When To Start
It is advisable to start looking around for bridesmaids' dresses about four to five months before the wedding, and order them no later than three months ahead of the Big Day.

Find Prospective Bridal and Formalwear Stores
First of all you need to find some good bridal stores and formalwear stores. Good ways to do so include having a look at our business directory, which lists all types of wedding suppliers including bridal stores and formalwear stores, asking any newlywed friends for recommendations, consulting bridal magazines/books, having a look at online business directories and the yellow pages, and going to bridal expos.

Get Input From Your Bridesmaids
It is important that each bridesmaid feels comfortable in her outfit. It is, therefore, a good idea to give them some say when selecting bridesmaids' dresses. If they are not happy wearing bright pink dresses with pouf sleeves, please don't make them! You want your bridesmaids to feel at ease at the wedding, don't you?! Ask them what they would feel comfortable wearing and give them some options. You could either choose a style and let your bridesmaids choose their own colour, or you could choose a colour and let them choose a style. Just make sure you are all happy with the final decision, though.

Find Designs You Like
The best way to get an idea of what kind of bridesmaids' dresses you and your bridesmaids like is to have a look at bridal magazines and books. You could also look at patterns in textile shops, which is an especially good idea if you plan to have the dresses sewn. And, just browse around in various stores.

Consider Style and Colour
When looking at bridesmaids' dresses, pay particular attention to their style and colour. Consider your bridesmaids' body types and make sure the style flatters everyone. The colour of the dresses must match the overall wedding colours. In other words, the main thing to make sure when choosing bridesmaids' dresses is that they complement your own bridal gown, the wedding colours, the bridesmaids' body types and, basically, the general look of the wedding. The location and formality of the wedding must also be considered. Click on This Goes With That for more information.

Menswear
Most men rent their tuxedos and should do so about three to four months before the wedding. The men's attire should look very similar to the groom's, with the same style tuxedo and shoes. However, some component of the groom's clothing should be different. Possibly a more stylish boutonniere or a different vest. In addition to being similar to the groom's attire, the men's clothing must complement your bridal gown, the wedding colours and the general look and feel of the wedding.

Children
Now to the children's cute little outfits… Their styles and colours should match the bridesmaids and men's attire.

Mothers
The outfits the mothers choose to wear should coordinate.

Fathers
Your father's apparel should be similar to the groomsmen's clothing, i.e. he should wear a matching tuxedo. The father of the groom can also wear similar clothing if he so chooses.

Costs
It is, traditionally, up to the wedding party to pay for their own attire.

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