George Boyle
Wedding dress shopping can be an exciting yet daunting experience, and it is understandable to want to try on dresses without the pressure of buying. While some brides enjoy the buzz of a bridal salon, others prefer the comfort and flexibility of at-home try-on programs. It is recommended that you start looking for dresses about 12 months before your wedding, and ideally, you should purchase your gown about nine months before your wedding day. This allows time for the dress to be made and tailored. When booking an appointment, it is worth asking about the salon's guest policy, as having too many opinions can be overwhelming. If you are not ready to buy, you may want to be discreet about your intentions, as bridal shops are less likely to be accommodating if they know they are not making a sale.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ideal time to start shopping for wedding dresses | 12 months before the wedding day |
| Time to purchase the wedding dress | 9 months before the wedding |
| Average time taken for the wedding dress to arrive | 6-8 months |
| Average cost of a wedding dress | $2000 |
| Average cost of an American-made wedding dress | $4000 |
| At-home try-on services | Dreamers & Lovers, Avery Austin |
| Number of guests to take along | 2-3 |
| Ideal day to visit bridal salons | Weekdays |
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What You'll Learn
It's recommended to start trying on dresses 12 months before the wedding
It's recommended to start trying on wedding dresses 12 months before the wedding. This is because there are a lot of steps involved in the wedding dress shopping process, from budgeting to researching trends, booking appointments, and leaving time for alterations.
It's important to do your research on bridal salons, including their designer selection, price point, and sample sizes, to ensure they align with your budget and vision. You should also be aware that bridal sizing tends to run on the small side, so it's best to shop for your actual bridal size.
When scheduling appointments, it's a good idea to ask about the salon's guest policy. While bringing your entire roster of bridesmaids may sound appealing, conflicting tastes and distractions can quickly make the experience overwhelming. Instead, consider inviting just a few close family members or friends whose opinions you value.
The standard wedding dress appointment lasts one hour, and you may be able to extend it for a fee or plan to return another day if needed. Most people try on about seven dresses before making a purchase, and it may take a few appointments to find the perfect one.
Ideally, you should aim to purchase your gown about nine months before your wedding, as made-to-order wedding gowns can take six to nine months to create. This leaves enough time for production, shipping, and any necessary alterations. However, if you're working with a shorter timeline, there are options for expedited shipping or purchasing ready-to-wear gowns from online retailers.
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You can try on dresses at home
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. However, not everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of a bridal salon. Many brides prefer the comfort and flexibility of trying on dresses at home, allowing them to feel relaxed and take their time with this important decision.
At-home try-on programs offer a convenient and modern approach to wedding dress shopping. Brides can order sample dresses to their homes, creating a DIY bridal appointment experience with family and friends. This option is particularly advantageous for brides with loved ones living far away, as it enables them to be included via video call in a quiet and intimate setting.
When considering at-home try-on services, it is important to research the options available. Not all bridal salons offer this program, but there are companies that specialize in this service. For example, Dreamers & Lovers, based in California, provides an exclusive at-home try-on experience for brides in the US, Canada, and select European countries. Brides can order up to three dresses to try on, and the cost is applied as credit towards the final dress purchase.
Another company, Avery Austin, offers a similar at-home try-on program with inclusive sizing and affordable pricing. They allow brides to select up to three dresses for a small fee, providing the same clips used in bridal salons to adjust the fit at home. Luxe Redux Bridal is another option, offering designer bridal samples at a fraction of the retail price, with a convenient return process if the dress is not the one.
When trying on wedding dresses at home, it is important to consider sizing and measurements. Bridal gown sizes differ from typical dress sizes, so ordering a size or two up is often recommended. Additionally, alterations are common and necessary for most bridal gowns, so it is helpful to be prepared for potential adjustments. Overall, the at-home try-on option brings the bridal salon experience directly to the bride, providing a comfortable and personalized alternative to the traditional salon visit.
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Salons are busiest on Saturdays
While trying on wedding dresses is an exciting part of being engaged, it is quite different from your typical shopping trip. It is recommended that brides start shopping for their dresses about 12 months before the wedding, or shortly after the wedding date and venue have been decided. This allows enough time for the dress to be made and tailored.
When scheduling appointments, brides should ask about the salon's guest policy and be mindful that bringing a large group can lead to conflicting tastes and distractions. Instead, it is advised to bring only two or three close family members or friends.
Saturday is the busiest day at bridal salons. Thursdays and Fridays are also busy, with clients wanting to look their best for the weekend or special occasions. The atmosphere in the salon on these days is usually pleasant, but brisk, with stylists working more quickly. Saturdays can be particularly busy as salons often have to accommodate weddings and offer early morning appointments.
If you want to avoid the crowds and have more one-on-one time with your stylist, it is best to book an appointment during the week. Stylists tend to be more relaxed and can offer more personalized attention and recommendations.
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Bring 2-3 people to your appointment
Wedding dress appointments are memorable, and for many brides, it's a day they've dreamt about since childhood. However, it can quickly become overwhelming with too many people offering conflicting tastes and unnecessary distractions. Therefore, it is recommended to bring only 2-3 people to your appointment.
These 2-3 people should be your VIPs, like your maid of honour, mother, grandmother, or another close family member or friend. They should be people who won't pressure you to buy a dress you don't want and will help you start your search without feeling pressured by too many opinions. It is also important to consider the personalities and dynamics of your guests. For example, if your mother is traditionally opinionated or gives negative feedback when things aren't done her way, you may want to consider bringing someone else or going alone.
The more people you bring, the more opinions you'll have to consider, and despite your best intentions, it can be challenging to make your own decision. It's also important to check with the bridal salon, as many have limits on the number of guests you can bring. The standard wedding dress appointment lasts one hour, and having too many people in a small space can be counterproductive and take away from this special experience.
To make the most of your appointment, it's a good idea to do some research on the store you want to visit beforehand and be open to the recommendations of the bridal consultant. They are professionals who can suggest the best options that capture your personal style, complement your body type, and fit within your budget. It is also perfectly normal to take your time and return another day if you need more time to make a decision.
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Wedding dresses are usually special order
Wedding dresses are typically special-order items, which means that they are made to order and not bought off the rack. This process can take several months, so it is recommended that brides start shopping for their dresses about 12 months before their wedding day or shortly after they have their wedding date and venue finalised. This allows ample time for the dress to be made, tailored, and customised.
The special-order nature of wedding dresses also means that they often carry a higher price tag compared to off-the-rack options. The cost of a wedding dress can vary depending on various factors, such as the designer, materials used, and complexity of the design. On average, brides in the United States spend less than $2,000 on a wedding dress, while American-made dresses tend to start at nearly double that price.
Due to the time and cost involved in special-ordering a wedding dress, some brides may opt for alternative options, such as buying a dress online or utilising at-home try-on programs offered by select bridal salons. These programs allow brides to order sample dresses to their homes, providing a more comfortable and flexible experience. After deciding on a dress, the salon may offer the option to purchase the sample gown at a discounted rate or order a brand-new gown.
The process of special ordering a wedding dress can be further complicated by factors such as tariffs and price uncertainty. Tariffs on wedding gowns and accessories can significantly impact the final cost of the dress, and it can be challenging for bridal shop owners to navigate these additional charges. As a result, some stores may add surcharges to cover potential tariff costs, leading to price increases for brides.
Overall, the special-order nature of wedding dresses highlights the importance of advance planning, careful budgeting, and flexibility in the wedding dress shopping process. Brides should be prepared for potential delays, additional costs, and the unique challenges associated with made-to-order gowns.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can try on wedding dresses without buying. Many people try on wedding dresses before they are engaged or before they have a venue or date set. While some shops may be unhappy about this, many will still be accommodating. You can also try on wedding dresses at home, with at-home try-on programs that allow you to order sample dresses to your house.
It is recommended that you start shopping for wedding dresses about 12 months before your wedding, or shortly after you have your wedding date and venue confirmed. It can take a few appointments to find the right dress, and dresses can take six to eight months to be made and delivered, so it is best to start early.
This is a personal preference. Many people bring a few close friends or family members to help them try on dresses. However, some opt to go alone, or with a larger group of bridesmaids. It is important to check the salon's guest policy before your appointment, as not all salons allow large groups.
