Timing: What kind of lead time is necessary to place an order?

Our designers require 12-16 weeks to manufacture their garments. In order to allow time for proper alterations, we recommend that bridesmaids order their gowns a minimum of 5 months before the wedding, leaving between 2 and 4 weeks for alterations and an additional 2 week window in case designers run behind.

Rush orders can be placed at an additional charge. The lead-time and charges vary by designer. Feel free to inquire with us about your specific order lead time.

All bridesmaids’ dresses must be paid in full before an order can be placed.

Hitched Maids cannot place a bridesmaids’ dress order until the entire bridal party is complete.

Sizing: How do I choose a size?

It is important to use the size chart associated with the specific designer. Click Here to view size charts for all of our designers. The sizes are NOT true to street clothing sizes so you will need to take your measurements and pick a size that allows for your largest measurement (so if your bust is a 4 and your waist is an 8, but your hips are a 6 – you should order an 8!).

Alterations are always a part of the bridesmaids dress buying process – so keep that in mind when ordering your dress. If you fall in between two sizes, it is safest to choose the larger size.

When taking measurements, use this as a guide: Bust (taken at the fullest part of your bust, with your arms at your sides); Natural Waist (taken at the smallest part of your waist…often a few inches above your belly button); Hip (taken at the widest place on your hips including your butt!).

What if I’m pregnant or will have just had a baby before the wedding?
A few of our designers offer coordinating maternity styles. For others, we can suggest styles that have worked in the past for bridesmaids in varying stages of pregnancy. Please contact Hitched Maids to find out more on ordering timing and sizing if you are expecting.

Payment: How do I pay for my bridesmaids dress?

Bridesmaids can pay for their dresses in person or by faxing or emailing a Credit Card Authorization Form (Click Here) to Hitched Maids. Hitched Maids cannot guarantee that credit cards will be charged the day or week that the forms are faxed. In some cases, individual orders may not be charged until the entire order is ready to be placed.

Alterations: Will I need alterations once I receive my dress?

Yes. Your dress almost always needs alterations. Bridesmaids dresses are not made-to-measure; instead, you use the designer’s size chart and pick a size based on your largest measurement. So, in almost all cases you will need some tailoring to make it fit you perfectly. Each designer expects that alterations will take place on their dress and they have constructed the dresses with seams that allow you to do so. We do not offer alterations on bridesmaids dresses, but they can be done by any tailor that you trust. Feel free to contact Hitched Maids for recommendations in the DC area.

Shipping: I don’t live in DC, how can I receive my dress?

All gowns and merchandise are sent to Hitched Maids and can be picked up at the boutique. Alternatively, bridesmaids’ dresses can be shipped to individuals using a trackable system via UPS or Federal Express. Shipped packages will require a signature upon delivery. Shipping is $25 per ensemble (dress or shell/skirt). We do not ship internationally. Please call for rates if shipping to Alaska or Hawaii.

Please Note: We are required to charge a 6% sales tax on dresses that are picked up at Hitched Maids. Bridesmaids that live outside the metropolitan area can have the dress shipped for the $25 described above and will NOT pay sales tax. If you change your mind after your order, and wish to have your dress shipped directly to you, we are happy to do so for the $25 shipping fee, but cannot refund your sales tax. Likewise, if you choose to change your order by picking up your dress instead of having it shipped, we are happy to make the change, but will not refund the shipping.