Lyla Dejesus
Buying a wedding dress is an important step in planning a wedding. While it's never too early to start looking, most sources recommend buying your wedding dress between 6 and 12 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around, order your dress, and have any necessary alterations made. However, some sources suggest that buying a dress more than 12 months in advance may result in dress regret as newer designs are released. Additionally, if you start shopping with less than 8 months until the wedding, you may have to pay rush fees to ensure your dress arrives on time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start shopping | 9-12 months before the wedding |
| Time to buy | 6-15 months before the wedding |
| Time for fittings | 3 fittings, the first one 2 months before the wedding, the second one a month later, and the final fitting 2-3 weeks before |
| Time for alterations | 1-6 months |
| Time for production and shipping | 5-9 months |
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What You'll Learn
How early is too early?
It is generally recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress at least nine months before your wedding, with a view to ordering the dress at least six months out. 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 the lead time necessary to create your gown from scratch. Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, so it's important to get the process started sooner rather than later.
That being said, it is possible to buy your dress too early. Buying a gown too early may result in a few last-minute stressors that you might not have considered beforehand. For example, your body weight and shape could fluctuate after the gown is altered, and you could be left with a dress that doesn't fit properly. Additionally, if you buy a dress that is very trendy, you may find yourself comparing it to newer designs as more recent collections are rolled out. As a general rule, it is recommended that you don't buy your wedding dress any earlier than a year and a half before your wedding.
If you're getting married in a few months, a sample wedding dress or off-the-rack style is probably your best option as you can buy them and take them home on the same day. Keep in mind that you'll likely still want to make alterations, so it's wise to leave at least a month or six weeks to get those done.
In terms of fittings, you'll generally have up to three alterations fittings to make sure that the dress fits like a glove. Your first alterations appointment is where the heavy lifting happens: adding sleeves, switching up the neckline, adjusting the hem, or requesting customizations. Your final fitting will be in the two to three weeks prior to your wedding day.
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How to avoid dress regret
Buying a wedding dress is an important step in the wedding planning process, and it's natural to want to make the right choice. To avoid dress regret, there are several steps you can take before and after purchasing your gown.
Firstly, it's important to start the wedding dress shopping process early. Most sources recommend buying your wedding dress between 6 and 10 months before the wedding. This allows time for production and shipping, as well as any alterations that may be needed. Starting early also gives you the opportunity to explore different options and make a considered decision without feeling rushed.
When it comes to choosing a dress, it's crucial to select a style that aligns with your personal taste and makes you feel confident. Avoid following trends just because they are popular, as they may not suit your individual style. It's also important to choose a dress that fits well and flatters your body type. Ill-fitting dresses are a common cause of dress regret, so consider any necessary alterations and customisations to ensure your comfort on the big day.
After purchasing your dress, avoid looking at other options or comparing your choice to new styles. This can lead to second-guessing and diminish your initial excitement. Instead, focus on the reasons you chose the dress and consider working with a stylist to accessorise and enhance your chosen look.
If you're experiencing dress regret, contact the bridal salon to discuss your options. Each store has different policies, but they may be able to offer an exchange or return. If not, consider alterations to customise the dress to your liking.
Remember, it's normal to want to find the perfect dress, but it's important to trust your instincts and commit to your choice. By following these steps, you can help ensure that you feel confident and happy with your wedding dress selection.
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Budgeting for your dress
Budgeting for your wedding dress is an important part of the wedding planning process. The cost of a wedding dress can vary significantly, and there are a few factors to consider when creating your budget. Firstly, understand the bridal fashion market and the price range of dresses that align with your desired style and design. This will help you set a realistic budget for the type of dress you want. Keep in mind that designer gowns tend to be more expensive, and certain luxurious fabrics, such as silk or embroidered lace, will also contribute to a higher price tag.
It is recommended to establish a clear budget before you start shopping to ensure you only try on dresses that are within your budget. This will help you avoid falling in love with a dress that is beyond your financial means. Additionally, consider the cost of alterations in your budget. Most wedding dresses require at least minor adjustments, and more significant changes, such as changing the neckline or adding embellishments, can incur additional costs.
When creating your budget, think about the overall wedding budget and how much you are comfortable spending on your dress. You may need to adjust your spending on other items, such as the venue, catering, or entertainment, to allocate more funds for your dress. It is also worth noting that bridal sizing may differ from your usual size, so be prepared to purchase a size or two larger than your typical clothing size.
If you are working with a tighter budget, there are still ways to find your dream dress. Sample sales, off-the-rack styles, and vintage options can offer more affordable alternatives. Department stores and online boutiques also provide a great selection of designer-like buys without the lengthy lead times of made-to-order gowns. Additionally, attending trunk shows can give you access to designer gowns at discounted prices.
Remember, the budget you set should ultimately reflect what brings you joy and excitement. If a particular dress is important to you and fits within your financial means, go for it! Visualize how you will feel wearing the dress on your special day, and make a decision that aligns with your priorities and values.
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Fittings and alterations
At the first fitting, the seamstress will go over the entire dress to see what needs to be altered. They will start with the bodice, ensuring it fits correctly, and then move on to pinning the hem. This is also when you can make decisions about minor tweaks, such as changing the neckline or trim. It's important to bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to this fitting, as these can impact the fit of your gown.
The second fitting is when most of the heavy lifting should be done, and you'll have a good idea of how the dress will look. You can make final decisions about your headpiece, veil, and accessories, and bring your lingerie to ensure the right fit.
The final fitting is typically a quality check to ensure that all the alterations have been made according to plan. At this appointment, the seamstress will show someone who will be helping you get ready on the day how to zip you up, lace your corset, or bustle your train.
The cost of alterations varies depending on the dress and the type of adjustments required. Simple alterations like hemming the length of the dress can cost around $50 to $225, while more extensive changes like resewing seams or adding lace can cost a few hundred dollars. In-house alterations can sometimes be included in a flat fee of around $500 to $900.
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Choosing the right bridal salon
Do Your Research
Before choosing a bridal salon, it's important to do your research. Read reviews from other customers to get an idea of their experience and assess whether the salon is likely to meet your expectations. You can also check the salon's website and social media pages to learn more about their size ranges, price points, and designers carried. If you're a plus-size bride, be sure to research the size selection at different salons and don't be afraid to contact them directly to inquire about sizing.
Seek Recommendations
Talk to friends, family, and colleagues who have recently been married. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their own experiences. Ask them about their preferred bridal salons, where they had positive experiences, and any places they would suggest avoiding.
Visit Multiple Salons
Don't feel pressured to make a decision after visiting just one bridal salon. Take the time to explore several salons to find the one that aligns with your vision and offers the styles you're interested in. This will also give you a better sense of the market and help you make a more informed decision.
Consider Timing
Bridal salons tend to be busiest during peak wedding periods, which may impact the level of attention you receive and the overall experience. If you're looking for a bargain, consider shopping during the year-end months, as bridal shops often clear out older stock during this time. Additionally, keep in mind that made-to-order wedding gowns can take about six to nine months to create, so it's crucial to start your search early to avoid last-minute hiccups and fees.
Set a Budget
Before stepping into a bridal salon, it's essential to set a budget for yourself. Knowing your price range will help you narrow down your options and avoid the temptation of choosing a dress that's beyond your means. It also enables your bridal stylist to suggest appropriate gowns within your budget during your appointment.
Assess Your Priorities
Consider whether you want a bridal salon that specializes solely in bridal attire or a bridal studio that offers a range of wedding services under one roof. If you're looking for convenience and the ease of having multiple services in one place, a bridal studio might be ideal. However, if you're seeking a wider variety of bridal attire options, a boutique that only carries bridal fashions may offer a larger selection.
Remember, choosing the right bridal salon is an integral part of finding your dream wedding dress. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts to create a memorable and enjoyable experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Most sources recommend buying your wedding dress between 6 and 12 months in advance. This gives you time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams, and ensures you avoid rush fees and give designers enough time to create your gown from scratch.
Brides who start before the 12-month mark often find themselves comparing their dress to newer designs as more recent collections are rolled out.
If your wedding is coming up soon, a sample wedding dress or off-the-rack style is probably your best option as you can buy them and take them home on the same day.
You'll generally have up to three fittings to make sure that the dress fits like a glove. The first appointment is where the heavy lifting happens, and your final fitting will be in the 2-3 weeks before your wedding.
It's important to research bridal salons and their designer selection, price point, and sample sizes. You should also consider the wedding venue and theme before picking a dress to make sure it's appropriate for the occasion.
