Wedding Gowns/Bridesmaids' Dresses: When To Order?

I was always surprised by the number of my clients who didn't realize that wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses had to be ordered months in advance of the wedding date to ensure "on time" delivery. 

Most wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses require three months from the ordering date, to be delivered to the store where the dresses were purchased. 

This is because the dresses are not made until they're ordered, and most are made overseas. 

Although most wedding gowns and bridesmaids' dresses are delivered within three months of the ordering date, some take longer.

For that reason, I advise ordering wedding gowns six months before the wedding date--and bridesmaids' dresses five months ahead of time.

Should there be ordering mistakes (and they do happen), you'll have time for the store to correct the problem if you ordered early. But if you waited until four months before the wedding date to order, for example, you'll be stuck with the mistake.

Ordering early also gives you plenty of time for alterations and for the shipping of maids' dresses, etc. since many live out of town.

If you happen to be one of those who has waited until the last minute, you do have an option. It's called the "rush cut".

A rush cut means that you will pay the manufacturer an additional fee to get your wedding gown or bridesmaids' dresses to you before the wedding date. And these fees can be hefty.

You'll also need to pay upgraded postage like "overnight" or "second-day air" if you've cut it that close.

Moral of the Story: To save money, order your wedding gown and bridesmaids' dresses in plenty of time!

P.S. Visit Deborah McCoy, AAWP: www.aa-wp.com