Rhiannon Hendricks
Deciding on a wedding dress is an important part of wedding planning. While some brides opt to buy their dress a year or more in advance, others recommend buying no more than 8 months before the wedding to avoid dress regret and minimize the risk of returning or selling the dress due to changes in taste or body shape. The ideal time to start trying on dresses is 12 months before the wedding, as it allows ample time to shop around, make a decision, and order the dress, which typically takes 5-6 months to arrive. After the dress arrives, fittings and alterations are the next phase, with the final fitting ideally taking place 2-3 weeks before the wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to decide on a wedding dress | 8-12 months before the wedding |
| Budgeting | 7% of the overall wedding budget |
| Average cost | $2,000 |
| Additional costs | Taxes, alterations, shipping, rush fees, accessories |
| Number of fittings | 3 |
| Final fitting | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
| Customisations | Sleeves, neckline, hemline, beading |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting for your dress
Budgeting for your wedding dress is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. The cost of a wedding dress can vary depending on various factors, and it's important to make informed decisions to stay within your financial comfort zone. Here are some guidelines and tips for budgeting for your dream wedding dress:
- Determine your total wedding budget: Before allocating funds for your wedding dress, it's essential to establish an overall wedding budget. This will help you understand how much you can realistically allocate for your attire. According to industry professionals, couples typically spend around 6% to 10% of their total wedding budget on the wedding dress, alterations, and accessories.
- Set a realistic dress budget: Once you have an idea of the overall wedding budget, it's time to decide how much you are willing to spend on your dress. Be sure to factor in potential alterations and accessories to ensure you don't exceed your budget.
- Explore financing options: Look into financing options to help manage your budget. Some boutiques offer in-house alterations, while others may require you to find an external seamstress. Alterations can range from $75 to over $300, depending on the complexity of the adjustments. Simple alterations, like hemming, are typically on the lower end, while extensive work like adding sleeves or changing necklines can be more expensive.
- Consider the fabric and embellishments: The choice of fabric and embellishments significantly impact the cost of a wedding dress. Silk, embroidered lace, tulle, and extra layers tend to be more expensive. If you're on a modest budget, opt for simpler fabrics like crepe, satin, or chiffon. Beading, sequins, and lace appliques also add to the cost. Choose a simple dress and enhance it with accessories if you want a glamorous look without breaking the bank.
- Shop around and attend trunk shows: Compare prices from different retailers, including large chains, personalized bridal boutiques, and high-end designers. Attend trunk shows and sales events, as they often offer exclusive discounts on designer gowns. These events can be a great way to find your dream dress at a more affordable price.
- Browse online and off-the-rack options: Don't underestimate the power of online retailers and off-the-rack options. Websites like Lulus, Azazie, and Anthropologie offer budget-friendly yet elegant wedding dress options. Additionally, some boutiques provide made-to-measure services, eliminating the need for alterations and saving you money.
- Prioritize what matters most: If you have specific elements you're dreaming of, prioritize them within your budget. For example, if you desire a luxurious fabric, balance it out with a simpler silhouette. Focus on the aspects that matter most to you, and be willing to compromise on less important features to stay within your budget.
- Avoid dress regret: While it may be tempting to buy your dream dress as soon as you find it, bridal consultants recommend purchasing no more than eight months before the wedding. This minimizes the risk of dress returns or alterations due to body or taste changes.
- Stay informed and flexible: Keep an eye out for sales and subscribe to your favorite brands' social media pages and mailing lists. Be open to different options and remember that your dream dress doesn't have to break the bank. With a bit of research and flexibility, you can find a gorgeous gown that fits both your style and financial constraints.
Remember, budgeting for your wedding dress is about balancing your style preferences with your financial constraints. By setting a realistic budget, exploring various options, and staying informed, you can find the perfect wedding dress without sacrificing your financial comfort.
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Timing your purchase
Timing your wedding dress purchase is crucial to avoid rush fees and dress regret. While common wisdom recommends buying your wedding dress six months in advance, many sources suggest that 8-12 months is the ideal time frame. This allows for plenty of time to shop around, make a decision, and order your dress, as well as providing a buffer for any potential delays in production or alterations.
It's important to consider your wedding date, venue, and aesthetic when deciding on the timing of your purchase. For example, if your wedding is taking place overseas and you plan on shipping your dress, you will need to allow extra time. Similarly, if you are planning on several intricate customizations, you will need to account for a longer timeline.
To ensure that you don't feel pressured or rushed during the process, it is recommended that you start researching and gathering inspiration for your wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding. This can involve creating a vision board on Pinterest of wedding dress silhouettes, fabrics, and the overall tone you are aiming for. Once you have a good understanding of what you are looking for, you can start scheduling bridal appointments and trying on dresses.
After you have found 'the one', you will need to factor in time for fittings. Typically, your first wedding dress fitting will be about two months before the wedding, with the second following a month later. Your final fitting will usually take place in the two to three weeks leading up to the big day, allowing for any last-minute tweaks to be made.
While it may be tempting to purchase your dress further in advance, especially during longer engagements, it is generally recommended to avoid buying a wedding dress more than 12 months before the wedding. This is because newer designs may be released, causing dress regret, and you may find yourself comparing your dress to more recent collections. Additionally, your body weight and shape could fluctuate, resulting in the need for further alterations.
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Wedding dress fittings
Timing of Wedding Dress Fittings
It is recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress 9-12 months before the wedding. This gives you ample time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams. It is also important to consider that wedding dresses are typically made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. Your first wedding dress fitting should be about two months before the wedding, with the second a month later. Your final fitting will be in the two to three weeks leading up to the wedding.
Customisations and Alterations
During your first fitting, you can make customisations to the dress, such as adding sleeves, changing the neckline, or adjusting the hem. You can also add personal touches like beading. It is 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, leaving too little time for alterations may result in rush fees.
Practical Considerations
When trying on dresses, it is important to keep in mind that you will mostly be standing still. The dresses are often too long, making it difficult to walk around in them. When it comes to the hem, the perfect length should just graze the floor when you are standing still. If you are wearing a big ball gown, your feet will likely be covered even when walking due to the width of the skirt and the many layers of fabric. If you opt for a more fitted dress, your toes might peek out when you take a step. Additionally, if you plan to wear custom shoes with your dress, ensure you have them with you during fittings, as changing your shoe choice could impact the required hem length.
Budgeting
Wedding attire typically accounts for about 7% of the overall wedding budget. In 2023, the average cost of a wedding dress was $2,000. Don't forget to budget for extras like taxes, alterations, and shipping, as well as accessories such as shoes, a veil, and jewellery.
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Customising your dress
Customising your wedding dress is a great way to make your dress unique and personalised to your taste. There are many ways to customise your dress, from working with a designer to make a bespoke dress, to purchasing a dress and adding custom features.
If you're opting for a custom-made dress, the first step is to find a designer whose work you admire and book a consultation. During the consultation, the designer will ask about your wedding, including the theme, colour palette, venue, and time of year. They will also discuss elements you want in the dress and those you don't. It's helpful to bring a Pinterest inspiration board to the consultation to visually communicate your ideas. The designer will also assess your body type to recommend silhouettes that complement your shape.
After the consultation, the designer will create fashion illustrations for you to choose from. Once a final design is chosen, the designer will take body measurements and create a mock-up of the dress for you to try on and request any changes.
If you're purchasing a ready-made dress, you can still customise it to make it your own. Some customisations include:
- Adding embellished sleeves, straps, or outerwear
- Adding detachable beaded straps to a strapless or spaghetti strap dress
- Adding lace swag sleeves for a classic and traditional look
- Adding detachable tulle sleeves adorned with faux pearls
- Pairing your dress with a wrap or bridal outerwear for added coverage and warmth
- Adding a sheer, long-sleeve topper to a strapless dress
- Adding a touch of colour with a shimmery metallic wrap
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Storing your dress
Storing your wedding dress is a crucial step in preserving its beauty and ensuring it remains in excellent condition for years to come. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for storing your wedding dress:
Cleaning and Preparation:
Before storing your wedding dress, it is highly recommended to have it professionally cleaned by a trusted bridal dry cleaner. Even if the dress appears clean, there may be invisible dirt, stains, or bacteria that can cause discolouration or damage over time. A specialised bridal dry cleaner will have the necessary expertise and techniques to remove stains and ensure your gown is in pristine condition. After cleaning, handle the dress with clean hands or wear white gloves to prevent any oils from transferring onto the fabric. Inspect the dress for any loose threads, missing buttons, or embellishments that require fixing to prevent further damage during storage.
Storage Location and Environment:
The ideal storage location for your wedding dress is a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of your closet. Avoid storing the dress in areas prone to drastic temperature or humidity changes, such as attics, basements, or garages. These areas can lead to issues like mildew growth, insect infestations, or natural disasters. Keep the dress away from direct sunlight, as sunlight can cause fading and discolouration. Additionally, avoid exposing the dress to cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time.
Storage Containers and Techniques:
When choosing a storage container for your wedding dress, avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes. These materials can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to damage. Instead, invest in a premium wedding dress box made from acid-free materials. You can also consider a long-term storage container with climate control if you need to store multiple items or require extended storage. Do not seal the dress in an airtight container, as this goes against expert clothing conservation advice. It is recommended to open the box at least once a year to inspect the condition of the dress and refold it to prevent permanent creases.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance:
It is essential to inspect your wedding dress regularly, ideally every six months to a year. This allows you to detect any signs of damage, discolouration, or pests early on. During these inspections, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases from forming. If you notice any stains or damage, take the dress to a professional cleaner as soon as possible.
Preservation Services:
If you want the utmost assurance of your wedding dress's preservation, consider using professional preservation services. These services utilise museum-quality techniques and materials to clean, treat, and package your dress. Preservation services can provide peace of mind and guarantee the long-term protection of your cherished gown.
Alternative Options:
If you decide that storing your wedding dress is not the best option for you, there are several alternative paths to consider. You can choose to donate or sell your gown, allowing another bride to create new memories with it. Alternatively, you can repurpose the dress into new styles, such as lingerie or cocktail attire, allowing you to wear it on other special occasions.
Storing your wedding dress properly ensures that it remains a cherished memento of your special day, preserving the beauty and happiness it represents for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you start looking for a wedding dress 9-12 months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams, as well as avoid rush fees and give designers enough time to make your dress.
You should aim to buy your wedding dress 8-9 months before your wedding. This will give you plenty of time for any necessary alterations and customisations.
You'll generally have up to three fittings to ensure that the dress fits perfectly. The first appointment is where you can request customisations like adding sleeves or switching up the neckline. The second appointment will be about a month later, and your final fitting will be 2-3 weeks before your wedding day.
