Bridesmaids Dresses: Tailor-made of Off-the-rack?
Bridesmaids dresses: tailor-made or off-the-rack? I have 3 bridesmaids - 2 of whom are scattered about the North Island, and one who is in Australia. Would my best 'cost effective' option be to get them tailor made, send the dresses to them and leave it to them to alter them? Or is it better to buy 3 dresses off the rack? It would be good if they all matched.
Anon, Waikato
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Erin answers...
With your bridesmaids scattered all over the place, you may think that a tailor-made dress will make it easier...but unless each girl is available to be fitted by the dressmaker and around for subsequent fittings, this is not the way to go.
Tailor-made garments are created on the basis that the intended wearer is available to have the piece sewn to fit her perfectly. Without the girls around, it would be a pretty big risk to have the dresses made to fit a few written measurements. It is also often quite pricey to have a dress tailor-made, and if the dressmaker doesn't get it right the first time, your bridesmaids will have to spend more money on the alterations.
A few suggestions...
Choose a bridesmaids dress that you love...and one that your bridesmaids love too. You should always check with them first, as you don't want any sour faces on the day! Visit your local bridal shops, a favourite boutique (bridesmaids dresses don't always have to come from wedding shops!) and search the web. Once you've picked your dress, you then have two options:
1. If you are paying for them, ask each of your bridesmaids to visit a tailor to be professionally measured...collect their measurements and then order their dresses accordingly. Shop assistants know measurements, so they will be able to determine which size will best suit each girl's shape. Alternatively, most bridal boutique websites will have size charts to help you determine which sizes to order. Send them their dresses and if they need any alterations, leave it to them to have these done with their local dressmaker/tailor.
2. If your bridesmaids are paying for their own dresses, you may find that finding a dress online is going to be the easiest option. This way each girl will be able to see the dress beforehand. They can then order it themselves.
If you really do want the tailor-made option...there is one way to do it. Have a dressmaker sketch a design (as detailed as possible) or choose a design from a dressmaker's book. Purchase fabric for each bridesmaid and send it to them - it is then up to them to have it made to measure. Remember though...this is most likely going to be a more expensive option.
