Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and choosing a wedding dress is one of the most important fashion decisions a person will make. While it can be tempting to shop for a dress years in advance, it is generally recommended that you start looking for a dress 9-12 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams, and ensures that you avoid rush fees and give designers enough time to create your gown. However, it is important to wait until you have booked your venue and decided on the look and feel of your wedding, as these will influence the style of dress you choose. Once you've found the perfect dress, it's time to think about alterations and fittings to ensure that your dress fits like a glove.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early to pick a wedding dress | 8-12 months before the wedding |
| How early to start shopping | 9-12 months before the wedding |
| How early to place the order | 8-9 months before the wedding |
| How early to arrive at the salon | 3-4 months before the wedding |
| How early to have the final fitting | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
| How early to pick the veil | Before the first alterations appointment |
| How early to buy a vintage dress | As early as possible |
| How early to buy a high-street dress | As soon as they're in stock |
| How early to buy a custom dress | 1 year and 6 months before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress shopping timeline: 9-12 months before the wedding
Wedding dress shopping is an exhilarating journey, but careful planning is required. It is recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress 9 to 12 months before the wedding. This timeline allows you to shop around and find your dream dress, avoiding rush fees and giving designers ample time to create your gown.
During this period, you should also decide on any desired customizations and pay a deposit for your dress, which is typically around 50% of the price. It is also a good idea to have your veil, jewellery, and shoes picked out by your first fitting, so you can get an early glimpse of your full bridal look.
If you are buying an off-the-rack or vintage dress, you may have more flexibility with timing, as these dresses can often be purchased on the same day. However, keep in mind that alterations may still be needed, especially for vintage dresses, so allow enough time to find the right person for the job.
Additionally, don't wait until you've reached your "goal weight" to go dress shopping. Dresses can always be altered for weight fluctuations, and you don't want to risk leaving it too late to find the perfect dress.
Finally, when choosing a bridal appointment, keep in mind that it typically takes at least 5 to 6 months for a dress to come in, and longer for custom gowns. So, if you're planning on intricate customizations or having your wedding overseas, give yourself extra time.
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Venue and theme: Pick a dress that's appropriate for the occasion
When it comes to picking your wedding dress, it's essential to consider the venue and theme of your big day to ensure your dress is appropriate for the occasion. While you might have your heart set on a particular style, keeping the venue and theme in mind will help you make a practical choice that complements the overall vibe of your wedding.
For example, if you're planning a beach wedding with neutral colours, a lighter fabric that can withstand the heat would be a more suitable option. On the other hand, if your venue is a grand castle with regal decor, a fairytale-inspired ball gown could be the perfect choice. The location and theme of your wedding can help narrow down your dress options and guide you towards a dress that aligns with the atmosphere and setting of your celebration.
It's also important to consider the season and weather conditions when selecting your wedding dress. If you're getting married outdoors, you'll want to choose a dress that's comfortable and practical for the climate. For instance, if your wedding is in the summer, you might opt for a lighter fabric to stay cool, while a winter wedding could call for a dress with longer sleeves or a warmer fabric.
Additionally, the formality of your wedding can also influence your dress choice. A black-tie wedding might call for a more formal and elegant gown, while a more casual celebration could give you the freedom to choose a simpler or non-traditional dress.
While it's essential to keep the venue and theme in mind, it's also worth noting that you shouldn't feel limited by these factors. Your wedding dress should reflect your personal style and make you feel confident and beautiful. It's all about finding the perfect balance between practicality and self-expression.
In terms of timing, it's recommended to start looking for your wedding dress 9-12 months in advance. This gives you enough time to explore different styles, book appointments, and make a decision without feeling rushed. However, don't feel pressured to find your dream dress right away. Give yourself the flexibility to shop around and consider different options before making such a significant decision.
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Budget: Finalise your wedding dress budget
Finalising your wedding dress budget is an important step in the process of choosing your wedding dress. Wedding dresses can vary significantly in price, and it is easy to go over budget, so it is important to be clear on this from the outset.
When finalising your budget, it is important to consider the cost of alterations. Alterations can add a significant amount to the overall cost of your dress, so it is worth budgeting for these from the start. Some seamstresses may charge per service, while others may request a flat fee for alterations, so it is worth shopping around and asking for quotes. It is also worth noting that some boutiques offer alterations services, so it is worth checking this when you purchase your dress.
You should also consider the cost of any accessories, such as a veil, shoes, and jewellery. These can also add to the overall cost, so it is worth including them in your budget. You may also want to factor in the cost of any hair and makeup trials, as these can help you decide on your overall look for the big day.
It is worth noting that you don't necessarily need to spend a fortune on your wedding dress. There are many options available, including off-the-rack dresses, vintage dresses, and high street wedding dresses, which can be more affordable. Department stores and online boutiques are also great places to look for high-quality dresses without the long lead times.
Finally, when budgeting, it is important to consider the timing of your purchase. Wedding dresses are typically made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. If you start looking too early, you may risk falling out of love with your dress or seeing newer designs that you prefer. On the other hand, if you leave it too late, you may have to pay rush fees to ensure your dress arrives on time. The general consensus is that you should start looking for your dress around 8-12 months before your wedding, giving you plenty of time to find the dress of your dreams without rushing.
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$63.99
Bridal entourage: Pick an intimate group of people to shop with
When it comes to picking your wedding dress, it's essential to start the process early, ideally 9-12 months before the wedding. This gives you ample time to shop around, find your dream dress, and avoid rush fees. However, it's not just about finding the dress; it's also about creating lasting memories with your bridal entourage.
The people you choose to accompany you on your wedding dress journey play a pivotal role in making the experience memorable and enjoyable. Here are some tips to consider:
- Keep the group small and intimate: While it may be tempting to bring a large group of friends and family, too many opinions can overwhelm the bride. Aim for a group of 2-4 people whose opinions the bride values, creating a supportive atmosphere without conflicting viewpoints.
- Choose the "must-see" person: Whether it's your mother, sister, or a close friend, having that one special person by your side can be invaluable. They will witness the magic of finding the perfect dress and be part of the emotional "say yes" moment.
- Discuss the budget beforehand: Talk to your entourage about the wedding dress budget. While it's fun to explore high-end options, respecting the bride's financial boundaries is crucial. Help her find dresses within her price range, and offer constructive feedback if a dress doesn't align with her vision or budget.
- Be supportive and respectful: As part of the entourage, your role is to make the experience pleasant and memorable. Be supportive, encouraging, and respectful of the bride's choices. Remember, the final decision is hers, so focus on helping her make an informed decision without criticism.
- Capture the moments: Take photos of the bride in the dresses she tries on, with her permission, so she can revisit those memories and share them with others.
- Consider waiting for that special person: If there's someone you can't imagine saying "yes" to the dress without, consider waiting until they're available to join you. Their presence contributes significantly to the overall experience.
- Set boundaries and choose your comfort: You don't have to feel pressured to include everyone. It's acceptable to set boundaries and choose an entourage that aligns with your comfort and desires. Remember, it's about reflecting your personality and style.
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Alterations: Allow time to find the right person
Finding a seamstress or tailor with the right expertise and scheduling fittings in advance are crucial steps in achieving the perfect fit for your wedding dress. While some bridal salons offer in-house tailoring services, you may also need to source an independent seamstress.
It is recommended that you schedule your first fitting around two to three months before the wedding. This will be the best time to determine your alteration needs. During this initial appointment, the seamstress will assess the fit of the dress on your body and suggest alterations. They will carefully go over every aspect of the dress, from the shoulders, bust, waist, hips, and hem, to ensure the dress conforms to your body. Depending on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule, the process can take anywhere from six to eight weeks, or even longer for more intricate changes.
After the initial fitting, you should plan for two or three additional appointments. The second fitting should take place about a month before the wedding, and the final fitting should occur no later than two weeks before the big day. These subsequent fittings are essential for fine-tuning and ensuring that any adjustments made after the initial fitting are satisfactory.
To ensure a seamless process, it is advisable to start researching and reaching out to seamstresses early on. Discuss your vision for the dress and any significant changes you want to make, such as adding straps, altering the neckline, or accommodating a pregnancy. This will allow the seamstress to provide an accurate time frame for the alterations and help you schedule your fittings accordingly.
Remember, achieving the ideal dress fit often requires alterations, so it's crucial to build them into your timeline and budget.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you start looking for your wedding dress 9-12 months before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams. It also ensures that you avoid rush fees and give designers enough time to create your gown from scratch.
You should aim to buy your wedding dress 8-9 months before your wedding. This gives you enough time to make alterations to your dress.
You should not leave it any later than 8 months before your wedding to order your dress. If you do, you run the risk of having to pay rush fees to ensure your dress arrives in time to be altered.
