What's the deal with Dye Lots?

In bridal land, the model has always been that bridesmaids will order the same dress in the same color. So that's the way designers are set up to operate and make the dresses. All the dresses ordered at the same time, same color, same style.

Nowadays, many people no longer order this way. Even if all the bridesmaids are wearing the same style, it may be easier for everyone to order separately based on location. Or, more often than not, people are mixing styles in the same color, or a few colors and styles.

But the way dresses are made hasn't changed. Many designers have multiple locations where dresses are made overseas, and while they make every effort to standardize color, some dye lot variation is inevitable. There just isn't any way to control it absolutely.

What does this mean for you? Basically, it means that if you are ordering different styles, even if you order them all together, you could still get some variation of the color of fabric. Different styles can be made at different times and in different places. The variation is usually pretty slight, but just be aware of the possiblity. Personally, I think if the styles are varied, if you have a little variation of the shade of the fabric in one or more of the dresses, it's not a huge deal. But I know some people want it all spot on, and so if that's you, then get everyone in the same style and order them all together. And that's the deal : )