Why Special Ordering Bridesmaid Dresses Is the Smarter Choice?

When planning a wedding, bridesmaid dresses are chosen to create a coordinated, elegant look that complements the overall style of the day. One of the most important — and often overlooked — decisions is whether to place a special order or purchase dresses individually from available floor stock. While floor stock can work for single purchases, it introduces unnecessary risk when dressing a full bridal party. Understanding how bridesmaid dresses are produced explains why special ordering is usually the safest and most reliable option. Fabric Dye Lots and Why Colour Can Vary Bridesmaid dresses are made from fabric that is dyed in separate production batches, commonly referred to as dye lots. Even when the same colour name and specifications are used, small variations can occur between different dye lots. These differences are often subtle when viewing a single dress. However, when multiple dresses in the same colour are worn side by side, particularly in natural light or professional photography, slight shade variations can become noticeable. When dresses are purchased from floor stock at different times, they may: Come from different fabric rolls Be produced during separate manufacturing runs Show minor differences in tone or depth of colour Placing a special order for all bridesmaid dresses at the same time helps reduce the risk of colour variation, as the dresses are more likely to be produced together under consistent conditions. Floor Stock Is Limited by Nature Floor stock exists primarily for: Try-on purposes Display Immediate individual purchases It is not designed to reliably cover every size required for a bridal party. Common limitations of floor stock include: Incomplete size ranges Popular sizes selling out quickly Restocks occurring at different times If some bridesmaids need to reorder later, those dresses may be produced separately, increasing the chance of fabric or colour differences. Special ordering allows: Each bridesmaid to receive the correct size All dresses to be ordered together Fewer compromises during alterations Why Ordering at Least 3 Months Ahead Matters Bridesmaid dresses are not fast-fashion items. Production and delivery typically involve: Manufacturing lead time Quality checks International shipping Local delivery Time for professional alterations Ordering bridesmaid dresses at least three months before the wedding provides a realistic buffer for these stages. This timeline helps avoid last-minute stress, limited size availability, and rushed alterations. Ordering too close to the wedding date often forces compromises that could otherwise be avoided with proper planning. Photography and Lighting Reveal Small Differences Wedding photography and venue lighting can amplify even small differences in fabric colour. A variation that seems minimal indoors may appear more noticeable: In daylight Under flash photography In group portraits Ordering dresses together helps create a more consistent, polished look across the bridal party — especially in photographs that will be viewed for years to come. A Practical Approach to Bridesmaid Dress Planning Special ordering bridesmaid dresses is not about guaranteeing perfection. It is about reducing avoidable risks. Ordering all dresses together, choosing the correct sizes from the start, and allowing sufficient lead time helps: Improve colour consistency Ensure proper sizing Simplify alterations Reduce last-minute issues Final Advice for Brides If consistency, fit, and peace of mind matter to you, placing a special order for all bridesmaid dresses — well in advance of the wedding date — is the most practical and reliable approach. Thoughtful planning now helps ensure your bridal party looks cohesive, confident, and beautifully coordinated on the day.