Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but it can also be a stressful one, especially if you're short on time. While it typically takes between four to six months to create a made-to-order wedding dress, there are options available if you need to expedite the process. From rushing fees to off-the-rack purchases, here's a guide to help you navigate the world of expedited wedding dress shopping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to make a wedding dress | 4 to 6 months on average |
| Time taken to order a wedding dress | 6-12 months in advance |
| Rush fees | Additional costs to expedite creation and shipping of the gown |
| Rush fees depend on | Time constraints, dress designer, intricacy of customizations |
| Rush fees applicable | 5 months or less before the wedding |
| Rush fees avoided by | Ordering 9-12 months before the wedding |
| Rush fees avoided by | Buying from sample inventory |
| Rush fees avoided by | Attending a sample sale |
| Rush fees avoided by | Buying off-the-rack dresses |
| Rush fees avoided by | Buying ready-to-wear gowns online |
| Rush fees avoided by | Buying from retailers like Anthropologie, Eloquii, Shopbop, Revolve, Net-a-Porter, MATCHESFASHION, Reformation |
| Rush alterations | Offered by some boutiques |
| Rush alterations | Offered by Hallak Cleaners |
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What You'll Learn
Rush fees and how to avoid them
Rush fees are additional costs on top of the wedding dress price to expedite the creation and shipping of the gown. The cost of these rush fees varies depending on the time constraints, the designer, and the complexity of any customizations. Typically, boutiques require that you order your dress 6-12 months in advance to allow for creation, shipping, and alterations. Rush fees usually apply if you're ordering your dress 5 months or less before your wedding. Designers need time to source materials from around the world, and each dress is made-to-order based on your measurements. After it's assembled and shipped, the gown still needs alterations to be ready for your big day. Here are some tips to help you avoid rush fees:
- Order your dress 9-12 months in advance: Planning ahead is the best way to avoid rush fees. By ordering well in advance, you give the designer and tailor ample time to create and alter your dress without incurring extra costs.
- Shop sample dresses: Sample dresses are available for brides to try on during their appointments. These dresses are often available for purchase directly from the boutique's inventory. You can take a sample dress home the same day, avoiding creation and shipping times. While these dresses may have minor imperfections from being handled, they can be a great option if you're in a time crunch.
- Attend a sample sale: Sample sales are events where bridal boutiques offer their sample gowns for purchase at heavily discounted prices. These sales are an excellent opportunity to find a designer gown at a lower price and without the wait times associated with ordering a new dress. However, due to limited inventory, it's recommended to arrive early to have the best selection.
- Explore ready-to-wear options: Some retailers, such as Anthropologie, Eloquii, and Reformation, offer ready-to-wear wedding gowns available for immediate purchase. If you're open to a more modern and relaxed look, these options can be a great choice when you're short on time.
- Opt for expedited shipping: If you've found your dream dress but are running out of time, consider expedited shipping options. While this may incur additional costs, it can help you avoid the higher fees associated with rush orders.
- Choose a simpler design: The complexity of the dress design can impact the timeline and the likelihood of needing rush fees. A simpler design may require fewer alterations and faster production, helping you avoid rush fees.
- Be flexible with alterations: While alterations are essential, you may need to be flexible with your expectations if you're short on time. Simple alterations, such as hemming or taking in the sides, can often be done quickly. More complex modifications will require more time, so plan accordingly to avoid rush fees.
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Buying a sample dress
If you're short on time and want to avoid rush fees, buying a sample wedding dress is a great option. Sample wedding dresses are typically last season's styles that bridal boutiques are looking to clear, often at heavily discounted prices. This means you can snag a quality designer brand at a bargain price. You can buy a sample dress off the rack or online and take it home the same day, avoiding the creation and shipping times of a made-to-order dress.
Sample dresses are usually mass-produced in standard sizes, so you may need to make significant alterations to achieve the perfect fit. This may limit your ability to fully personalize the gown and provide the same level of comfort and precision as a custom-made dress. However, if you're working with a short timeline or need a last-minute replacement, sample dresses can save you time and money.
Sample sales are events where bridal boutiques put out their sample gowns for purchase at heavily marked-down prices. These events are extremely popular due to the massive savings, so it's important to get there early to have as many options as possible. Keep in mind that sample gowns may have been handled and tried on by other brides, resulting in small imperfections.
If you're looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind gown that reflects your personal style and vision, a bespoke wedding dress may be a better option. A bespoke dress is crafted with meticulous attention to detail and made-to-measure, ensuring a flawless and comfortable fit. However, the bespoke experience comes with a higher price tag and a longer timeline, requiring multiple fittings and consultations.
Ultimately, the decision between a sample and a bespoke wedding dress depends on your priorities, budget, and timeline. Sample dresses offer an affordable and convenient option, while bespoke dresses provide a more personalized and emotional experience.
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Online retailers
There are many online retailers offering wedding dresses, with some providing expedited shipping options.
David's Bridal
David's Bridal offers a vast selection of wedding dresses online, with various filters to help you find your dream dress, including silhouette, price, colour, length, size, brand, neckline, and strap style. They offer standard, expedited, and express shipping methods, with a maximum delivery time of ten days after processing.
Lulus
Lulus provides an extensive range of wedding gowns, with intricate patterns and detailing, all for under $400. They offer free standard shipping on orders over $50 and a flat fee of $5 for orders under $50. Lulus also has a generous return policy, with free returns within ten days of receiving your package and a 30-day window for a small fee.
Nearly Newlywed
Nearly Newlywed is a sustainable option for those looking for a designer wedding dress at a discounted price. They offer pre-owned and never-been-worn gowns, with the option to resell your dress after your wedding. Nearly Newlywed covers shipping costs in the contiguous US and guarantees a maximum delivery time of three weeks, with the option to request expedited shipping for an additional fee.
Azazie
Azazie is a trusted site for buying wedding dresses online, offering a wide range of styles and sizes. They have a "try before you buy" program, allowing you to order up to three dresses at a time for a small fee. Azazie also provides expedited shipping options, with standard delivery taking 5-10 business days and expedited shipping taking 2-6 business days.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom offers a range of reasonably priced wedding dresses that can be worn again for other special occasions. They provide responsive customer service and various options for returns, including mailing the dress back or returning it to a store. Nordstrom offers standard free shipping, with expedited shipping available for an additional fee.
ASOS
ASOS is a popular online retailer that offers a convenient shopping experience for wedding dresses, with free standard shipping on orders over $49.99 and the option to ship to UPS or Nordstrom for pickup. Returns are free through UPS, but there is a requirement to print the label.
When shopping for a wedding dress online, it is important to compare websites to get the best deal and only buy from reputable retailers. It is also recommended to start your search early, ideally between nine months to a year before your wedding date, to avoid any last-minute issues and fees.
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Dress customisations
When it comes to wedding dress customisations, there are a few options to consider, especially if you're working with a tight timeline. Firstly, it's important to understand the typical timeline for ordering a wedding dress. Most boutiques recommend ordering your dress 6-12 months in advance to allow for creation, shipping, and alteration time. Rush fees may apply if you're ordering with less than 5 months until your wedding.
With that in mind, here are some dress customisation options to consider:
Ready-to-Wear Gowns
If you're open to a more modern and relaxed look, retailers like Anthropologie, Eloquii, Shopbop, Revolve, and Reformation offer ready-to-wear gowns that can be purchased off-the-rack and are available for immediate purchase. This option can save you time and money, and still provide a high-quality, on-trend wedding dress.
Sample Inventory and Sample Sales
Many wedding dress boutiques offer the option to purchase a gown from their sample inventory, which includes dresses that have been on display and tried on by other brides. These gowns may have minor imperfections but can be an excellent option if you need a dress quickly. Additionally, attending a sample sale can be a great way to purchase a designer gown at a discounted price while avoiding creation and shipping times. However, these events can be competitive, so it's essential to arrive early.
Online Options
The online route is another viable option for brides with tight timelines. Websites like Etsy offer a range of wedding dress options, and some sellers may be able to create a custom dress for you on short notice. Be sure to communicate your timeline clearly and ask about any rush fees or expedited production time fees.
Made-to-Order Customisations
Some bridal boutiques, like Maggie Sottero, offer a range of wedding dress customisations to make your gown unique. These customisations can include adding or removing straps and sleeves, changing the bodice style, adding bra cups, or designing your dress with a cape or jacket. Remember that personalisations need to be ordered with the dress and cannot usually be requested afterward, so be sure to discuss all your options with your stylist.
Alterations
Regardless of the option you choose, alterations are an essential part of ensuring your wedding dress fits you perfectly. Most wedding dresses require at least two to three fittings to achieve the perfect fit. The number of fittings will depend on the style and size of the dress and the number of alterations needed. Common alterations include hemming the length, reshaping the silhouette, and adding or removing details like lace or beading.
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Shipping options
When it comes to shipping options for wedding dresses, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, wedding dresses are typically made-to-order, meaning that a brand new dress is manufactured specifically for each customer based on their personal measurements. This process can take anywhere from four to nine months, depending on the complexity of the design and the customisations requested. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase your wedding dress between eight and twelve months before the wedding to allow ample time for creation, shipping, and alterations.
However, if you are working with a shorter timeline, there are still options available. Some boutiques offer rush fees, which are additional costs on top of the dress price to expedite the creation and shipping of the gown. The availability of this option and the associated cost can vary depending on the time constraints, dress designer, and intricacy of any customisations. It is important to note that rush fees typically come into play if you are ordering your dress five months or less before your wedding.
Another option to expedite the process is to purchase a sample dress. Sample dresses are the inventory dresses that a bridal shop uses for brides to try on during their shopping appointments. These dresses may have small imperfections due to being handled, but they can be purchased and taken home the same day, eliminating the need to wait for a new dress to be created. Sample sales, where boutiques offer heavily marked-down gowns to make room for new inventory, are also a great way to find a designer gown without the wait. However, due to high demand and limited inventory, it is recommended to arrive early at these sales to have the best chance of finding your dream dress.
If you are open to purchasing a ready-to-wear gown, online retailers like Anthropologie, Eloquii, Shopbop, Revolve, Net-a-Porter, MATCHESFASHION, and Reformation offer diverse collections of high-quality, on-trend wedding dresses available for immediate purchase. This option can cut down on the time spent visiting salons and waiting for a custom dress to be made.
Finally, when considering shipping options, it is important to budget time for alterations. Even when gowns are ordered to your size, they typically require minor alterations to achieve a perfect fit. It is recommended to schedule a consultation with an experienced seamstress or tailor as soon as possible to determine the services needed and allow for sufficient alteration time.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, it takes between four to six months to make a wedding dress, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the design. Some dresses can take up to nine months to create.
Rush fees are additional costs on top of the wedding dress price. The cost of rush fees varies depending on time constraints, the designer, and any customisations.
If you need a wedding dress quickly, you can purchase a sample dress from a bridal boutique or attend a sample sale. You can also buy a ready-to-wear gown online or from a local wedding dress shop.
Wedding dress alterations can take a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the adjustments. Simple alterations, such as hemming or taking in the sides, are quicker than complex modifications.
