When should you order bridesmaid dresses? How late can you order bridesmaid dresses?! If you’re behind on dress shopping, don’t worry. Many brides are asking these same questions.

Bride-to-be, Tessa, wrote us with this question:

“Hi, I’m in need of help shopping for bridesmaid dresses. I’m getting married in October but didn’t order bridesmaid dresses yet. Am I too late?! I’m freaking out and need advice on where to order bridesmaid dresses that ship fast. Please help, thanks!”

Hi Tessa! Don’t worry. You’re not the only bride wondering the very same question, especially with last year’s craziness (looking at you, COVID), which has caused many brides to absolutely scramble to get plans together for 2021 wedding season. And 2022 is going to be just as busy!

Now, on the topic of when to order bridesmaid dresses, we can help you with that!

Let’s first talk about the best time to order bridesmaid dresses in normal circumstances. You’re a bit later to the game, but don’t let that deter you! You’ll still be able to order bridesmaid dresses late if you know where to shop.

First, when do you need to order bridesmaid dresses?

As a rule of thumb, your bridesmaids should order dresses no later than 6 months before the wedding. This is the typical timeline for bridesmaid dresses that need to be made and altered in specific sizes.

However, if you’re reading this and panicking a bit, don’t worry: you can still order bridesmaid dresses three to four months before the wedding in a pinch; additionally, you can shop for bridesmaid dresses in stock for fast shipping from a handful of retailers. You can even buy some bridesmaid dresses ahead of the big day: you just have to get a bit creative (and we’ll help you in this post!) So, don’t fret if you’re wayyyy behind.

Now is NOT the time to stress out: it’s time to take action and get those bridesmaid dresses ordered as quickly as you can. :)

The most important things to keep in mind when ordering bridesmaid dresses are: shipping, alternations, and in-stock options.

• Manufacturing + Shipping

You’ll need to allow ample time for the dress to be manufactured and shipped.

• Alterations

You’ll want extra time for any alternations, if needed. It helps to have a seamstress in mind that can handle alterations when the dress arrives with plenty of time ahead of the wedding date.

Ideally, the first bridesmaid dress fitting should occur around two to three months before the wedding.

NOTE: The final bridesmaid dress fitting should occur no later than three to five weeks before the wedding day.

• In-Stock Options

It helps to shop in stock bridesmaid dresses so you don’t have to wait for new dresses to arrive before ordering. Also, look for bridesmaid dresses with fast shipping — options are outlined below for your convenience.

Where to Shop Bridesmaid Dresses with Fast Shipping

Now that you know you’ll want to order them quickly, here are the best places to shop bridesmaid dresses that are in stock. These are in-stock bridesmaid dress retailers that know exactly what you need — and that you need them fast.

Here are the three best places to order bridesmaid dresses fast.

1. Radiant Rooster

This shop on Etsy offers convertible-style bridesmaid dresses you can order and have shipped quickly. Choose from the latest colors and styles for any theme or season of the year. These are affordably priced dresses, too: only $69! You also get FREE shipping. Score. Click here to start shopping.

2. Dessy

Dessy offers beautiful bridesmaid dresses you can order online with ready to ship options available here. These dresses are easy to shop, as you can choose one color and then decide on any dress in that shade. This makes it easy for your bridal party to mix-and-match — or buy the same style — and shop bridesmaid dresses that ship fast.

Many of their bridesmaid dresses ship fast in as little as 1 to 3 days!

Shop ready-to-ship dresses starting at $99 here!

3. Lulu’s

Oooh, I love the collection of affordable bridesmaid dresses at Lulu’s. You can browse by color easily, so even if you’re planning to order bridesmaid dresses late, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in a variety of trendy styles and stylish lengths.

While browsing, we found many dresses in their collection around $68, $88, and generally under the $100 mark. If you order bridesmaid dresses at the same time, you can save on shipping, too.

Browse many styles here!

When to Order Bridesmaid Dresses David’s Bridal

If you’re reading this and you have a little more time, check out this final option. At the time of publication, we didn’t see any in-stock bridesmaid dresses with fast ship times; however, that’s not to say they don’t exist! You can browse options here.

David’s Bridal

How far in advance should you order bridesmaid dresses from David’s Bridal? I’ve ordered bridesmaid dresses from David’s Bridal before and their answer is probably ASAP. :)

It’s always better to order bridesmaid dresses as soon as possible, but a good timeline is 6 months before the wedding.

This is especially true if you’re ordering them from an exclusive collection or with material that is more luxe; this new collection from David’s Bridal comes to mind! You’ll want to order bridesmaid dresses as early as possible if one of these catches your eye, as they’re likely going to sell quickly and these custom styles will be more in-demand this year.

Order bridesmaid dresses David’s Bridal has to offer here!

Thanks so much for writing, Tessa! We hope this helps narrow down the best place to order bridesmaid dresses for your wedding.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the box below! :)

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma