to make bridesmaid dresses in places like BBK shanghai or bali or jarkata is quite cheap... abt $40 for a whole set or less..it all depends on the complexity of yr design n the material u use i guess..
as for the measurements, it all depends on yr deign as well.. if its just a tube dress, just the bust waist n hips n lenght... if u dun measure for yr jie mei, how can u called it a make-to-meausre dress for them!!???
or u can put in factors like elastic band, or criss cross tie back like corsets or those that as flewxible if they lose or gain a few pounds. u can also classify them in S, M ,L or XL and the tailor wil know what to do...
if yr bridesmaid abt yr size, pick a top from yr wardrobe similar to the design u like n get all the girls to try it. from there..u will know who needs a little "tucking in of fabric" or "lossen up the fabric"
hope this helps!
im definately going to materialize my bali, BBK or shanghai trip.
if i do, wil let u guys knows weeks before so i can help u make the dresses n bring it back to u guys as well...