Deborah Chan
Wedding dress alterations are an important part of the bridal process, and it is recommended that brides schedule their first fitting two to three months before the wedding. This first fitting will involve the seamstress checking over every aspect of the dress to see what needs to be altered. The bride should bring her wedding shoes and undergarments to this fitting, as the seamstress will use them to ensure the dress falls correctly. The seamstress will then make the necessary adjustments, which can include taking in the bodice, adjusting the hem, or customising the sleeves. Brides should expect to attend two to three fittings in total, with the final fitting taking place one month to two weeks before the wedding. This final fitting is a quality check to ensure that the bride is happy with her dress and that it is comfortable and fits her specifications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start looking for a wedding dress | 12-18 months before the wedding |
| When to begin shopping for a wedding dress | 10-12 months before the wedding |
| When to schedule the first fitting | 3 months before the wedding |
| When to schedule the second fitting | 6 weeks before the wedding |
| When to pick up the dress | A few weeks before the wedding |
| When to schedule the final fitting | A few weeks before the wedding |
| How long it takes to order a wedding dress | 6-8 months on average |
| How long it takes to make a wedding dress | 4-6 months on average |
| How long a bridal appointment takes | 1-1.5 hours |
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What You'll Learn
When to start looking: 12-18 months before the wedding
When you start looking for your wedding dress is entirely dependent on the length of your engagement and how quickly you're getting married. The general consensus is that the best time to start looking for your wedding dress is around the 12-to-18-month mark. This gives you ample time to curate design inspiration, research boutiques, and formulate your budget. It is also good to have an idea of the season and location of your wedding, as these factors will influence the style of your dress.
During this early stage, you can create a vision board by gathering inspiration from magazines, TikTok, Pinterest, and wedding websites to define your preferred dress style, silhouette, and overall look. You can also start researching boutiques, looking into each salon's designer selection, price point, and sample sizes to make sure they align with your gown budget and vision.
Additionally, this is a good time to start thinking about your bridal undergarments. Wear appropriate undergarments, such as a nude strapless bra and seamless underwear, to your bridal appointments. This will help you visualize how the dresses will look on your wedding day. It is also recommended to eat something and hydrate before trying on dresses, especially if you plan on attending multiple appointments in one day.
Starting your search early gives you more flexibility and choices. It is important to book appointments at bridal boutiques well in advance, as many boutiques require appointments, especially on weekends, and may book up quickly. This early start also allows you to explore different styles and silhouettes before committing to your dream dress.
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When to start shopping: 8-10 months before the wedding
It is recommended to start shopping for your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to find your dream dress, as it may take a few appointments to find the right one. Most brides purchase their dresses around 7.5 months before the wedding.
At this point, you should have a clear idea of your preferred bridal style and the wedding venue, which will help you choose a dress that fits the locale's vibe. You should also be aware of the season and location of your wedding, as these factors will influence the style of your dress. For example, a beach ceremony may require a different dress than an elaborate ball gown.
Starting early will give you more flexibility and choices, and it's important to book appointments at bridal boutiques in advance, especially for popular weekend slots. You can use this time to explore different styles and silhouettes before committing to your final choice.
Additionally, you should consider the delivery timeline, especially for custom gowns. Made-to-order wedding gowns can take around six to nine months to create, and you'll need to allow time for alterations and any last-minute design changes. You don't want to be rushed or incur additional rush fees, so starting 8-10 months in advance is ideal.
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How to prepare: Research, budget, entourage, undergarments
How to Prepare for Your Wedding Dress Boutique Appointment
Research
Before booking your bridal appointment, it is important to do your research. Understand the industry-recommended timeline for ordering your gown, which is usually 9-12 months before the wedding. Be mindful that customisations, the designer, and the complexity of the dress may require more time. Research bridal salons and designers that align with your style and budget to avoid carelessly booking several appointments at various bridal salons.
Budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend on your wedding dress and allocate a realistic, all-inclusive budget. Factor in the cost of the dress, alterations, and any other adjustments like hemming or strap modifications. Be open and honest about your budget with your bridal consultant to avoid falling in love with a gown that is not feasible to purchase.
Entourage
There is no rule about who to bring to your appointment. You can go alone or with a small group of people whose opinions you value. Some people choose to bring their mother, grandmothers, bridesmaids, or friends. Consider the number of people you bring, as too many opinions may sway you from your own preferences.
Undergarments
Wear underwear when trying on gowns for hygiene reasons. No-show panties with good coverage are recommended. Choose underwear that matches your skin tone if your dress has cutouts or sheer portions. You may not need to worry about wearing a bra as many wedding dresses have structural elements like boning and padding that provide support.
Lastly, remember to eat something before your appointment, bring a hair tie if you have long hair, and take photos in the dresses to help you decide.
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Fittings: Allow 6-8 weeks before the wedding
Fittings are an important part of the wedding dress shopping process and should be scheduled with plenty of time to spare before the wedding. It is recommended that you schedule your first fitting at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This will allow for any necessary alterations to be made, such as changing the neckline or trim of the train. It is also a good idea to bring along a bridesmaid or two to demonstrate how to bustle the gown.
After the first fitting, you should have a much better idea of how the dress will look and can start to plan for any last-minute design add-ons. This is also the time to choose the final headpiece, veil, and accessories. It's important to keep in mind that each seamstress or boutique may have different policies and timelines for alterations, so it's crucial to factor that into your schedule.
Scheduling your fittings with enough time will help you avoid rush fees and ensure that your dress fits perfectly. It's worth noting that your body weight and shape may fluctuate after alterations, so it's best not to schedule your fittings too far in advance. On average, wedding dresses can take 16 to 20 weeks to arrive after placing the order, so it's essential to plan accordingly and confirm the timeline with your boutique.
To ensure a smooth process, it is recommended to start your wedding dress shopping journey early. This includes researching boutiques, formulating your budget, and gathering inspiration for the style and silhouette of your dream dress. Many brides share that the best time to buy a wedding dress is 6-15 months in advance. Starting early gives you more flexibility and choices and time to explore different styles before making a decision.
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$85.99
Custom gowns: Require more time, order 9 months before
Planning a wedding can be a stressful yet wonderful experience. One of the most important parts of the process is finding the perfect wedding dress. If you are planning to order a custom gown, it is important to allow ample time for its creation and any necessary alterations. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
Research and Planning:
Begin by researching bridal boutiques and salons that align with your wedding vision and budget. Consider the styles they carry and whether they offer custom gown services. It is also essential to establish your dress budget and discuss who will be paying for the dress beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.
Timing is Key:
Custom gowns typically require a longer lead time than off-the-rack purchases. It is recommended to order your custom gown at least 9 months before your wedding. This allows for the design and creation process, as well as any necessary alterations. Keep in mind that dress production and shipping can take several months, so planning ahead is crucial.
Finding the Right Boutique:
When choosing a bridal boutique, consider their experience in creating custom gowns. Ask about their timeline for custom orders and ensure they can accommodate your schedule. It is also beneficial to inquire about their guest policy, as you may want to bring a small group of trusted friends or family members to your appointments for support and a second opinion.
The Design Process:
During your appointments, be prepared to discuss your vision and inspiration for the custom gown. Bring images, an inspiration board, or a Pinterest board to help the designer understand your style and preferences. Be open to their expertise and suggestions, as they have likely worked with many brides and can offer valuable insights.
Fittings and Alterations:
Custom gowns may require multiple fittings to ensure the perfect fit. Be prepared for at least three alteration fittings, as noted in step four. The first alteration appointment is crucial for significant changes, while subsequent fittings fine-tune the gown to your body. Communicate any specific requests, such as adding sleeves or customizing details, during these fittings.
Remember, finding your dream wedding dress is a special experience. Allow yourself to enjoy the process, trust the expertise of the bridal consultants, and don't be afraid to ask questions. With proper planning and timing, your custom gown will be ready for your big day, and you'll create memorable moments along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you start looking for a wedding dress 12 to 18 months before your wedding. This gives you time to research boutiques, formulate your budget, and explore different styles.
Wedding dresses can take up to five months to arrive, and alterations can take a further two months. Therefore, it is recommended that you buy your dress nine months before your wedding.
You should schedule your first fitting six to eight weeks before your wedding. This will give you time to make any necessary alterations and allow for a second fitting closer to the date.
You should pick up your finished dress two weeks before your wedding. At this point, the gown should be almost flawless.
It is normal to visit two stores before making a selection. If you find the right dress on your first appointment, it can take just a couple of hours. However, it is recommended that you allow a few months to find your dream dress.
