Lyla Dejesus
Trying on wedding dresses is an important part of wedding planning. It is recommended to start trying on dresses 12 months before the wedding to allow ample time for ordering, alterations, and multiple fittings. The average bride visits two stores and tries on four to seven dresses before making a selection, but this number varies depending on individual preferences and how long it takes to find the one. Bridal appointments typically last between one and two hours, during which stylists guide brides through dress collections, assist with fittings, and offer valuable advice. It is beneficial to do prior research, set a budget, and consider the wedding venue and season when trying on dresses to make the experience more efficient and enjoyable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average number of dresses tried on | 4-7 |
| Maximum number of recommended dresses to try on | 10 |
| Average number of stores visited | 2 |
| Appointment duration | 1-2 hours |
| Time taken to receive a custom-made dress | 8-10 months |
| Time taken for alterations | 1-2 months |
| Time taken for final fitting | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
| Time taken for first fitting | 2 months before the wedding |
| Time taken for second fitting | 1 month before the wedding |
| Time to start trying on wedding dresses | 12 months before the wedding |
| Time taken to receive quick ship styles | Faster than regular styles |
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What You'll Learn
How many dresses to try on
The number of wedding dresses a bride-to-be tries on varies from person to person. On average, brides try on about 4–8 dresses per appointment, and some sources recommend no more than 10 in total. However, one source notes that some brides try on 200 dresses before finding the right one!
It's important to try on a variety of styles from multiple designers to understand what flatters your body and makes you feel amazing. It's also a good idea to do some research before your appointment to narrow down what you like and what you feel comfortable wearing. Consider the silhouette, neckline, and embellishments that you prefer, and keep in mind that the venue and season of your wedding may influence the style of your dress. For example, if your wedding is outdoors in the summer, you might want to avoid a high neck, long sleeves, and thick, heavy fabric.
Bridal appointments are typically 1–2 hours long, and it's recommended to start shopping for your dress 8–12 months before the wedding. Custom-made dresses can take 8–10 months to be made and delivered, and you'll also need to factor in time for alterations, which can take another month or two. Therefore, many brides purchase their wedding dress a year in advance.
It's also important to establish a budget before your appointment so that you can try on dresses that are within your price range.
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How long before the wedding to start trying on dresses
The timeline for trying on wedding dresses varies depending on several factors. These include the wedding date, time required for alterations, time required for the dress to be made, and the availability of your preferred fabric and style.
It is recommended that you start trying on wedding dresses 9 to 12 months before your wedding. This gives you ample time to find the perfect dress, make any necessary alterations, and avoid rush fees. However, it is important to note that starting the process too early can result in dress regret as newer designs are released. Ideally, you should finalise your wedding dress choice and place the order 8 to 9 months before the wedding. This ensures that your dress is ready 1 month prior to the wedding, allowing for any last-minute tweaks.
If you are planning on intricate customizations or getting bridal portraits before the wedding, you will need to allow for a longer timeline. In addition, if your wedding is overseas and you plan on shipping your dress, you will need to factor in extra time.
It is also suggested to do your research and create a vision board of wedding dress silhouettes, fabrics, and overall tone before trying on dresses. This can help narrow down your options and ensure that your dress choice aligns with the wedding venue and theme.
While it is important to start the process early, it is equally crucial to enjoy the experience and find a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
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What to eat before trying on dresses
Wedding dress appointments typically last between one and two hours, so it's important to eat a light meal beforehand to keep your energy levels up. It's also a good idea to eat something that will hold you over for a couple of hours and help with any nerves or jitters.
When it comes to what to eat, the goal is to feel bloat-free so that you look and feel your best. To achieve this, it's recommended to monitor your sodium intake and reduce your consumption of processed foods. Instead, opt for simply prepared meals and cook for yourself whenever possible.
Before trying on dresses, consider having some low-fat Greek yogurt with berries, which provides a good mix of lean protein and fibre. Probiotics found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and yogurt can also help curb cravings and keep your digestive system on track.
On the day of your appointment, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. It's also important to get enough rest in the days leading up to your appointment so that you feel your best.
While there's no need to stress about bringing snacks to the bridal salon, you may want to bring some water bottles, especially if you plan on visiting multiple shops. Many salons also offer light bites and drinks during appointments, so you can celebrate finding your dream dress!
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What to bring to an appointment
When preparing for a wedding dress appointment, it's important to be mindful of the time and resources of the bridal stylists and consultants, who spend an average of an hour to an hour and a half with brides. It's recommended to start trying on wedding dresses 12 months before the wedding to allow ample time for getting a dress sorted and to avoid rush fees.
- It is recommended to bring no more than 5 people to your appointment, such as family members or close friends. Having too many people can lead to too many opinions, which may influence your thoughts and feelings about the dresses you try on.
- Bring water bottles if you plan on walking long distances from shop to shop, and wear the right gear—loose clothes in summer, an umbrella, or snow boots in winter.
- Bring your wedding shoes to the appointment so you can see how they fit with the gowns.
- Bring at least one wedding VIP to your final fitting appointment so they can learn how to bustle the train or lace up the corset.
- Bring a budget! Shopping with a budget will ensure you only try on dresses that work with your wedding budget.
- Bring a friend who can take notes on each dress, including details you liked or didn't like, such as neckline, embellishments, or fit.
- Bring a camera to take photos and videos to help you remember each dress and compare them later when making a final decision.
Remember, bridal boutiques are usually well-equipped, so don't stress too much about bringing everything you can think of.
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How to prepare for the fitting process
Preparing for the wedding dress fitting process is an important part of the wedding planning journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
Do Your Research
Before you begin trying on dresses, it's a good idea to do some research and gather inspiration. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start getting ideas about different styles and trends. This will help you develop a sense of the type of dress you're after. It's also a good idea to figure out what you like and what you want to avoid.
Set a Budget
Establishing a budget for your wedding dress will save you effort and potentially help you avoid disappointment. It's important to only try on dresses that are within your financial comfort zone. Providing your bridal consultant with a budget will allow them to choose dresses that you can afford. Don't forget to budget for extras like taxes, alterations, shipping, and accessories.
Start Early
It is recommended to start trying on wedding dresses 12 months before your wedding. This will give you ample time to explore different options without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Starting early also helps to ensure that your dress will be ready in time for your wedding, as most dresses take at least 5-6 months to come in, and you'll need to allow time for alterations.
Choose Your Entourage Wisely
When it comes to bringing people to your fitting, less is more. Stick to bringing only those who are most important to you, like family members or close friends. Too many opinions can influence your thoughts and feelings about the dresses you try on. If you know what kind of dress you're looking for, be sure to share that information with your entourage so they can guide you in the right direction.
Eat Something
Definitely don't go to your fitting on an empty stomach! You'll be trying on different gowns and standing for long periods, so make sure you eat something beforehand. You can save the celebratory brunch or dinner for afterward.
Take Photos and Videos
Take photos and videos during your fitting, or ask someone to do it for you. This will help you remember each dress and compare them later when making your final decision. You could also ask a friend to take notes on each dress, including details you liked or didn't like.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take anywhere from 8 to 10 months to receive a custom-made wedding dress.
Wedding dress appointments are typically between 1 to 2 hours long.
On average, brides try on about 4 to 7 dresses. However, there is no correct number, and it may differ for each bride.
It is recommended to start trying on wedding dresses 12 months before your wedding to allow ample time for alterations and to avoid rush fees.
It is important to eat something before the appointment to keep your energy up. You may also want to do some research and look online for inspiration to get an idea of the styles you prefer.
