David's bridal appointment for bridesmaids

If it's a destination wedding then it's probably ok, otherwise I'd say have them do it in Feb-March 2017. It's easier if you pick a color/style/fabric, otherwise they go in blind trying on everything.

You can go now for fun and to get an idea for styles and how they work for each body type. I would definitely hold off on doing the serious dress shopping closer to the wedding though - if for no other reason than you dont know what styles they could have available next year. I actually ended up going in about 2 months ago to DB for my bridesmaids. They all fell in love with a style and were told to have ordered by the end of the following month. I went in two weeks later to solidify the details of the bridal party and was told that the dresses had just been discontinued and the girls would have to order from DB.com and once the website was sold out they were out! It was a little frustrating. Plus, cute styles roll out every season. You may find something you like better if you hold off for a few months.

I wouldn't buy anything now, so go in with the purpose of figuring out what styles and colors work, and get measurements and all that, and then order later.