Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and one of the most important aspects is the wedding dress. It is crucial to start the process early to avoid rush fees and ensure the dress arrives on time. The entire process, from browsing to fittings and alterations, can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Most wedding dresses are made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. It is recommended to start wedding dress shopping between nine months to a year before the wedding date to avoid stress and allow enough time for shopping, production, and alterations. Custom dresses may take longer, so it is important to do your research and determine the designer's process and timeline. Additionally, the wedding venue and theme can heavily influence dress choices, so it is advised to have this information established before purchasing a dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average time to buy a wedding dress | 6-15 months before the wedding |
| Time to start shopping | 7-12 months before the wedding |
| Time to start research | 3 weeks-3 months before the wedding |
| Time for dressmaking | 4-9 months |
| Number of alterations sessions | 1-3 |
| Time for alterations | 1 month-6 weeks |
| Time to buy off-the-rack dresses | Same day |
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What You'll Learn
Research and planning
Research
First, determine your wedding venue and overall theme or vibe. This will help you choose a dress that fits the style and setting of your wedding. For example, a beach ceremony may call for a different dress than a formal ballroom celebration. You can start by looking at online sources for inspiration. According to one source, 46% of brides did most of their research online before buying a dress.
Next, research bridal salons or boutiques in your area. Look into their designer selections, price points, and sample sizes to ensure they align with your budget and vision. Don't forget to check out their websites and social media accounts for upcoming sample sales and special offers.
Planning
Now it's time to plan your appointments. It's recommended to start visiting dress salons about seven to 10 months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to find the right dress and make any necessary customizations. When trying on dresses, don't be discouraged if you don't find "The One" right away. It may take a few appointments to find the perfect gown.
While trying on dresses, consider the underlying structure of the gown and the level of support it provides. You may also want to bring along the underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the dress looks and feels perfect.
Finally, don't forget to plan for alterations. Most wedding dresses will require at least one to three alteration sessions to ensure a perfect fit. These sessions can begin about three months before the wedding, but it's important to leave enough time to find a specialist if you're purchasing a vintage dress.
Remember, the key to finding your dream wedding dress is to start early, be patient, and enjoy the process!
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Shopping and buying
The first step in your wedding dress shopping journey is to do your research. This includes researching the best places to buy a wedding dress near you and then contacting and booking appointments at these places. It is also a good idea to do some general research online to get inspiration and ideas for your dream dress.
Once you have done your research, you can start visiting bridal salons. On average, brides start visiting dress salons about 8-10 months before their wedding, and make the purchase 7-9 months in advance. However, this timeline can vary depending on the length of your engagement and how quickly you need to get the dress. If you have a short engagement, you may need to opt for an off-the-rack dress that you can take home the same day, or a sample sale gown. Many boutiques can accommodate rush orders, but this may come at an additional cost.
When you are trying on dresses, don't be discouraged if you don't find your dream dress right away. It is normal to take a few appointments to find the right gown. You should also keep in mind that bridal sizing tends to run on the small side, so don't be surprised if you end up purchasing a dress that is one or two sizes larger than your usual.
Once you have found your dress, you will need to account for the dressmaking process and alterations. Making a wedding dress usually takes between four to nine months, depending on the complexity of the design. After the dress is finished, you will need to allow time for alterations to ensure that it fits you perfectly. This typically requires one to three alterations sessions. It is a good idea to have your veil, jewellery, and shoes picked out before your first fitting so that you can get a complete picture of your bridal look.
In summary, the key to successful wedding dress shopping is to start early, do your research, and allow plenty of time for dressmaking, shipping, and alterations. By following this guide, you can ensure that you find the perfect dress for your big day.
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Customisations and alterations
The number of fittings you will need will depend on the number of changes required, but most brides require two to three fittings. The first fitting will typically last one hour, as the tailor begins to assess the dress and the alterations needed. The subsequent fittings will be shorter as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. The final fitting should take place one to two weeks before the wedding, as your body is unlikely to change much during this time.
The cost of alterations depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the alterations, the fabric type, and any additional embellishments. On average, alterations cost between $150 and $800, but some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee.
Some standard alterations include adjusting the bust, taking in the waist, adjusting the hips, hemming the length, and adding a bustle. However, you can also make customisation requests, such as adding sleeves or changing the neckline. It is important to keep in mind that the venue and theme of the wedding should inform your dress choice and any alterations or customisations. For example, if you are getting married outside, you will need to choose appropriate footwear, which will impact the hem length of your dress.
Finding a reliable and skilled seamstress or bridal alterations specialist is crucial for achieving a perfectly tailored wedding dress. You can ask your bridal boutique for recommendations, or use online resources to find experienced professionals in your area.
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$63.99
Accessories and undergarments
Accessories
Your choice of accessories will depend on the style of your dress, the wedding venue, and your personal preferences. Here are some key accessories to consider:
- Veil: If you plan to wear a veil, it is advisable to have it picked out before your first fitting so you can get a complete picture of your bridal look.
- Jewellery: You can start looking for bridal jewellery 5-6 months before your wedding. Consider the neckline and style of your dress when choosing necklaces and earrings.
- Shoes: Your wedding shoes are an important consideration, especially when determining the hem length of your dress. Choose a style that complements your dress and is suitable for the wedding venue. For example, if you're getting married outdoors, opt for appropriate footwear for grass or mud.
- Clutch: A clutch or handbag can be a practical accessory to hold essential items on your wedding day.
Undergarments
Undergarments are just as important as your wedding dress, as they can impact the overall look and feel of your gown. Here are some tips for choosing the right undergarments:
- Colour: Opt for nude or light-coloured undergarments, especially if you're wearing an ivory or white gown. Seamless options will help eliminate visible lines.
- Support: Consider the level of support you need, especially if you're wearing a revealing or form-fitting dress. Sewn-in cups, built-in bras, or corsets can provide support for larger-chested brides.
- Comfort: Choose undergarments that make you feel comfortable and confident. Silicone cups and adhesive bras can be a good option for backless dresses, while a strapless bra can work well with a strapless gown.
- Fit: Bring your chosen undergarments to your dress fittings to ensure a flawless fit. This includes lingerie, bras, underwear, and shapewear.
Remember, it's important to start shopping for your accessories and undergarments early to avoid last-minute stress. Enjoy the process of curating your bridal look and feel confident from the inside out on your special day!
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Pick-up and final adjustments
Three months before the wedding
Schedule your first fitting to take place roughly three months before your wedding day. At this point, you're not likely to experience drastic weight fluctuations that will affect the look of your dress. During the first fitting, the tailor will assess your dress and the alterations needed. It's a good idea to bring the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day so that your seamstress knows how to hem your gown. If you haven't picked your wedding shoes yet, bring a pair with a similar height.
Two months before the wedding
Schedule your second fitting to take place about a month before your wedding. By the second fitting, the bride should have a better idea of how the gown will fit.
Two weeks before the wedding
Schedule your final fitting to take place one to two weeks before the wedding since your body likely won't change much in the final weeks. Your gown usually goes home with you at the final fitting. At the last fitting, bring at least one person who will be helping you get ready on the wedding day. The seamstress will want to show them how to zip you up, lace your corset, or bustle your train.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended to start shopping for your wedding dress 9-12 months before your wedding. This gives you time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams.
On average, it takes between four to six months to make a wedding dress, depending on the complexity of the design. Custom dresses may take longer.
It's best to start the process early to avoid feeling rushed or pressured. Many brides begin their research and venue selection 10 months out from their wedding.
You'll need to account for three fittings when altering your wedding dress, allowing for custom alterations and any last-minute design changes. The first fitting usually takes place two months before the wedding, with the second fitting a month later. The final fitting will be two to three weeks before the wedding day.
If you're short on time, many local wedding dress shops offer off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sales, ready-to-wear looks, and wedding dress rentals are also great options for finding a dress quickly.
