Franklin Dean
The wedding dress is one of the most critical and stressful aspects of the big day. Many brides worry about shopping 'too early' and then falling out of love with their dress, or shopping too late and having to rush their decision. The general consensus is that brides should start shopping for their dress around 9-12 months before the wedding, allowing plenty of time for shipping, alterations, and customisations. However, some brides have reported buying their dress up to five years before their wedding, while others have left it as late as three months prior.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start shopping | 7-12 months before the wedding |
| Time to purchase | 8-10 months before the wedding |
| Time for production and shipping | Up to 5 months |
| Time for alterations | 1-3 months |
| Time for final fitting | 2 weeks before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Custom wedding dresses require more time
The general recommendation is to start the process of ordering a custom wedding dress 9 to 12 months before the wedding. This timeline allows for the necessary lead time to create a gown from scratch and ensures that you avoid rush fees. It's important to have a clear vision for your dress early on, including the desired customizations, as this will impact the production timeline. The first step is to establish a budget and explore various dress styles to understand what looks good on you.
After selecting a dress, there will be several fittings to ensure the perfect fit. On average, there are three fittings, with the first being the most significant. This is where adjustments are made to the fit and length, and customizations are requested. The second and third fittings are to ensure the dress fits absolutely perfectly, with any final adjustments made.
If you're planning on getting bridal portraits before the wedding day, it's important to consider this timeline as well. You'll want to ensure your dress is ordered and fitted before those photos are taken. Additionally, if your wedding is overseas, you'll need to factor in extra time for shipping.
While it's tempting to start dress shopping early, especially with longer engagements, it's generally recommended to avoid starting the process more than 12 months before the wedding. This is to prevent dress regret, as you may fall out of love with your chosen style or find something else you like more.
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Plan appointments 9-12 months prior
Planning your bridal appointments 9-12 months in advance of your wedding date is a good rule of thumb. This timeline is suggested with the goal of selecting and ordering your dress 8-10 months before the wedding. This gives you ample time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams, and it also means you can avoid rush fees and give designers the lead time they need to create your gown from scratch. Each gown is made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable.
This timeline also allows for alterations after the dress has been made. Even though the dress will be made specifically for you, there will likely be slight alterations to ensure it fits perfectly, and brides must plan for this. It's important to remember that alterations often take longer than expected, so it's always better to err on the side of caution and leave plenty of time.
If you're planning several intricate customisations, you'll need to allow for a longer timeline. If you're getting married overseas and plan to ship your dress, you'll also need to factor in extra time. If you're having a destination wedding or doing bridal portraits, that effectively becomes your wedding date because you'll need your dress for those occasions.
It's also worth noting that many brides worry about shopping 'too early' and then changing their minds or seeing something else they like more. However, if you love a dress, it's fine to buy it early and then avoid looking at other dresses or following dress pages on social media to minimise the chances of dress regret.
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Allow time for alterations
Wedding dresses are made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. Even if you find your dream dress during your first shopping appointment, it's important to plan for alterations after the dress has come in. This is because each gown needs to be altered to fit the bride perfectly, and there may be slight alterations to be made to ensure the dress fits like a dream.
A good rule of thumb is to buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams, and it ensures that you avoid rush fees and give designers the lead time necessary to create your gown from scratch. It also allows for a good amount of relaxation during the shopping experience.
However, it's important to remember that alterations often take longer than expected. So, it's always better to err on the side of caution and leave plenty of time. If you're having a destination wedding or doing bridal portraits, that effectively becomes your wedding date because you need your dress for that time. A lot of brides prefer to have their dress completely done a month before their wedding so that the fit is perfect and there are no changes in body size or shape.
Additionally, if you're planning on several intricate customizations, you'll want to allow for a longer timeline. For example, if you're getting a custom wedding dress designed specifically for you or adapted to your requirements, it will likely require up to a six-month lead time, and even longer for some designers. This is because many wedding dresses are hand-finished and often need to be shipped from overseas.
In summary, when planning your wedding dress purchase, be sure to allow ample time for alterations. This will ensure that your dress fits perfectly and that you feel confident and gorgeous on your big day.
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Avoid dress shopping too early
While it's important to give yourself enough time to find the perfect wedding dress, it's also possible to start shopping too early. Wedding dresses typically take several months to arrive, and your body or tastes may change in that time. This could lead to "dress regret" and the risk of returning or reselling your dress.
Most sources suggest buying your wedding dress between 7 and 12 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams, as well as avoid rush fees and give designers enough lead time to create your gown from scratch. It's also important to consider the time needed for alterations, which can take another 2 to 3 months.
If you're getting married in a few months, a sample wedding dress or off-the-rack style is a better option as you can take them home on the same day. Vintage dresses can also be bought on the same day, but alterations for these dresses are best done by a specialist, so it's worth allowing extra time to find the right person.
To avoid dress shopping too early, it's recommended that you wait until you've booked your venue and decided on the look and feel of your wedding. This will help you choose a dress that stays true to the locale and your personal style. It's also a good idea to have your wedding dress budget finalized by this point, including any alteration fees.
Overall, the key to avoiding dress shopping too early is to strike a balance between giving yourself enough time to find the right dress and not starting the process so far in advance that your body or tastes change. By following the suggested timeline of 7 to 12 months before the wedding, you can minimize the risk of dress regret and ensure that your dress is ready in time for your big day.
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Store your dress safely
Most brides purchase their wedding dresses between 7.5 and 10 months before the wedding. This is because dress production and shipping can take up to five months, and you'll want to leave plenty of time for alterations. If you're ordering a custom or made-to-order dress, you'll need to allow for a longer timeline of up to six months.
Now, for storing your dress safely:
Firstly, it's important to clean your wedding dress before storing it. This will prevent stains, dirt, sweat, and oils from setting in and causing damage. You can either dry clean your dress or hand wash it, depending on the fabric. Satin, for example, can be dry-cleaned or hand-washed in cold water with mild detergent. After washing, air dry your dress.
Once your dress is clean, you'll need to find a suitable storage location. Look for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Avoid storing your dress near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. Keep your dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time. It's also a good idea to store your dress in a place where it won't be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage.
When choosing a storage container, avoid cardboard boxes, as they can be acidic and cause discolouration over time. Instead, opt for an archival storage box or a blue board box, which can be custom-sized to fit your dress. You can purchase these boxes online. Wrap your dress in acid-free paper or tissue to further protect it from discolouration.
Finally, while long-term storage is intended to preserve your dress, it's a good idea to check on it regularly. This will allow you to catch any potential issues early on and ensure your dress remains in pristine condition.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding. This gives you time for production and shipping, which can take up to 5 months or longer.
You should start looking for your dress between 9 and 12 months before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find your dream dress.
A custom wedding dress can take up to 6 months to create, and this doesn't include any last-minute alterations.
You should plan to get your dress altered around 6 weeks before the wedding.
You should start shopping for bridesmaids' outfits about 6 months before the wedding.
