Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses can take a long time to arrive, so it's important to start shopping early. The time it takes to make a wedding dress varies depending on the designer and the complexity of the design. On average, a wedding dress can take between four to twelve months to make, with most dresses taking between five to nine months. Some bridal shops offer rush services for an additional fee, but this may not be an option for custom dresses. It's recommended that brides start shopping for their wedding dress at least nine months before the wedding and consider the venue and their personal style when making a selection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to buy a wedding dress | 8-10 months before the wedding |
| Time for production and shipping | 4-6 months |
| Number of fittings | 3 |
| Time for first fitting | 6-8 weeks before the wedding |
| Time for final fitting | A few weeks before the wedding |
| Time for alterations | 1-3 sessions |
| Time for customisations | Depends on complexity |
| Time for ordering | 6-9 months |
| Time for hemming | Depends on height and shoe type |
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What You'll Learn
The design process
Initial Research and Inspiration
The first step is for the bride to conduct research and gather inspiration for their dream wedding dress. This can include browsing bridal magazines, exploring top trends, identifying favourite designers, and seeking inspiration from real brides. It is important to note common elements among the favourite designs, such as open backs, embellishments, lace, or fitted silhouettes. Maintaining an open mind is crucial, as the perfect dress may be something unexpected. Additionally, researching the bridal salon's designer selection, price points, and sample sizes is essential to ensure they align with the bride's vision and budget.
Selecting the Dress and Customizations
The bride should select their desired wedding dress and any customizations approximately nine months before the wedding. This deadline allows time for dress production and shipping. During this stage, the bride should communicate their measurements, desired customizations, and pay a deposit for the dress. Some components of the dress may be sourced globally, so an early selection ensures timely delivery. It is also the time to research tailors or seamstresses, especially if the bridal salon does not offer alteration services.
Production and Shipping
The production of the wedding dress can take between four to six months, depending on its complexity. This process involves a team of designers, pattern-makers, and seamstresses. The initial designs are sketched, and the pattern-makers create the individual pieces, which are then assembled and tested on a mannequin using similar materials to check the proportions and interpretation of the design. The final dress pattern is a meticulous and handcrafted process, requiring around 80 hours of labour.
Fittings and Alterations
The first fitting should be scheduled at least six to eight weeks before the wedding. During this appointment, minor tweaks are made, such as adjusting the neckline, hem, or adding customizations. The bride should bring their chosen undergarments and accessories to ensure a perfect fit. Most wedding gowns require at least some alterations, ranging from small tweaks to more extensive changes. The number of alteration sessions can vary from one to three before the wedding day. The final fitting is when the bride will see the completed gown, and it is recommended to bring a VIP guest to learn how to bustle the train or lace the corset.
Last-Minute Details
In the final weeks before the wedding, the bride should focus on last-minute details, such as breaking in their wedding shoes to ensure comfort and compatibility with the dress length. Additionally, the bride should confirm that their bridal party is familiar with the gown's functionality, such as bustling the gown or lacing the corset. This ensures a smooth and stress-free process on the wedding day.
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Production and shipping
The production and shipping of a wedding dress can take a considerable amount of time, so it is important to plan ahead. On average, a wedding dress can take between four to six months to make, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the design and the number of alterations required. Some dresses with intricate details, such as beading or embroidery, can take even longer. It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress between eight and ten months before the wedding to allow for any unexpected delays.
During the production process, the first step is to create the initial design and dress pattern. This involves sketching the design and selecting the materials to be used. The pattern-makers then create all the pieces of the dress, which are assembled and tried on a mannequin for the first time. This step is crucial to ensure the proportions are correct and the design is interpreted accurately. Once the pattern is finalised, the dress is ready to be made. This stage involves a team of seamstresses, who carefully bring the design to life, often investing around 80 hours into the final product.
After the dress is made, it needs to be shipped to the bridal salon, which can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the source of the materials and the location of the salon. Once the dress arrives at the salon, alterations can be made to ensure a perfect fit. These alterations can include adding sleeves, adjusting the neckline or hem, or customising with beading or other details. It is recommended to schedule your first alterations appointment six to eight weeks before the wedding, with at least two more appointments before the big day.
To ensure a stress-free experience, it is advisable to order your dress well in advance and allow ample time for shipping and alterations. While some boutiques may offer faster options, it is not uncommon for dresses to take up to nine months to arrive. Therefore, it is essential to plan accordingly and discuss timelines with your bridal salon to ensure your dream dress is ready in time for your special day.
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Fittings and alterations
The first fitting will typically last one hour, as the tailor assesses the dress and the alterations needed. The bride will meet the artisan fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until the wedding day. The first appointment will be the longest, especially if you are making extensive customisations, as it is the first time the fitter is seeing you in the dress. After the first fitting, you should plan for two or three additional appointments: one or two a month before the wedding, and the final fitting about two weeks before the wedding. This gives the fitter plenty of opportunities to ensure the dress fits perfectly, and allows time for final tweaks. The final fitting is a chance for you to try on the dress and ensure all requested alterations are in place. Ideally, everything will be perfect, and you can take the dress home to keep safe until the big day.
The number of fittings you'll need will depend on the number of changes your wedding dress requires, though brides should expect two to four fittings. However, custom alterations, such as adding details to the dress, can take much longer, so plan accordingly. For restyling, there may be up to six fittings. Bridal salons and seamstresses usually recommend at least three fittings.
It is important to bring the right items to your fittings. Wear any undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day, as this could affect how the dress fits. Bring the shoes you plan to wear, as the height of your shoes will affect the hem of the dress. Many brides also like to wear their hair in a similar style to their wedding day and bring accessories that they plan to wear, such as a veil, jewellery, and shapewear.
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Customisations
The first alterations appointment is where major changes are made, such as adding sleeves, switching up the neckline, or adjusting the hem. Customisations like beading can also be requested at this stage. It is important to note that some customisations, such as beading, can add significant time to the dressmaking process. For instance, a gown can take two weeks for three people to embroider and bead, and that is just one step in the process of making a dress.
If you are planning to add a blue ribbon or another keepsake to the inside of your dress, you can ask your seamstress to do this while they are making the rest of the alterations. You can also request alterations to the bodice to make it more snug around your bust or waist.
Most wedding gowns will need at least some form of alteration, even if it is just a small tweak. The standard length of a wedding dress is often too long, and many brides will need to have their dress hemmed to their height and the type of shoe they plan to wear. For dresses with a lining or layers of crinoline, the lining should be hemmed to the top of the foot, with the crinoline layers slightly longer but still above the foot. This process can be done from the inside layers out, with each layer getting slightly longer as you work your way out, so that the outermost top layer is just grazing the floor.
Creating a custom wedding dress is a detailed and intricate process, and it is important to allow sufficient time for customisations and alterations to ensure your dress fits perfectly and reflects your vision.
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Final touches
The final touches to a wedding dress are an important part of the process, and there are several steps to consider. Firstly, it is advisable to have at least one fitting, and preferably three, to ensure the dress fits perfectly and that you are happy with the final look. The first fitting is when the heavy lifting happens, with any major changes being made, such as adding sleeves, adjusting the neckline or hem, and customisations. It is a good idea to bring your chosen shoes and undergarments to this fitting, so the seamstress can ensure the dress works with your choices. You should also consider bringing a VIP guest, such as a bridesmaid, to learn how to bustle the gown or lace up any corsets.
The second fitting is when you will see the dress as it will be on your wedding day. This is an important moment and can be emotional, so it is a good idea to bring a close friend or family member to this fitting. This is also when you can pick up your dress and take it home.
There may be a third fitting, which is usually for very minor tweaks and adjustments. This is also when you can add any last-minute details, such as sewing a blue ribbon or other keepsake into the dress.
In terms of timing, it is recommended that you buy your wedding dress between eight and ten months before the wedding. This allows for production and shipping, which can take up to five months, and then alterations, which can take another three months. It is important to factor in enough time for alterations, as rushing these can impact the cost and the final fit of the dress.
Finally, in the weeks leading up to the wedding, it is a good idea to practice walking in your dress and breaking in your wedding shoes to ensure comfort on the day.
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Frequently asked questions
On average, it takes between four to six months to make a wedding dress, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the design. Some dresses with intricate details and customisations can take up to nine months or longer.
Most wedding experts recommend starting the process at least nine months before the wedding date. This allows time for production and shipping, as well as any necessary alterations.
On average, an ordered wedding dress will take 16 to 20 weeks (around four to five months) to arrive after placing the order. However, this timeline can vary depending on the dress and the store.
Typically, you will need three fittings for your wedding dress. The first fitting is where major alterations are made, while the subsequent fittings are for minor tweaks to ensure the perfect fit.
The final fitting should be scheduled at least six to eight weeks before the wedding. This allows for any last-minute adjustments to be made, ensuring the dress fits perfectly on the big day.
