When to order bridesmaid dresses: a timeline

Order bridesmaid dresses early enough that they arrive at least seven to eight weeks before the wedding, which leaves time to try them on, exchange a size and finish alterations. For made-to-order brands that ship in two to three months, that means ordering four to six months ahead, as most bridal guides advise. For dresses delivered in about two weeks, ordering around ten to twelve weeks before the date is enough, as long as you do not skip the try-on and alteration steps.

How far ahead should you order bridesmaid dresses?

It depends almost entirely on how long the dresses take to reach you. Most published advice assumes made-to-order dresses: one bridal retailer's timeline suggests deciding about six months out because dresses usually take two to three months to arrive, and a bridesmaid-dress label's guide recommends ordering at least four to six months ahead, or closer to six to eight if the party is spread out or the dresses are custom-sized.

If the dresses you want are delivered faster, you can order later, but the steps after delivery take the same time whatever the source. A simple formula works for any dress:

• Delivery time
• plus about 3 weeks to try on and, if needed, exchange a size
• plus about 4 weeks for alterations
• plus 1 week before the wedding for a final try-on with shoes

For a dress that arrives in about two weeks, that adds up to roughly ten weeks. Build in extra if any bridesmaid lives abroad, is pregnant or needs major alterations.

What does the full bridesmaid dress timeline look like?

Counted back from the wedding day, for dresses that arrive in about two weeks:

• 16 weeks before: agree the budget, who pays, and the colour palette. The bride's own dress should be settled first.
• 13 weeks: shortlist styles and collect every bridesmaid's bust, waist and hip measurements.
• 11 weeks: place one order for the whole group.
• 9 weeks: the dresses arrive. Every bridesmaid tries hers on within days.
• 8 weeks: any exchange is requested, inside the return window.
• 5 weeks: alterations begin, with the shoes each bridesmaid will wear.
• 1 week: final try-on, then steam and hang the dresses.
• 1 to 2 days: pack each dress with its accessories.

For made-to-order dresses, start the same sequence about three months earlier.

A worked example: a wedding on Thursday 14 January 2027

January sits in the heart of the cooler months: Khaleej Times, citing the NCM, puts typical UAE winter days at 24–27°C and nights at 14–16°C, so the evenings suit both ballrooms and outdoor venues. Here is the timeline for dresses from Lianora, which arrive 10–15 days after the purchase is confirmed, with availability confirmed within 24 hours of the order:

• By Thursday 17 September 2026: agree the palette and budget.
• By Thursday 15 October 2026: every bridesmaid has chosen her design and sent her measurements.
• By Tuesday 3 November 2026: place the order. This allows a day for availability to be confirmed and the full 15 days for delivery.
• By Thursday 19 November 2026: the dresses have arrived and everyone has tried hers on. Exchanges are accepted within 7 days of delivery for unworn pieces in their original packaging.
• Thursday 10 December 2026: alterations start, leaving four clear weeks.
• Thursday 7 January 2027: final try-on with shoes.
• Thursday 14 January 2027: the wedding.

If you are reading this later, slide every date along by the same amount. The gaps between the steps are what matter.

Why should every bridesmaid order at the same time?

Colour is the main reason. One bridal retailer's guide points out that dresses ordered together are cut from the same dye lot, while dresses ordered weeks apart may not match exactly, even in the same named shade. Under strong ballroom lighting or in daylight photographs, a small difference becomes obvious. If bridesmaids are choosing different designs in one colour, ask before you order how closely the shades match.

One order also means one delivery to check, one set of tracking details and one exchange window to manage. If your bridesmaids live in different places, collect everyone's choices and measurements first, then order together. If some of them live in another Gulf country, ask before you order whether the dresses can go to more than one address, through the ordering and payment page.

How long do bridesmaid dress alterations take?

Plan for about a month. One bridesmaid-dress label's guide puts typical alterations at two to four weeks, with minor adjustments at the shorter end and complex tailoring closer to four, and advises finalising any last changes a month before the wedding. A bridal retailer's timeline recommends a first fitting at least four to six weeks before the date for standard alterations, and more lead time for anything complicated.

• Hems: always alter with the actual shoes, since a few centimetres of heel changes everything.
• Beaded and sequinned pieces: these often take longer, because the embellishment has to be removed and replaced along a seam.
• Exchanges first: altered pieces cannot be exchanged, so confirm the size is right before anything is cut.
• Pregnancy: the same retailer suggests a pregnant bridesmaid has her final fitting as close to the wedding as possible.

Tailors can be booked up in busy periods, so reserve the appointment when you place the order.

What if the wedding is less than two months away?

It is still possible, but simplify. One bridesmaid-dress label's guide notes that ordering within two to three months of the date can mean fewer options and rush fees with made-to-order dresses, and suggests ready-to-ship dresses or simple cuts.

• Choose dresses that are delivered quickly and confirm availability before anyone commits.
• Prefer cuts that need little altering: A-lines, kaftans and adjustable or belted waists are more forgiving than a fitted mermaid.
• Choose the size that fits the largest measurement, so the tailor only needs to take in.
• Use the first 24 hours: orders on this site can be cancelled or changed free within 24 hours, which is the time to double-check every size.

If you need a dress very close to the date, check the delivery and returns page before ordering, and keep a back-up from your own wardrobe.

What should you check the day the dresses arrive?

Open every parcel as soon as it arrives, and keep the packaging.

• Colour: hang the dresses side by side in daylight and check they match.
• Size: each bridesmaid tries hers on with the right underwear, and checks she can sit and lift her arms.
• Condition: look at seams, zips and beading. For orders from this site, report any damage with photographs within 2–3 days, and the piece is replaced with the same or a finer model at no extra cost.
• Storage: hang each dress in its cover in a cool room until alterations.

For what to look for when choosing the dresses in the first place, see our guide to bridesmaid dresses in the UAE, or browse the bridesmaid dresses in the shop.