Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding planning can be stressful, and one of the most important parts of the process is finding the perfect dress. Many brides wonder how early is too early to buy a wedding dress, and while there is no definitive answer, there are some guidelines to follow. On average, brides start their wedding dress search 10 months before the wedding, with most purchasing their dresses between 7.5 and 9 months before the big day. This allows plenty of time for production and shipping, which can take up to five months, as well as alterations, which can take one to three sessions. However, some brides choose to purchase their dresses earlier, especially if they want to avoid rush fees or have a specific design in mind that may take longer to produce. Ultimately, it's essential to start the dress shopping journey early, allowing enough time to explore various options and ensure a stress-free experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earliest time to buy a wedding dress | 6-15 months before the wedding |
| Latest time to buy a wedding dress | 8-9 months before the wedding |
| Average time to buy a wedding dress | 7.5 months before the wedding |
| Time to start looking for a wedding dress | 8-10 months before the wedding |
| Time to start visiting dress salons | 8.5 months before the wedding |
| Time to start trying on wedding dresses | 9-12 months before the wedding |
| Time for the first fitting | 2 months before the wedding |
| Time for the second fitting | 1 month before the wedding |
| Time for the final fitting | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
| Time for alterations | 1-3 sessions of 1-3 months each |
| Time to account for dressmaking | 4-6 months |
| Time to avoid dress shopping before | 12 months |
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What You'll Learn
Buying a wedding dress early
There are many factors to consider when deciding how early to buy a wedding dress. While some brides have purchased their dresses a year or more in advance, bridal stylists often recommend buying a dress no more than eight months before the wedding. This minimizes the risk of returning or selling the dress due to changes in taste or body fluctuations.
Starting the wedding dress hunt too early can lead to "dress regret" as newer designs are released. It is also important to have an established wedding theme and location before picking a dress to ensure it is appropriate for the occasion. Additionally, buying a dress too early may result in comparing the chosen dress to newer styles as recent collections are launched.
On the other hand, buying a dress too close to the wedding date can be risky. Wedding dresses typically take four to six months to produce, depending on the complexity of the design and the number of customizations. Allowing sufficient time for production and shipping is crucial, as well as for any necessary alterations. Starting the process early is especially important if you plan to customize your gown.
To avoid rush fees and ensure your dream dress is available, it is generally recommended to start looking for a wedding dress 9–12 months before the wedding. This timeframe allows for browsing, ordering, and any necessary alterations, ensuring a stress-free experience.
If you are in a time crunch, there are still options available. Sample sales, second-hand dresses, and ready-to-wear options can be purchased on shorter notice, ensuring you find a dress that suits your style and budget even on a tight timeline.
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Wedding dress alterations
The first step in wedding dress alterations is to secure a fitting and alterations appointment. This can be done either in-house at the bridal boutique or with a trusted tailor or seamstress outside of the boutique. It is important to bring the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to your fitting appointment, as even a small difference in heel height can affect the hem of your dress. It is also a good idea to bring your chosen veil and jewellery to get an early glimpse of your full bridal look.
During the alterations process, the seamstress will modify the gown to fit the bride's body. This may include taking in or letting out the dress, as well as making any desired style changes. It is important to ask any questions you have during the alterations process to ensure that you are happy with the final product.
Finally, it is recommended that brides schedule their final fitting close to their wedding day to ensure that the dress fits perfectly. This may mean picking up the dress just a month before the wedding, or even later.
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Wedding dress trends
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, but knowing what to expect can help you prepare. On average, brides start visiting dress salons about 8.5 months before the wedding and make the purchase 7.5 months in advance. However, some boutiques advise ordering your dress 10 months to a year before the wedding. This timeline is important to ensure your dress arrives on time, as making a wedding dress can take between four to six months, and you'll also need to account for alterations.
Now, let's dive into the latest wedding dress trends to help you make a stylish entrance on your big day:
Basque Waists
Basque waistlines, inspired by 18th-century fashion, create a beautiful hourglass silhouette. This trend is perfect for brides seeking a regal, vintage-inspired look with a timeless and elegant feel.
Cat-Eye Necklines
This year, cat-eye necklines are all the rage. Defined by sharp, angular edges that point up towards the collarbone or shoulder, they add a fresh and modern twist to any silhouette. If you're a fashion-forward bride, this style is a great way to embrace the latest trends subtly.
Bubble Hems
For brides who love the volume and wow factor of traditional ball gowns but want something unique, bubble hems are a fun and trendy option. This style has made its way onto the runway in various forms, from A-line to mermaid gowns and even convertible wedding dresses.
Lace-Up Detailing
Lace-up corsets have been a classic feature of wedding dresses, but this season, designers are pushing boundaries by incorporating lace-up details in innovative ways. Think front-lacing corsetry and deep plunging necklines that lace up into bows.
Pearls
Pearls are no longer just for jewellery. Pearl-encrusted bodices and scattered pearl details add a touch of subtle glamour and understated luxury. This trend is perfect for brides who want to add depth and elegance without being overly flashy.
Long Sleeves
Long sleeves continue to be a favourite among brides, offering a mix of modesty and elegance. Modern takes on this trend include sheer fabrics, lace details, and dramatic cuffs. Perfect for cooler seasons and outdoor weddings, this style adds a unique twist to any gown.
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Wedding dress timeline
Wedding dress shopping can be a lengthy process, and it's important to give yourself enough time to find the perfect dress, as well as to allow for any necessary alterations. Here is a suggested timeline to help you plan:
12-18 months before the wedding:
- Start thinking about your wedding dress budget and begin researching styles and trends that appeal to you.
- Booking appointments with bridal stylists can be done at this stage, especially if you are considering a bespoke or highly customised gown, as these will require more time to create.
9-12 months before the wedding:
- This is the ideal time to start trying on dresses and making appointments at bridal salons.
- It's a good idea to have a venue and a date set before choosing your dress, as the location and season may influence the style of your gown.
- If you fall in love with a dress at this stage, go ahead and order it!
8-9 months before the wedding:
This is the typical deadline for ordering your dress to avoid rush fees and give designers enough time to create your gown.
5-6 months before the wedding:
By this point, your dress should be in production, or you may have received it already if you bought off the rack.
3-4 months before the wedding:
Your dress should be finished and at the salon, or with you, if you bought off the rack.
2 months before the wedding:
Your first fitting should take place around this time.
1 month before the wedding:
Your second fitting will usually be scheduled for around a month after the first.
2-3 weeks before the wedding:
Your final fitting will ensure that your dress fits perfectly on the day.
The week before the wedding:
Pick up your dress, or have it delivered, and enjoy your big day!
It's important to remember that every bridal salon and designer works to different timelines, and some may be able to accommodate rush orders if needed. Additionally, it's common to need slight alterations to your gown, even if it's made specifically for you, so always plan for this and allow some extra time.
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Wedding dress budget
The wedding dress budget will depend on the type of dress you want, the materials used, and any customisations. Wedding dresses can cost anywhere from under $500 to $13,000.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are many online and in-store options available. Azazie, for example, offers a range of stylish and quality wedding dresses under $500. Similarly, Luxe Redux Bridal also offers designer gowns at discounted prices, with up to 90% off. These options allow you to stay within your budget while still finding a dress that suits your style and personality.
If you are open to a "cute little white dress," this classic and versatile option can be dressed up or down and is usually more affordable than traditional wedding gowns.
Additionally, consider the timeline for purchasing your dress. The production and shipping of a wedding dress can take between four to seven months, and you will also need to account for alterations, which can take over a month. While some recommend buying your dress nine months before the wedding, others suggest eight months as a deadline. However, if you are purchasing a dress off the rack, you may have more flexibility with your timeline.
It is important to start researching and visiting dress salons early, especially if you plan to customise your gown. This will ensure that you have enough time for any necessary alterations and to account for any potential delays in production or shipping.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended that you buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding. This gives you enough time to account for production and shipping, which can take up to five months or longer.
If you're buying a dress off the rack, it's still important to start the process early if you're interested in customizing your gown in any way.
To minimize dress regret, stop looking at other dresses once you've bought yours. You can also unfollow designers, boutiques, and Pinterest pages to avoid second-guessing yourself.
It's recommended that you start researching and gathering inspiration for your wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding. You should make your bridal appointments 9-12 months prior to your wedding date.
To avoid rush fees, don't wait until your wedding is less than 8 months out to start looking for a dress.
