Bridesmaids Dresses

This page serves as a guide to brides who are deciding whether to purchase ready-to-wear (i.e. from a bridal shop, over the internet etc.) bridesmaids dresses or have them made up by a dressmaker (made-to-measure).

Over the years I have had an increasing number of brides who require alterations to ready-made bridesmaids dresses who, with hindsight, had wished they were aware of the costs and hidden costs involved when making the purchase. Many have shared with me their desire to have been informed BEFORE making the choice of ready-made vs. made-to-measure. I hope this section helps brides to make an informed choice.

Why are ready-made dresses cheaper than made-to-measure?

Most of these dresses are mass-produced using cheap labour in China and often cheap fabrics. Dresses are made to a standard size which rarely fit each individual body type. Made-to-measure dresses are cut to fit the exact measurements of each bridesmaid.

Once I have purchased a ready-made dress, what do I need to know?

It is very uncommon for the dress to fit as it should and 90% of the time you will need to find a dressmaker (or the shop you bought it from will provide the service) to make various alterations to the dress. Most commonly there are at least 2 alterations to be made on a dress - the hem and often the bust. Alterations can become costly due to construction and the following will be taken into account: number of layers, beadwork, boning and construction among other things. Alterations to a single dress can cost anything from £20 up to £100. It is much more time consuming to make alterations to a complete dress, than it is to start by cutting and sewing to the correct measurements of the bridesmaid.

How should I make the choice?

With this information in mind, ask a dressmaker in your area to work out a quotation for you and discuss your budget with her. She will be able to advise you on the best route to take and you will have a better idea of what the final cost of the ready-made dresses will cost after alterations - you will then be able to make an informed choice.