George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and one of the most important considerations is the wedding dress. It is recommended that you start looking for a wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding. This gives you enough time to research boutiques, formulate your budget, and gather inspiration for the style, silhouette, and overall look of your dress. It is also important to have an idea of the season and location of your wedding, as these factors will influence the style of your dress. You should aim to place your order for your dress 8-10 months before the wedding to avoid rush fees and give designers enough time to create your gown. The final fitting of your dress will typically take place 2-3 weeks before the wedding, so it's important to schedule your alterations appointments accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start looking for a wedding dress | 12-18 months before the wedding |
| Time to start shopping for a wedding dress | 10-12 months before the wedding |
| Time to place the order | 8-10 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 customization | 5-6 months |
| Time for alterations | 2-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
When to start looking
Starting your search 12 months in advance also ensures that you have the wedding theme, location, and season established. These factors will influence the style of dress you choose. For instance, if you're getting married in a grand ballroom in winter, you might not want to wear a trendy slinky sheath dress.
It's important to note that wedding dresses are typically made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. Each fitting and alteration will take time, and you may need several appointments to get your dress fitting perfectly. The first fitting usually takes place about two months before the wedding, with the second fitting a month later. The final fitting will be in the two to three weeks prior to the big day.
If you're planning a destination wedding, you'll need to factor in extra time for shipping your dress to your location. You should also consider whether you want bridal portraits before the wedding day, as this will require the dress to be ordered and fitted in advance.
On the other hand, starting your search too early can also have its pitfalls. You may find yourself comparing your chosen dress to newer designs or experiencing changes in taste or body shape. As a general rule, it's best to avoid dress shopping before the 12-month mark.
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Budgeting and research
Budgeting:
- Understand the Impact of Price: The cost of your wedding dress can significantly impact your overall budget. The average cost of a wedding dress in 2023 was $1,800 to $2,000, with most brides finding their gown in the $1,500 to $2,500 range. High-end designer dresses can start at $5,000 and go up, while budget-friendly options typically range from $1,000 to $1,500.
- Allocate a Percentage: As a rule of thumb, allocate about 10% of your total wedding budget to your wedding dress, alterations, and accessories. This will help you set a realistic budget for your dress.
- Fabric and Embellishments: The type of fabric and embellishments used can significantly impact the cost of a wedding dress. Luxury fabrics like silk, satin, and hand-embroidered lace tend to be more expensive. Similarly, embellishments such as beading, sequins, and lace appliques add to the cost. Opting for simpler fabrics and silhouettes can help cut costs.
- Accessories: Don't forget to budget for accessories like jewellery, shoes, and a veil or headpiece, which can range from $150 to $400. These extra items can enhance your bridal look without breaking the bank.
- Alterations: Alterations are almost always necessary and typically incur additional fees. Expect to spend at least $100-$300 on alterations, and more if you require extensive changes. Choose a dress that already "almost" fits to save on alterations, or consider a corset-style gown that flatters your natural figure.
- Sample Sales and Rentals: Keep an eye out for sample sales hosted by large retailers and boutiques, where you can find designer dresses at discounted prices. Alternatively, consider renting a high-end gown from services like Rent the Runway to wear a designer dress at a fraction of the cost.
- Browse Affordable Options: Browse budget-friendly retailers like Lulus, Azazie, and Anthropologie, which offer gorgeous options without compromising style. You can also explore second-hand dresses or buy a sample dress off the floor to save money.
- Plan and Recoup Costs: If you go over budget, remember that you can recoup some costs by selling your dress after your wedding. Dresses in good condition and less than two years old can sell for about 50% of their original price.
Research:
- Timing: It's recommended to start your wedding dress search 9-12 months before your wedding. This allows you to shop around, avoid rush fees, and give designers enough lead time to create your gown. Starting too early may result in dress regret as newer designs are released.
- Location and Theme: Ensure you have a clear idea of your wedding location and theme before choosing your dress. This will help you select a dress that is appropriate for the occasion and the setting.
- Designers and Retailers: Research various designers and retailers to find one that aligns with your style and budget. Consider attending trunk shows for popular designers, as they often feature exclusive sales.
- Fabric and Craftsmanship: When researching, pay attention to the quality of fabrics and the level of craftsmanship. High-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship contribute to the overall cost of a dress.
- Fittings and Alterations: Understand the typical timeline for fittings and alterations. Your first fitting is usually about two months before the wedding, with subsequent fittings following closely. Allow enough time for alterations to ensure a perfect fit.
- Customizations: If you desire customizations or intricate details, factor in additional time. Customizations can extend the timeline, and you want to ensure your dress is ready well before your wedding day.
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Booking appointments
When booking appointments, it is important to consider the availability of your preferred boutiques and travel time. Many boutiques require appointments, especially on weekends, and may book up quickly. It is also recommended to limit the number of appointments in a single day, as trying on dresses can be tiring.
To make the most of your appointments, it is suggested to wear appropriate undergarments, such as a nude strapless bra and seamless underwear, to better visualize how the dresses will look on your wedding day. It is also important to eat something and stay hydrated before your appointments, as dress shopping can be exhausting.
Additionally, consider who you want to bring with you to your appointments. Some brides choose to bring a small group of trusted friends or family members, while others prefer to shop alone to avoid outside opinions. Be sure to check with the boutique in advance if there are any limits on the number of guests allowed.
Finally, when booking your appointments, keep in mind that you will need to allow extra time for alterations. Typically, there are up to three alterations fittings to ensure the dress fits perfectly. The first alterations appointment is where major changes are made, such as adding sleeves or adjusting the hem. The final fitting usually takes place 2-3 weeks before the wedding day.
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Fittings and alterations
Most brides have between two and four fittings, with three being the most common. The first fitting will typically take place around two to three months before the wedding. During this appointment, the seamstress will assess the dress and the alterations needed. This will be the lengthiest appointment, as it's when most of the work will be done on your dress. The seamstress will add pins to the hemline, straps, waist, and any other areas requiring adjustments. You should also bring your wedding shoes and undergarments to this fitting, as these can impact the fit of your dress.
After the first fitting, you can expect subsequent fittings to take less time, as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. The final fitting should be scheduled around one to two weeks before the wedding. By this time, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, ensuring the most accurate fit. This appointment is also a chance to learn how to get into and out of your gown and to practice bustling it. It's a good idea to bring a friend or family member to this fitting, as they can learn these tricks too and provide a second opinion.
The number of fittings you'll need will depend on the complexity of the alterations and the style and size of the original dress. Some brides opt for additional fittings to fine-tune details such as the neckline or sleeve length. It's important to remember that wedding dress alterations are usually more complicated and time-consuming than standard dress alterations, so it's recommended to schedule a private fitting with a qualified seamstress or tailor.
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Transporting the dress
Transporting the wedding dress to the venue is an important consideration. The choice between carrying or shipping your dress depends on your comfort level and specific circumstances. If your wedding is within driving distance, you can transport the dress in your car. Lay down the seats of your car and place your dress in its white garment bag flat on the seats, or hang it from the garment hook on the inside of the door.
If your wedding is out of state or overseas, you can either ship your dress or carry it on the plane. If you plan on shipping your wedding dress, you’ll first need to fill out a shipping affidavit and then carefully prepare your pressed and packed dress with extra tissue paper and a layer of protective cardboard so that your dress arrives safely. It is recommended that you open the package and hang your dress in a safe place the night before your wedding.
If you carry your dress on the plane, you should not place your dress in its garment bag into checked luggage. Items of high value are suggested to be carried onto the plane. You can call the airline in advance to confirm that your garment bag will work as a carry-on. You might also want to consider priority boarding, as the closets on board are first come, first served. Another option is laying your wedding dress flat in the overhead bin.
Regardless of how you transport your dress, knowing how to pack it is crucial for maintaining its pristine colour and shape. It is recommended to keep your dress in the bag that it came in, or to purchase a sturdy garment bag. Ensure that the bag contains a waterproof layer in case anything spills during transit. Cover the dress with colorless, acid-free tissue paper to prevent creases from forming during travel.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start looking for your wedding dress 11 to 12 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around, make a decision, and account for production and shipping delays.
Wedding dresses typically take 5 to 9 months to arrive, though some take even longer. This long lead time is due to many dresses being hand-finished and shipped from overseas.
You'll generally have up to three alterations fittings to ensure the dress fits properly. The first appointment is where the heavy lifting happens, such as adding sleeves or switching up the neckline. The final fitting will be 2-3 weeks before the wedding.
About six months before the wedding is a good time to start shopping for bridesmaids' outfits.
If you're buying a second wedding gown, start looking as soon as you know what your main gown will be. If time permits, you can even try on a few second dress options while looking for the main gown.
