It was agreed that the short dresses should be purchased 'ready made' as they were exactly what the bride wanted except for the length/style of the skirt (see smallest & largest sizes at left). The full-length skirt would be the part of the 'outfit' that would be made for each bridesmaid - the 4 girls ranging in ages 4 -13. As all the girls would no doubt change in size, shape &/or height during the time until the wedding, I suggested the dresses were obtained as soon as possible with a degree of 'growing ease' to verify their fitting on each child. As the dresses were made in a stretch fabric (lurex jersey) & had a simple bodice, I believed this would fit adequately during the months until the wedding & would also provide me with measurement guidelines.
Once these dresses were approved & sizes confirmed, fabric should be obtained to compliment them.
Discussions also included activities the girls would be involved in on the wedding day - an informal afternoon reception as well as an evening function, intended fitting arrangements & possible variations in styles of skirts for the 2 older girls. Also, noting the 4 girls general measurements would possibly alter during the next few months, I wanted to arrange a schedule so that all the girls could have one fitting together with skirts & petticoats 'half finished'. With this in mind, I recommended that the skirts should have "expandable" waistlines with full-length back openings (for ease of dressing on the day) & final lengths left until last stages.
Final design elements would include: