WE LIVE IN USA
Same color, different styles for bridesmaids: they're paying, so weigh both body shape and cost
Bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen's suits rest on a premise that people from Taiwan most often miss: the wedding party pays for their own (see item 31 of the checklist).
That premise changes how you choose.
Cost
- Bridesmaid dresses: typically $100–$250 💵
- Suit rental: about $100–$200 💵
Plus hair and makeup (see item 27 of the checklist), and possibly flights and hotels, which is a substantial financial burden for some people. So when choosing,weigh what they can carry, not only the visual effect.
Insist on a $350 custom design and you've made a spending decision on their behalf.
Same palette, different styles (mix-and-match)
The best approach in practice, for three reasons:
- It accommodates different bodiesWith a single uniform style, someone always feels uncomfortable, and she usually won't tell you.
- It's easier to accept"Pick one you like in this color" is far friendlier than "wear this."
- It can be worn againThis makes a real difference for those paying out of pocket.
How: specify the color (a concrete name or swatch) and the approximate length, and let them choose the rest. The photos come out harmonious rather than uniformed.
Timeline
Order 4–6 months before the wedding (earlier for made-to-order), leaving time for 2 alterations.
❗ Out-of-town bridesmaids need time for shipping and alterations.This is where things most easily go wrong: the dress ships to her, she finds a local seamstress, alterations get confirmed, and the round trip can take a month.
With a bridesmaid coming from Taiwan it's more complicated still: international shipping, customs, and she may only arrive days before the wedding. Either ship far in advance, or handle it on the spot after she arrives (which leaves no alteration time).
Extra considerations for a Chinese wedding
Taiwanese custom differs
In Taiwan the couple usually provides or rents the bridesmaid dresses; the bridesmaids don't pay. So if yours are coming from Taiwan, explain the American convention in advanceOtherwise it gets awkward.
A more considerate approach: for bridesmaids flying from Taiwan, consider covering the dress yourselves. They've already paid for a flight, which costs far more than the dress.
If there are outfit changes
Taiwanese banquets often involve multiple gowns for the bride (see item 35 of the checklist), but bridesmaids usually have one. Confirm that one works across the whole event.
The groomsmen
Suit rental is simpler, but confirm:
- Everyone rents from the same company (so the colors match)
- The return deadline (usually 1–2 days after, with penalties for late)
- Assign someone to collect and return them (see item 128 of the checklist).
In one line
Same color, different styles; budget for what they can carry; allow an extra month for out-of-town members, and consider paying for the dresses of bridesmaids flying from Taiwan.