Junior Rasmussen
Buying a wedding dress is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning your big day, so it's important to take your time and not rush the process. On average, brides try on 4-7 dresses, but some recommend trying no more than 10 to avoid confusion. It's also recommended to visit no more than 3 shops to avoid 'dress fatigue'. It's a good idea to try on a few different styles and visit multiple salons to make sure the dress you've picked is 'the one'. Most brides buy their dresses between 8 and 10 months before the wedding, but some buy theirs a year in advance. It can take up to 6 months for a dress to be built and shipped, so it's best to avoid last-minute hiccups and fees.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How far in advance should you start looking for a wedding dress? | 12+ months before your wedding date |
| When should you buy your wedding dress? | Between 8 and 10 months before the wedding |
| How long does it take for a wedding dress to arrive? | Up to 6 months |
| When should you schedule your first fitting? | 6-8 weeks before the wedding |
| When should you have your second fitting? | 4 weeks before the wedding |
| When do you need to pick up your finished gown? | 2 weeks before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
When to start looking for a wedding dress
The timeline for finding and ordering a wedding dress can vary depending on several factors. These include where you're buying your dress, the kind of dress you're buying, and how soon your wedding is.
It's recommended that you start looking for your wedding dress 12+ months before your wedding date. This is because there are so many different dress styles to choose from, and you'll want to know what vibe you're going for early on so you can plan visits and fittings accordingly. You should also take your venue into consideration. If you're having a beach wedding, for example, you'll want something comfortable, whereas a country house wedding calls for something more formal.
Once you've selected your venue, it's important to start thinking about your dress and nailing it down six to nine months before the wedding. This is a good time to start trying on dresses and visiting salons. Most people visit 2 stores before making a selection, and dresses can take up to six months to be built and shipped to your salon. You should make your final decision and put down a deposit around the nine-month mark.
After you've placed your order, you can pick out your bridal shoes and any accessories. You'll then have your first fitting at least six to eight weeks before your wedding, where you can make minor tweaks. Your second fitting should be scheduled for four weeks before the wedding, and a third, final round of alterations may be necessary, which typically happens two weeks before the big day.
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How to choose a bridal shop
It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding. This is because dresses can take up to five months or longer to arrive, and you'll need to allow time for fittings. With this in mind, you should start looking for your dress 12+ months before your wedding date.
- Browse the latest wedding dress trends to figure out which designers you like best and which ones are in your price range. Then, find out what stores in your area carry those designers. Most bridal shops list the designers they carry on their websites.
- If you have your heart set on a certain designer, don't write off a reputable bridal shop just because they don't carry that brand. You might end up loving a dress by a designer you didn't expect.
- Before choosing a bridal shop to visit, decide on a price point that you want to stick to. Certain stores may not have gowns within your price range. Check the store's website or call them in advance to find out more about their pricing.
- If you only have a certain budget, make sure you let your stylist know your maximum spend before trying on any dresses.
- Consider whether the dress store offers in-house alterations or whether you'll need to go somewhere else to get the gown fitted. Almost every bride has to get their wedding dress adjusted, so consider whether in-house alterations are important to you.
- Find out how the dress store's shopping experience works. Do you need to call ahead to make an appointment, or are walk-ins okay? Will you have the whole store to yourself, or will other brides be shopping at the same time? Knowing this information before choosing a bridal shop will make the process much smoother.
- Check online reviews to get a sense of other people's experiences at different bridal shops. Brides are incredibly honest in their reviews, so you can get a good idea of what to expect.
- Choose a bridal store that has multiple ways to get in touch and responds quickly. You'll want your questions answered immediately during this emotional and sometimes stressful time.
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Budgeting for a wedding dress
When creating your budget, it's important to consider the cost of the dress itself, as well as any potential alterations and accessories. Alterations can cost between $100 and $300, while accessories like veils, shoes, and jewellery can add an additional $200 to $500. To save money, you can look for affordable wedding dresses online at budget-friendly retailers or opt for a dress made from synthetic or blended fabrics, which tend to be more affordable than luxurious fabrics like silk or satin.
Another way to save money is to attend trunk shows or sample sales, which often offer designer gowns at discounted prices. You can also skip the alterations process by finding a brand that offers custom or made-to-measure sizing. By purchasing a dress that's made specifically for your measurements, you can avoid the additional cost of alterations.
It's important to establish a clear budget before you start shopping and to only try on dresses that are within your budget. This will help you avoid falling in love with a dress that's outside your price range. When creating your budget, consider your priorities and what matters most to you in a gown. If you're set on a designer dress, you may need to adjust your spending on other items like floral arrangements, food, music, or the venue.
In terms of timing, it's recommended to buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding. This allows for dress production and shipping, which can take up to 5 months or longer. However, some people choose to purchase their dress even earlier, especially if they want to influence other aspects of their wedding planning. It's also important to consider the lead time required by the dressmaker or retailer, as well as the time needed for alterations and fittings.
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Wedding dress fittings
The first fitting will be about an hour long, and you'll try on your wedding dress for the first time. It's likely that your gown won't fit properly, which is completely normal. Your fitter will then pin your dress to ensure a customized fit. You should be well-hydrated and ensure you don't attend this appointment on an empty stomach.
The second fitting will also take about an hour. Your gown will have been lightly sewn according to the pinning done during the first fitting, so it will fit better, but more pinning may be necessary. Two weeks before your gown pick-up or ship date, you'll schedule your final fitting. During this final alterations appointment, you'll try on your dress for the last time, and your fitter will triple-check everything to ensure you're happy with the fit.
It's important to get the timing of each appointment right. If your fittings are too far in advance, your body weight and shape might fluctuate, resulting in a dress that doesn't fit properly. On the other hand, scheduling alterations too close to your wedding may result in rush fees.
Additionally, consider bringing a relative, bridesmaid, or trusted friend to your fittings. This person can learn the "mechanics" of your dress, such as how to zip it properly, attach/detach sleeves, and bustle your dress.
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How to store a wedding dress
Most brides purchase their wedding dresses between 7.5 and 10 months before the wedding. This allows plenty of time for shopping around, shipping, fittings, and alterations. Wedding dresses are made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable.
Now, onto storing your wedding dress. Here are some tips to ensure your dress stays in pristine condition:
Professional Cleaning
Before storing your wedding dress, it is essential to get it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner. Even if the dress appears clean, there may be dirt or bacteria that can cause yellowing or discolouration over time. A professional will use specialised techniques to remove any stains and ensure your dress is in mint condition before storage.
Avoid Plastic Bags and Cardboard Boxes
Do not store your wedding dress in a plastic bag or a cardboard box. Plastic bags can trap moisture, bugs, and mildew, leading to further damage. Cardboard boxes are also not ideal as they can trap moisture and bacteria, and their acidic nature can cause discolouration over time.
Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper and Boxes
When folding your dress for storage, use acid-free tissue paper to prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. Acid-free paper will also help to cushion and protect the dress. Store your dress in an acid-free archival storage box, which can be purchased online.
Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Keep your wedding dress box in a cool, dark place away from humidity and sunlight. A closet or under-bed storage are good options. Avoid attics or cellars, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, leaks, and vermin damage.
Regular Inspections
While long-term storage is intended to preserve your wedding dress, it is essential to check on your dress regularly. Every six months, inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
By following these steps, you can ensure your wedding dress is stored correctly and maintained in excellent condition for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to buy your wedding dress between 6 and 15 months before the wedding. This gives you enough time to shop around and find your dream dress, as well as avoid rush fees.
Wedding dresses typically take 5-6 months to arrive, but this can vary depending on the customizations and intricacies of the design.
It is best to start looking for a wedding dress 9-12 months before the wedding. This allows time for production, shipping, and any necessary alterations.
On average, you will need 2-3 fittings for your wedding dress. The first fitting should be scheduled 6-8 weeks before the wedding, with the second fitting a month later. The final fitting usually takes place 2-3 weeks before the big day.
When shopping for a wedding dress, it is important to consider the wedding venue and theme to ensure the dress is appropriate for the occasion. You should also research bridal salons, including their designer selection, price points, and sample sizes. Additionally, don't forget to account for bridal sizing, as wedding dresses tend to run on the small side.
