accessories (shoes, gloves, purses, shawls, jewelry).

3 – 6 Months

Arrange for 1st fitting and bring shoes with correct heel height in comparison for the bridesmaid dresses.
Order accessories (shoes, gloves, purses, shawls, jewelry).
Decide on flowers and ribbons for bouquets.

1 – 3 Months

Arrange for final fittings.
Arrange for dresses to be picked up.
Decide on hair styles, lipstick and nail colors.
Make appointments for hair, make up and nails if using a professional(s).
Purchase bridesmaid gifts.

2 Weeks – 1 Month

Have all bridesmaids try on their dresses with all accessories one more time.
Provide checklist to bridesmaids for the rehearsal and the wedding day – what they should bring (including lingerie) and timeline of events.

2 Days - 1 Week

Call all bridesmaids with any changes in plans or updated information.
Provide checklist and timeline to all bridesmaids if you haven’t already done so.
Make sure everyone has their dress, shoes, slips, hosiery, and other accessories.
Attend the rehearsal and dinner.

The Day Before

Have a day of pampering at your favorite beauty spa with your bridesmaids.
Ask everyone to try to get a good night’s sleep & keep alcohol intake to a minimum.
Ask your attendants to lay out their clothes and accessories the night before.
Remind your bridal party one last time where they need to be and when.

I hope this timeline is helpful. We highly recommend printing this page out to keep in mind during the whole bridesmaid dress process