Bridesmaids
Find answers about bridesmaid dresses, including styles, sizing, ordering and coordinating your bridal party.
At a Glance
We recommend ordering bridesmaid dresses about 8 months before the wedding. This allows time for production, shipping, and alterations without unnecessary stress.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
One of the biggest planning mistakes we see is waiting too long to order bridesmaid dresses. While weddings can feel far away, dress production and alterations take time. At Wendy's Bridal Columbus, we help bridal parties create a timeline that works for everyone. Ordering early gives your bridesmaids more flexibility for sizing, alterations, and coordinating schedules—especially if members of your bridal party live in different cities. The earlier everyone orders, the smoother the process tends to be.
Did You Know?
Ordering bridesmaid dresses together helps ensure everyone receives dresses from the same dye lot, creating the most consistent color for your wedding day.
At a Glance
Yes! Bridesmaids who live outside Ohio can still participate in your bridal party by placing their order through Wendy's Bridal Columbus.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
Today's bridal parties are often spread across the country, and that's completely normal. Whether your bridesmaids live across town or across the country, we can help coordinate the ordering process. Our stylists regularly work with long-distance bridal parties and will explain the measuring and ordering process so everyone can stay on the same timeline. We want the experience to be simple and organized for both the bride and her bridal party.
Did You Know?
Many bridal parties include bridesmaids from multiple states, making virtual communication and coordinated ordering more important than ever.
At a Glance
Not at all! Many brides choose mismatched styles while keeping the same color or fabric to create a coordinated look.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
One of the biggest trends in weddings today is giving bridesmaids the freedom to choose a style they feel comfortable wearing. At Wendy's Bridal Columbus, we help brides create a cohesive bridal party while allowing each bridesmaid to select a neckline or silhouette that flatters her body and personal style. As long as the dresses are ordered in the same fabric and color, the result is beautifully coordinated without everyone looking identical. It's a wonderful way to help every member of your bridal party feel confident on your wedding day.
Did You Know?
Many designers offer multiple necklines and silhouettes in the same fabric and color, making mismatched bridesmaid styles easier than ever.
At a Glance
Start with your wedding vision, season, and venue, then choose colors that complement your overall aesthetic rather than trying to match everything perfectly.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
Choosing bridesmaid colors can feel overwhelming because there are so many beautiful options. We encourage brides to think about the overall mood they want to create rather than focusing on one exact shade. Our stylists can help you compare fabric swatches, discuss seasonal color palettes, and explore combinations that work beautifully with your flowers, venue, and wedding style. Whether you're envisioning timeless black, romantic sage, rich emerald, classic navy, or soft neutrals, we'll help you narrow your choices with confidence.
Did You Know?
Fabric texture can change the appearance of a color, which is why it's helpful to compare swatches in person whenever possible.
At a Glance
Shopping together at one boutique helps simplify the ordering process while giving your bridal party expert guidance from start to finish.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
We believe bridesmaid shopping should be just as enjoyable as finding your wedding dress. Our stylists help coordinate sizing, colors, timelines, and ordering so your bridal party feels organized and supported throughout the process. We also offer professional in-house alterations to help every bridesmaid achieve a beautiful fit before the wedding. One of the favorite perks for our Wendy's brides? When you purchase your wedding dress at Wendy's Bridal Columbus, your bridesmaids receive 10% off their dresses. It's our way of helping make the entire bridal party experience even more special.
Did You Know?
Many brides find it much easier to manage their bridal party when everyone orders through the same boutique and follows the same timeline.
At a Glance
That's completely normal! Bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes, and each dress is ordered individually based on the designer's size chart and measurements.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
One of the biggest misconceptions is that everyone in the bridal party needs to fit into similar sizes. In reality, every bridesmaid is measured individually and orders the size that best matches her measurements. At Wendy's Bridal Columbus, our stylists take professional measurements and help each bridesmaid determine the appropriate size based on the designer's sizing chart. Once the dresses arrive, alterations can create an even more personalized fit. Our goal is for every member of your bridal party to feel just as confident and beautiful as the bride.
Did You Know?
Bridal sizing is different from everyday clothing sizes, so it's very common to order a different size than you normally wear.
At a Glance
Most bridesmaid dress alterations are completed in about 6–8 weeks, although timelines may vary depending on the alterations needed and the time of year.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
Even when a bridesmaid dress is ordered in the best size, alterations are often needed to create the perfect fit. Common alterations include hemming, shortening straps, adjusting the bodice, or taking in the waist. Our experienced in-house alterations team works with bridesmaid dresses every day and can recommend the ideal fitting schedule based on your wedding date. Scheduling alterations early helps avoid unnecessary stress and ensures every bridesmaid is celebration-ready well before the big day.
Did You Know?
Simple alterations can make a significant difference in both the comfort and appearance of a bridesmaid dress.
At a Glance
Absolutely! Many brides love giving their bridal party the flexibility to choose a neckline or silhouette that complements each person's style while keeping the same color and fabric.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
One of the biggest trends we're seeing is coordinated—not identical— bridesmaid dresses. Many designers offer multiple necklines, sleeve options, and silhouettes within the same fabric collection. That means one bridesmaid may choose a one-shoulder gown, another may prefer spaghetti straps, while someone else feels most comfortable in sleeves—all while creating a beautifully cohesive bridal party. This approach allows each bridesmaid to feel comfortable and confident without sacrificing your wedding vision.
Did You Know?
Giving bridesmaids a choice of neckline often helps everyone feel more comfortable and confident in photos.
At a Glance
The best fabric depends on your wedding style, season, and level of formality. Popular choices include chiffon, charmeuse, satin, crepe, velvet, and stretch fabrics.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
Fabric has a big impact on how your bridal party looks and feels throughout the day. Soft chiffon creates a romantic, flowing look that's perfect for outdoor weddings. Charmeuse offers a luxurious sheen with beautiful movement. Satin creates a timeless, elegant appearance, while crepe delivers a modern, clean silhouette. Velvet is a favorite for fall and winter celebrations because of its rich texture and warmth. During your bridesmaid appointment, we'll help you compare fabrics in person so you can choose one that complements your wedding style while keeping your bridal party comfortable.
Did You Know?
The same color can appear slightly different depending on the fabric it's made from because each material reflects light differently.
At a Glance
Shopping together allows everyone to compare colors, fabrics, and styles while making decisions as a group, creating a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Stylist Insight from Wendy's Bridal Columbus
While it's not always possible for every bridesmaid to attend, scheduling a group appointment can make the decision-making process much easier. Seeing the dresses together helps everyone visualize the overall look, compare different silhouettes, and ensure the bridal party feels coordinated. It also gives your stylist the opportunity to answer questions, discuss timelines, and guide everyone through the ordering process at the same time. Most importantly, it turns another part of wedding planning into a fun memory you'll share together.
Did You Know?
Many bridal parties finalize their dress choice much faster when everyone can see the styles side by side instead of trying to compare photos later.
Still have questions? Head back to our Resource Center or contact our styling team.