
The time it takes for a wedding dress to arrive varies. Some dresses can take up to 9 months to come in, while others can be received within 3 weeks. On average, brides-to-be purchase their dresses 7.5 months before the wedding. 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, which can take up to 5 months or longer. It is important to consider alterations, which can take an additional 3 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for wedding dresses to come in | 3 weeks to 9 months |
| Time taken for alterations | 2-3 months |
| Time taken for production and shipping | 5 months or longer |
| Time taken for customisation | 3 months |
| Time taken for fittings | 2-3 fittings |
| Recommended time to buy a wedding dress | 7.5-9 months before the wedding |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Wedding dresses can take up to nine months to come in
If you're ordering a wedding dress, it's recommended that you buy your gown between eight and ten months before the wedding. This allows time for production and shipping, as your dress could take up to five months or longer to arrive. It's also important to factor in time for alterations, which can take another three months. The seamstress will need to know how to adjust the hem of your gown based on the height of your heels or take the hem up if you're planning to wear flats or sneakers.
If you're ordering a custom gown, you should also allow extra time for any desired customizations. At the nine-month mark, you should pinpoint any desired changes and pay a dress deposit of 50 to 60 percent. This will ensure that your dress is well on its way to being created, and you can start researching tailors if your bridal salon doesn't offer this service.
While it's important to start looking for your wedding dress early, it's also crucial to give yourself enough time to make a decision. With bridal fashion evolving, a dress you loved six months ago may no longer be available, and you may not love the newer designs. On average, brides try on about four to seven dresses, but it may take a few appointments to find the right gown for you. So, give yourself plenty of time to browse, try on different styles, and make a decision that feels right.
Addressing Wedding Cards: A Guide to Etiquette
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$64.59 $69.99
$59.99
$31.98 $49.99

Customisations and alterations can add to the timeline
Wedding dresses can take anywhere from three weeks to nine months to come in, depending on various factors such as customisations and alterations. Customisations and alterations can add to the timeline, so it is important to plan ahead and allow ample time for these processes.
Customisations to a wedding dress may include changes to the neckline or back, which can extend the wait time for the dress. It is important to consider that customisations may require additional time for the designer to implement, and this should be factored into the overall timeline.
Alterations, on the other hand, are an essential part of the wedding dress process. Alterations ensure that the dress fits the bride perfectly and meets all her specifications. It is rare to find a dress that fits perfectly off the rack, so alterations are often necessary to achieve the desired look and feel. These can include simple adjustments such as hemming or taking in the sides, or more complex modifications such as changing the silhouette or resizing.
The time required for alterations can vary depending on their complexity and the seamstress's schedule. Simple alterations may only need a few weeks, while more complex ones can take several months. It is recommended to schedule the first fitting consultation about two to three months before the wedding, allowing sufficient time for any necessary alterations.
Additionally, the fabric of the dress and the intricacy of its details, such as beading or lace, can also impact the timeline. It is crucial to consult with an experienced seamstress or tailor who can accurately assess the required alterations and provide a realistic timeline for their completion.
The Perfect Hem: Train Edition
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$49.99 $53.99
$82.99

It's recommended to buy your dress between eight and ten months before the wedding
Wedding dresses can take a long time to come in, and it is recommended to buy your dress between eight and ten months before the wedding. This is because most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, and you will also need to factor in time for alterations, which can take up to three months.
The production of your dress may take several months, and some components may be sourced from across the globe. For example, laces from France, fabrics from Spain, and beading from India, Asia, or Japan. Some gowns take two weeks for three people to embroider and bead, and that is just one step in the dressmaking process.
You should also consider that you may need to have three fittings, allowing for custom alterations and any last-minute design add-ons. It is a good idea to have your veil, jewellery, and shoes picked out before your first fitting so that you can get an early glimpse of your full bridal look and so that the seamstress knows how to adjust the hem of your gown.
If you are planning to lose weight before your wedding, you should still try to buy your dress between eight and ten months before the wedding. You can then order the correct size after you have lost the weight, within the time frame for the dress to be ordered.
It is important to start the process of buying your wedding dress sooner rather than later, as you may need to visit multiple bridal appointments before finding your dream dress.
Steaming Wedding Dresses: Dry Cleaners' Role
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$48.79 $59.99

Some dresses can be received within six months
Wedding dresses can take a long time to come in, with some taking up to nine months to arrive. This is because your perfect dress will be produced according to your measurements, and some components may be sourced from across the globe. It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress between eight and ten months before the wedding.
However, some dresses can be received within six months. For example, one person who ordered their dress in December received it in May, a six-month waiting time. Another person who went to db remembered that most of the dresses there could be received within six months.
If you are looking for a dress that can be received within six months, it is a good idea to go and try on dresses as soon as possible. This will allow you to figure out how long the dress you want will take to come in, and you can then go back later to order the correct size. You will also need to factor in alterations, so you want the dress to be in the store at least two months before your wedding.
It is also important to note that six months can be a long time in the bridal fashion world. A dress you loved six months ago may be discontinued and no longer available for order, and you might not love the newer designs. Therefore, if you are certain about a dress, it is a good idea to purchase it sooner rather than later.
Printing Wedding Envelopes: A Step-by-Step Guide to Addressing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$61.99 $68.99

Brides should consider visiting no more than three shops
Wedding dresses typically take around six to nine months to come in, but this timeframe can vary depending on various factors, such as customisations, the designer, and the specific boutique or retailer. Some dresses may take as little as three weeks, while others can take up to nine months or more, especially if they are custom-made or made-to-order. Therefore, it is essential for brides to start shopping early, ideally about a year before their wedding date, to allow sufficient time for the dress to be created or shipped and for any necessary alterations to be made.
With this in mind, brides should consider visiting no more than three shops when shopping for their wedding dress. Wedding dress shopping can be physically and mentally exhausting, and visiting too many stores can lead to "dress fatigue" and confusion. Brides may end up feeling overwhelmed and struggling to remember the dresses they tried on at each location. Additionally, visiting multiple shops can result in second-guessing and a never-ending search for something better.
By limiting their visits to a maximum of three shops, brides can avoid dress fatigue and make more confident decisions. They can also save time and energy, as visiting multiple shops can be time-consuming and tiring, especially if appointments are scheduled on the same day. Moreover, it is important to remember that finding "the one" often comes down to intuition and how a dress makes a bride feel. Trusting this gut feeling is crucial, and visiting too many shops can complicate the decision-making process.
Furthermore, visiting no more than three shops can help brides avoid potential issues with cancellation fees. If a bride finds her dream dress at the first or second shop, she can cancel subsequent appointments without incurring penalties, provided she checked for cancellation policies beforehand. This approach also allows brides to be considerate towards their guests, as they may feel obligated to continue with the scheduled appointments, even if they have already found their perfect dress.
In conclusion, while the number of shops a bride visits may vary, limiting visits to no more than three can help streamline the wedding dress shopping experience. It can prevent exhaustion, confusion, and second-guessing, allowing brides to make more confident and intuitive decisions. Additionally, it can save time, avoid potential cancellation fees, and ensure a more enjoyable and relaxed experience for the bride and her guests.
The Perfect Shoe Color for Your Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
On average, wedding dresses take 4-6 months to come in, but they can take up to 9 months, especially if they include custom work.
It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding.
A custom wedding dress can take up to 9 months to come in. It is recommended that you select your desired customizations at the 9-month mark before your wedding.
Wedding dress designers and retailers are now able to find your dream gown on a very tight timeline. Some dresses can be received within 3 weeks or 4 months, but you may have to settle for a dress that isn't your first choice.
It is recommended that you give yourself 3 months to complete alterations.











































