This kind bride gave me permission to share her wedding slide show with the world. We all enjoy seeing beautiful brides and their great wedding ideas. She purchased her bridal gown and accessories and flowergirl dresses from us. Enjoy...
http://mandynovotny.com/warnershepherdwedding/
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Ordering Bridesmaid Dresses
I hope to help you understand the ordering process and explain why ordering formal wear isn’t like ordering anything else. Keep in mind this is the brides day and you don’t want do your own thing and cause trouble for the group.
For those desiring to raise or change a neckline or lengthen a sleeve, or possibly even convert an immodest to a modest dress some companies do offer custom changes for an additional fee however, not all bridal shops will offer this option because of the slight liability of mistakes or the image they desire their store to represent.
When to order?
Once the style has been chosen it’s important to select an order date 10-12 weeks before the wedding. Doing so will eliminate rush fees and stress!!
Where to order?
It’s very important that all dresses be ordered from one store to ensure that the dresses are made from the same bolt of fabric otherwise the dye lot maybe different. The bride needs to select the store, (we offer 10 % discounts to maids when the bride purchases her bridal gown from us, others may offer similar packages) and out of town maids can have measurements taken at a local bridal shop hopefully that may carry that brand giving her the possibility of trying on her size choice. An alteration shop or your seamstress would be a good substitute.
What size to order?
When having measurements taken wear undergarments/shape wear (if necessary) you plan to wear with the dress. (Chiffon and other soft thin fabrics reveal bulges and roles more than other satins or taffetas.) Select your size according to the size chart for that company. These dresses do run smaller than our everyday “vanity” sized clothing. Even then each company has a different size chart, so don’t think the size you wore in last wedding will be the same as this wedding.
If your measurements fall between 2 or more sizes ask your seamstress to look at a picture or the actual dress and see what she recommends. Some brands have a seam allowance for letting out, but that is not always possible. When in doubt order according to the largest measurement it can always be taken in but it can not always be let out.
Height should also be considered, maids taller than 5’8-5’9 may need to order extra length depending on heel height being worn.
Expectant Maids
I recommend expectant bridesmaids should select by their bust measurement, possibly a size larger depending on the length of time until the wedding. An extra yard of fabric should be ordered if it isn’t a maternity style for the seamstress to put gussets, pleats or other design to allow for the tummy measurement.
Alterations
All bridesmaids should expect some alterations for a perfect fit. The dresses are special ordered, but not custom made to your measurements. The two most common alterations we see are hemming, because formal gowns are made to accommodate the 5’8-5’9 customer, because they can’t add length leaving the rest of us to hem or wear some high platforms;) The other common alteration is shoulder alterations for shorter torsos.
The big question, “what if it doesn’t fit, can I return it?”
The answer is always, no. That’s why we work very hard to help you determine the closest size, resulting in minimal alterations. Customer’s following our instructions have very few problems, it’s those that don’t believe we know what we’re talking about that have problems and want to return or exchange or expect refunds. Any respectable business will take care of real problems such as factory defects. We even offer the option of ordering a second at 50% off if you ordered incorrectly and alterations are not possible to correct the problem.
How do I measure?
Here’s a link for measuring instructions: http://www.eternitygowns.com/sizing.php
I hope you find this helpful in planning your wedding. We'll be glad to answer any other questions you may have please feel free to contact us;)
For those desiring to raise or change a neckline or lengthen a sleeve, or possibly even convert an immodest to a modest dress some companies do offer custom changes for an additional fee however, not all bridal shops will offer this option because of the slight liability of mistakes or the image they desire their store to represent.
When to order?
Once the style has been chosen it’s important to select an order date 10-12 weeks before the wedding. Doing so will eliminate rush fees and stress!!
Where to order?
It’s very important that all dresses be ordered from one store to ensure that the dresses are made from the same bolt of fabric otherwise the dye lot maybe different. The bride needs to select the store, (we offer 10 % discounts to maids when the bride purchases her bridal gown from us, others may offer similar packages) and out of town maids can have measurements taken at a local bridal shop hopefully that may carry that brand giving her the possibility of trying on her size choice. An alteration shop or your seamstress would be a good substitute.
What size to order?
When having measurements taken wear undergarments/shape wear (if necessary) you plan to wear with the dress. (Chiffon and other soft thin fabrics reveal bulges and roles more than other satins or taffetas.) Select your size according to the size chart for that company. These dresses do run smaller than our everyday “vanity” sized clothing. Even then each company has a different size chart, so don’t think the size you wore in last wedding will be the same as this wedding.
If your measurements fall between 2 or more sizes ask your seamstress to look at a picture or the actual dress and see what she recommends. Some brands have a seam allowance for letting out, but that is not always possible. When in doubt order according to the largest measurement it can always be taken in but it can not always be let out.
Height should also be considered, maids taller than 5’8-5’9 may need to order extra length depending on heel height being worn.
Expectant Maids
I recommend expectant bridesmaids should select by their bust measurement, possibly a size larger depending on the length of time until the wedding. An extra yard of fabric should be ordered if it isn’t a maternity style for the seamstress to put gussets, pleats or other design to allow for the tummy measurement.
Alterations
All bridesmaids should expect some alterations for a perfect fit. The dresses are special ordered, but not custom made to your measurements. The two most common alterations we see are hemming, because formal gowns are made to accommodate the 5’8-5’9 customer, because they can’t add length leaving the rest of us to hem or wear some high platforms;) The other common alteration is shoulder alterations for shorter torsos.
The big question, “what if it doesn’t fit, can I return it?”
The answer is always, no. That’s why we work very hard to help you determine the closest size, resulting in minimal alterations. Customer’s following our instructions have very few problems, it’s those that don’t believe we know what we’re talking about that have problems and want to return or exchange or expect refunds. Any respectable business will take care of real problems such as factory defects. We even offer the option of ordering a second at 50% off if you ordered incorrectly and alterations are not possible to correct the problem.
How do I measure?
Here’s a link for measuring instructions: http://www.eternitygowns.com/sizing.php
I hope you find this helpful in planning your wedding. We'll be glad to answer any other questions you may have please feel free to contact us;)
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