Junior Rasmussen
Finding the perfect wedding dress is a crucial part of the wedding planning process. To avoid unnecessary stress, it is recommended to start trying on dresses 8-12 months before the wedding. This allows ample time for shopping, production, and alterations. While some brides find their dream dress on the first try, others may need to visit multiple boutiques to explore various options. It is also important to consider the wedding dress silhouette, neckline, and embellishments to ensure the chosen dress accentuates the bride's best features. Additionally, the wedding theme, location, and budget should be taken into account to make sure the dress is appropriate for the occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early should you start trying on wedding dresses? | 8–12 months before your wedding date. |
| How many wedding dress shops should you visit? | No more than 3 shops. |
| How many people should you bring with you? | No more than 5 people. |
| How long does a bridal appointment last? | 1–2 hours. |
| When should you buy your wedding dress? | 8–10 months before the wedding. |
| When should your wedding dress arrive? | 3–4 months before the wedding. |
| When should you have your first fitting? | 2 months before the wedding. |
| When should you have your second fitting? | 1 month before the wedding. |
| When should you have your final fitting? | 2–3 weeks before the wedding. |
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What You'll Learn
When to start trying on wedding dresses
Wedding dresses typically take about six to nine months to arrive after they've been ordered. This means that it is best to start trying on wedding dresses 12 months before your wedding. This will give you ample time to get a dress sorted and ensure a stress-free experience. It is also recommended that you make your bridal dress appointments nine to 12 months before your wedding, with the goal of picking out and ordering a dress eight to nine months before the big day. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams.
Starting the wedding dress shopping journey early allows you to explore various options without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. It also ensures that you avoid rush fees and gives designers the lead time necessary to create your gown from scratch. If you start before the 12-month mark, you may find yourself comparing your dress to newer designs as more recent collections are rolled out. On the other hand, if you wait until your wedding is less than eight months away, you risk having to pay rush fees to ensure your dress arrives in time to be altered.
When trying on wedding dresses, it is important to keep an open mind and try on different styles to find the one that complements your body shape and personal style. Most brides try on seven dresses before purchasing their chosen wedding dress. It is also a good idea to do some research beforehand to narrow down your options, but it is still important to keep an open mind as an experienced consultant can help you find the right dress for your budget, body type, and personal style.
In addition to the time required to find and order your dress, there are several other factors to consider when planning your wedding dress timeline. These include the time required for alterations, which can take over a month, and the time needed to shop for wedding undergarments, accessories, and shoes. You will also need to budget for taxes, alterations, and shipping (or rush fees, if applicable).
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Who to bring along
When it comes to trying on your wedding dress, it's important to bring along people whose opinions you value and who will support you. Many brides choose to bring a small group of their closest friends and family members, such as their mother, grandmother, or maid of honour. If a family member is paying for the dress, it can be a nice gesture to invite them along. You may also want to consider bringing your bridal party, especially if they live nearby.
However, it's important to remember that too many people can lead to conflicting tastes and opinions, which may influence your thoughts and feelings about the dresses. It's a good idea to limit your guests to just a few of the most important people in your life, perhaps 2-6 people depending on the store's guest limit. If you have a large group of bridesmaids, you might want to bring just the maid of honour for added support.
Ultimately, the decision of who to bring is a personal one, and some brides choose to go wedding dress shopping alone. This can be a more relaxed option, especially if your family lives elsewhere. You can always include them virtually through FaceTime. Whether you go solo or bring a few loved ones along, make sure you're choosing what's most comfortable for you.
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How many shops to visit
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many bridal shops you should visit. However, it is recommended to book an appointment at 1-3 shops to start with. You can always cancel other appointments if you find your dream dress early. Wedding dress shopping is an emotional process, and anything more than 2 or 3 appointments in a day will be completely overwhelming.
It is best to start trying on wedding dresses 9-12 months before your wedding. This will give you ample time to get a dress sorted, and avoid rush fees. You can start by gathering inspiration and narrowing down your preferences, then schedule your first bridal appointment.
It is also important to have a budget in mind before you start wedding dress shopping. You want to make sure that the bridal shop you’re booking at has dresses within your desired price range.
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What to do while waiting for the dress to arrive
While you're waiting for your wedding dress to arrive, there are a few things you can do to stay busy and ensure you're prepared for your fittings. Here are some suggestions:
- Shop for your wedding undergarments, bridal shapewear, and other intimate essentials. It's important to have these items before your alterations fitting to ensure the perfect fit for your dress.
- Treat yourself to some wedding dress accessories like jewellery, shoes, and a clutch. It's a good idea to finalise these choices before your first fitting, especially your wedding shoes, as the seamstress will need to adjust the hem of your gown accordingly.
- Plan your hair and makeup trial. Consider the neckline and overall aesthetic of your dress to help guide your hair and makeup choices. For example, if your dress has a detailed back, you may want to wear your hair up to show it off.
- Research tailors or seamstresses. If your bridal salon doesn't offer alteration services, now is the time to start looking for a professional who can handle any necessary adjustments. They can book up quickly, so it's best to be prepared.
- Keep an eye on your weight and shape. While minor fluctuations are normal, significant changes closer to your wedding date may impact the fit of your dress.
Remember, the key to a stress-free wedding planning journey is starting early and staying organised. Enjoy this exciting time, and don't be afraid to ask for help from your bridal party or professionals in the industry!
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How many fittings are required
The number of fittings required for a wedding dress depends on the number of changes and adjustments the dress requires. Brides should expect to attend two to four fittings during this process. The first fitting will typically last one hour, as the tailor begins to assess the dress and the alterations needed. The bride will meet the artisan fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until her wedding day. The gown will start to take shape when the fitter starts pinning and tucking the fabric and sculpting it to the bride's body. At the second fitting, the bride should have a better idea of how the gown will fit. If a third fitting is required, the seamstress will fine-tune any last-minute modifications needed to ensure the dress is perfect. The final fitting will be a quality check to ensure that everything has been completed, and the bride can make any necessary final adjustments.
It is recommended that you start trying on wedding dresses 12 months before your wedding, as this will give you ample time to get a dress sorted. The first fitting will be about two months before the wedding, with the second fitting a month later, and the final fitting in the two to three weeks before the wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to try on different styles during your first bridal appointment to find a dress that complements your body shape and personal style. You should also consider your wedding dress neckline and overall aesthetic when deciding on your hair and makeup. Your first fitting will be about two months before your wedding, with the second fitting a month later, and the final fitting in the two to three weeks prior to your wedding day.
It is recommended to start trying on wedding dresses 9-12 months before your wedding date. This will give you ample time to shop around and find your dream dress.
It is recommended to book appointments at no more than three shops. Visiting too many stores might overwhelm you and make you more confused.
You don't have to go to other scheduled appointments if you feel like you've found the right dress. Shopping around further may cause you to second-guess yourself.
Don't fall into the trap of waiting too long to start shopping for your wedding dress. Instead, accept that your body might fluctuate over six months to a year and make sure you have enough time to get those gown alterations done.
