I've heard this twice this week- both in relation to bridesmaids dress orders...so I've decided to write a quick little blog explaining the how's and why's of rush fees.
The most common reason for a rush is that the wear date is too close to the ship date. Sometimes this is unforseeable- as in the case of a quickly planned wedding. If you are more than 6 months out from your wear date, you can save your bridesmaids some money by placing and paying for your order a minimum of 16 weeks before the wedding.
The second most common need for a rush is the addition of a bridesmaid after the order has been placed. Let me caution you, though, dye lots on "added" gowns may not match. We place our orders as a group for each bride, to ensure that the fabric for the gowns are cut from the same bolt of fabric.
Thirdly, we have botched internet orders. If you're thinking of trying on dresses in boutiques, then ordering them online, do yourself and your friends a favor and DON'T. 9 out of 10 "internet" bridesmaids orders I've seen have come in either WAY too small (and unalterable), or heaven forbid the absolute wrong color. Save yourself the headache, and leave your order to the professionals, not some website that promises rock bottom prices.
Last but not least, the fourth main cause of rush charges: Bridesmaids who wait too long to get measured and/or to pay for their gowns. We've had bridesmaids in the past that have held up an entire order because they didn't do their part on time. Our computer software is set to issue the order to the designer once the order is "complete". If you have a straggler, the entire order can be held up. Your other bridesmaids (the ones who paid on time), will each get a rush fee (anywhere from $25-$55 EACH!). These fees are not negotiable with the designer, thus they cannot be waived by any store.
Another note about a "rush"- let's say you place your bridesmaids order on a "2 week rush". You won't get the gowns in two weeks....that is the production time. Add in anywhere from 2-10 days for delivery to the store once the designer has completed production of your order. If you want the gowns overnighted after they are finished, ask your bridal shop what their overnight delivery fee is, and be prepared to pay it :)
A recap:
1. If you want your gowns on time, plan ahead as much as possible.
2. If you have any changes to your attendant list, let the store know ASAP.
3. Stay off the internet.
4. Make sure your maids follow your schedule.
Happy Shopping!
