The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Dress Shopping: When To Buy

Most brides buy their wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before their wedding day. However, one source suggests that 9 to 18 months is the perfect time to start having some dress shopping fun.

Wedding dresses take time to arrive

Most brides shop for their wedding dress between nine and 18 months before their wedding day. Survey respondents purchased their dresses 7.5 months before the wedding, and as a rule of thumb, it is recommended to buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding.

Wedding dresses require time for production and shipping, meaning your dress could take up to five months (or sometimes even longer) to arrive. Every bridal salesperson (even our jeweler) says that a dress should be purchased no more than 8 months before the wedding to minimize the risk of the dress being returned or sold because of body or taste changes.

If you buy your dress too early, you may end up with a dress that no longer fits or one that you no longer like by the time your wedding arrives. One bride bought her dress off the rack just 3 months before her wedding and already had to get it taken in twice.

Another bride bought her dress 16 months before her wedding but it was a used dress from a resale shop. She didn't have alterations done until the following fall.

If you're not just following trends, you'll probably still like it come wedding time! As long as you're not in a rush, you can start having some dress shopping fun about a year before the big day.

Production and shipping can take up to 5 months

Every bridal salesperson says that a dress should be purchased no more than 8 months before the wedding to minimize the risk of the dress being returned or sold because of body or taste changes. However, one user bought off the rack 3 months before the wedding and had to get it taken in twice.

Another user bought their dress 16 months before the wedding but it was a used dress from a resale shop. They didn't have alterations done until the following fall.

One user bought their dress last month and the wedding is two years away. The bridal shop lady said it was a good thing since wedding dress prices basically only go up.

Another user said that they love the dresses they found so much that they just want to buy them now. They said that 8 months would be pushing it, with how long dresses can take to come in.

Alterations can take 2-3 months

Wedding dress alterations can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to complete. The time required to complete the process can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule. According to Nunez, it is recommended that brides come in for their first fitting consultation about 2–3 months before their wedding; this allows ample time to alter the wedding dress, review bustle options and ensure a flawless fit on their special day. However, the timeline ultimately depends on the bride's preferences and the extent of alterations needed. Your first dress fitting appointment will be the best time to determine your alterations needs.

Wedding dress alterations may take at least three or four months. Plan on scheduling your first fitting at least three months before the big day. Most wedding dresses typically undergo two, three, or even four rounds of alterations. For that reason, you’ll need to leave extra time before your wedding day, so that your tailor or seamstress can work his or her magic.

Wedding dress alterations usually take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to complete. The time required to complete the process can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule. Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be a bit stressful. To alleviate any last-minute panic, "give yourself time to get the dress altered", Nunez suggests. "This can already be a stressful time and you need to allow time just in case any changes need to be made or you change your mind about something." Aim to start the alterations process at least two to three months before the big day to allow for multiple fittings and adjustments. With this cushion, you can breathe easy, knowing that your dress will be picture-perfect when you walk down that aisle.

Most brides shop 9-18 months before

Most brides shop for their wedding dress between nine and 18 months before their wedding day. This is the perfect time to start having some dress shopping fun.

Wedding dresses require time for production and shipping, meaning your dress could take up to five months (or sometimes even longer) to arrive. Every bridal salesperson I talk to says that a dress should be purchased no more than 8 months before the wedding to minimize the risk of the dress being returned/sold because of body or taste changes.

I bought mine 16 months before my wedding but it was a used dress from a resale shop. I didn't have alterations done until the following fall.

I'd honestly buy it asap, you never know how long a dress will take to come in and then you have to add fittings on top of that timeline.

Now is the time to get inspired! Start by creating a ‘Buying a Wedding Dress’ inspiration board, using magazine cuttings, Pinterest, wedding websites and more.

8 months is the latest

Wedding dresses require time for production and shipping, meaning your dress could take up to five months (or sometimes even longer) to arrive. Every bridal sales person I talk to (even our jewelers) says that a dress should be purchased no more than 8 months before the wedding to minimize the risk of the dress being returned/sold because of body or taste changes.

Be careful if you plan on losing weight. One bride bought off the rack mere 3 months before the wedding and already had to get it taken in twice. Another bride bought her dress 16 months before her wedding but it was a used dress from a resale shop. She didn't have alterations done until the following fall.

Now is the time to get inspired! Start by creating a ‘Buying a Wedding Dress’ inspiration board, using magazine cuttings, Pinterest, wedding websites and more.

Frequently asked questions