George Boyle
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting, yet daunting task. It is important to start the process early as the entire process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. The more time you have, the more availability you're going to have in terms of options. If you are shopping on a shorter timeline, there are still options available to you, such as sample dresses or rush orders. It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding, with dresses typically taking 16 to 20 weeks to arrive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to order a wedding dress | 4-6 months |
| Time taken to arrive after placing the order | 16-20 weeks |
| Average number of dresses tried before buying | 4-7 |
| Time taken for fittings | 3 alterations |
| Time taken for the entire process | Few months to over a year |
| Time to buy the dress before the wedding | 8-10 months |
| Time to try on a specific designer's collection | 6-10 months |
| Time taken for custom dresses | More than the usual time |
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What You'll Learn
Trunk shows for new collections
Trunk shows are a great way to view a designer's new collection and shop for a wider selection of wedding dresses than what is typically available in-store. The term "trunk show" comes from the days when designers would bring their new designs from store to store in trunks. During a trunk show, a designer will send samples of their entire collection or line—sometimes as many as 30 gowns—to a salon for a designated period of time, usually a weekend. This gives brides the opportunity to try on a broader range of styles, including the newest designs from Bridal Fashion Week and, in some cases, reception dresses and bridesmaid attire.
Trunk shows are a unique opportunity to see a curated collection from a specific designer, including styles that may not usually be available in-store. They are also a great way to test the waters with a new designer and see how customers respond. Many bridal salons will have a rotating calendar of trunk shows, typically on weekends. Trunk shows often offer exclusive perks such as customizations, discounts, or the chance to meet the designer in person and receive expert guidance in finding your dream dress.
If you are shopping for your wedding dress on a shorter timeline, don't despair. Your bridal consultant will be able to advise you on what dresses are available within your timeline. Some designers offer rush fees, allowing you to order a new dress with expedited manufacturing and delivery. It's important to be open about your wedding date and timeline, as well as to be prepared to make a decision during a trunk show to take advantage of any discounts or exclusive offers.
It's worth noting that dress production typically takes several months, and your dress could take up to five months or longer to arrive. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended to buy your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding. Most survey respondents purchased their dresses 7.5 months in advance. Additionally, bridal stores need time to clear out inventory to make room for new collections, so older sample dresses are often available at a discount.
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Sample sale dresses
If you're shopping for a wedding dress on a shorter timeline, sample sale dresses are a great option. Sample wedding dresses are the dresses that bridal shops purchase for brides to try on during their shopping appointments. Bridal stores will often sell these sample gowns at a discount to make room for new collections. Sample sale dresses are available off the rack and ready to purchase. While they won't be in perfect condition, they will still be in good condition as bridal stores maintain their inventory.
If you're looking for a specific dress, keep in mind that what you see on the runways or social media won't be available in stores for another 6 months or so. Dress production takes time, and your dream dress could be discontinued by the time you're ready to buy, so if you find a dress you love, don't be afraid to commit. On the other hand, if you're still not sure, imagine how you would feel if you woke up tomorrow and were told the dress was no longer available. If you'd be disappointed, you may have found your dress.
No matter your timeline, it's important to be open about your wedding date and how much time you have when working with a bridal stylist. They can help you find dresses that are available to you, and some designers offer rush fees to get a dress made quicker.
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Rush fees for quicker manufacturing
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, especially if you're working with a tight timeline. Rush fees are additional costs on top of the wedding dress price to expedite the creation and shipping of the gown. These fees can vary depending on the store, time constraints, dress designer, and any customisation requirements.
To avoid rush fees, it is generally recommended to order your wedding dress 6 to 12 months in advance. This allows ample time for creation, shipping, and any necessary alterations. However, if you are ordering your dress 5 months or less before your wedding, you may need to factor in rush fees.
There are a few strategies to minimise or avoid rush fees. Firstly, consider purchasing a gown from the store's sample inventory. These dresses have typically been on display and tried on by other brides, but they can be taken home immediately, saving time on creation and shipping. While these gowns may have minor imperfections, they are often heavily discounted and can be a great option if time is of the essence.
Another option is to attend a sample sale, where bridal boutiques offer marked-down gowns to make room for new inventory. These events can be competitive, but they provide an opportunity to purchase a designer gown without waiting for creation and shipping.
Additionally, some designers offer "expedited styles" within their collection, which can be delivered with quicker-than-normal lead times without incurring rush fees. Communicating your timeline and providing as much lead time as possible to the retailer can help you navigate these options and find your dream dress without breaking the bank.
It's important to note that alterations are a key part of the wedding dress process, even for gowns ordered to your size. Budgeting time for alterations, ideally a few weeks before the wedding, ensures that your dress fits perfectly. By planning ahead and considering these options, you can minimise the need for rush fees while still finding a wedding dress that you love.
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Production and shipping time
The production and shipping time of a wedding dress can vary depending on various factors, including the designer, style, customizations, and availability. Here are some insights into what to expect:
Production Time
The production time for a wedding dress can range from several months to over a year, depending on the designer and style. On average, it takes between 16 and 20 weeks for a dress to be produced and delivered after placing the order. Some designers might offer rush fees to expedite the manufacturing process, but this requires their approval and may incur additional costs. It is important to note that custom dresses may take longer to produce, as they involve a lengthy design process and require a clear vision from the bride.
Sample Dresses
If you are working with a shorter timeline, sample dresses can be a great option. Bridal shops often sell their sample gowns, which are the dresses brides try on during appointments. These dresses are usually available off the rack, and you can get a good discount since they are considered "used." However, keep in mind that sample dresses may not be in perfect condition, but they will still be in good shape.
Trunk Shows
Trunk shows are traveling shows that feature new and exclusive collections from designers. These shows are a great way to get access to the latest designs, but they usually only circulate for the first 6-10 months after a collection is released.
Shipping Time
Shipping time can vary depending on the designer and your location. On average, it takes around four to six months for a wedding dress to arrive after ordering. However, it is important to confirm the timeline with your chosen designer, as each store may have different lead times.
Buying Timeline
The ideal time to purchase your wedding dress is around eight to ten months before your wedding. This allows for alterations, fittings, and leaves room for potential supply chain issues. However, if you have less than nine months, don't panic. There are still options available, and you can work with a bridal stylist to find gowns that can arrive within your timeframe.
Remember, the more time you have, the more options you will have available. It is essential to be open about your wedding date and timeline with your bridal consultant so they can guide you toward dresses that are feasible for your special day.
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Buying off-the-rack
When buying off-the-rack, you will be purchasing the exact wedding dress you try on. These are often bridal resale or consignment shops, which sell pre-made dresses that can be purchased on the spot and taken home the same day.
The main benefit of buying off-the-rack is that you get the dress immediately. This can be especially helpful if you don't have time to wait for a special order. Off-the-rack dresses are often sample gowns, so they may have been tried on and manipulated by many people. Therefore, it is important to check for any damage and budget for a wedding dress cleaning before the big day. If you can find a sample dress in a size close to your body measurements, you may be able to save money and only need to make minor fixes.
When shopping off-the-rack, sizing is the most important component to pay attention to. If a dress has been worn, it has likely been altered, and even if it hasn't been worn, alterations may have already been made. Therefore, it is important to try on a dress before buying to ensure the size works for your body. Bridal seamstresses can make alterations, but they are limited in what they can do, so it is best to start with a dress that is generally the right proportions and close to your size.
It is recommended to start shopping for an off-the-rack dress at least four months before your wedding to allow time for alterations. The process to make a wedding gown fit correctly usually involves three fittings and takes around three months. It is common for brides to lose weight between buying the dress and starting alterations, and seamstresses can adjust a dress down by up to three sizes. It is advised to buy a dress that is slightly bigger, as it is harder to let a dress out.
When buying off-the-rack, it is important to be open-minded and not too picky, as the options may not be the newest or most fashionable styles. Additionally, many stores will not put dresses on hold, so you should be prepared to say yes to a dress on the spot.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the designer and the style, but most bridal gowns arrive within four to six months of ordering. Custom dresses may take longer.
On average, a wedding dress will take 16 to 20 weeks to arrive from the day you place your order. However, dress production typically takes several months, and your dress could take up to five months or longer to arrive.
There is no correct number, but on average, brides try on 4-7 dresses. It is recommended that you try on no more than 10.
The ideal time to purchase your wedding gown is around nine months before your wedding. This will make it easier to handle supply chain issues and allow time for alterations.
It is recommended that you start with one to three dress appointments so you don't get overwhelmed. If you know you want to try a dress from a specific designer, see if they're having a trunk show. Be prepared to pay for the entire dress upfront or put down a deposit.
