Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dress shopping is an important part of the wedding planning process, and it's essential to allow enough time to find the perfect dress. While it's possible to buy a dress and get married in it the next day, the classic wedding dress shopping experience takes time. Most sources recommend starting to look for a wedding dress at least nine months before the wedding, with a view to ordering the dress at least six months before the wedding. This allows time for research, appointments, production, shipping, and alterations, as well as any potential delays. However, it's important to note that each gown is made to order, so longer wait times may be inevitable. Additionally, it's recommended to have a budget in mind before starting to look, to avoid falling in love with a dress that's out of your price range.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average time taken to get a dress | 6-7 months |
| Time taken for alterations | 2-3 months |
| Time to avoid rush fees | 8-10 months before the wedding |
| Average cost of a wedding dress in 2023 | $2,000 |
| Percentage of the overall budget spent on wedding attire | 7% |
| Time to start shopping | 9-12 months before the wedding |
| Time to order the dress | 6-8 months before the wedding |
| First fitting | 2 months before the wedding |
| Second fitting | 1 month before the wedding |
| Final fitting | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
When to start looking
12 Months Before the Wedding:
Some sources suggest that starting your search for a wedding dress 12 months before the big day can be beneficial, especially if you want to avoid rush fees and have a wide range of options. This early start allows you to visit different stores and try on various styles to find what suits you best. It also gives you the opportunity to compare different gowns and make a well-informed decision.
9-11 Months Before the Wedding:
This is the recommended timeframe to start looking for your wedding dress. It provides a balance between having enough options and not feeling overwhelmed by newer designs that may be released closer to your wedding date. You can begin by researching trends, setting a budget, and booking appointments with bridal boutiques.
8 Months Before the Wedding:
At this point, you should actively be trying on dresses and making a selection. Most dresses will take at least 5-6 months to arrive, and you need to factor in additional time for alterations, which can take 2-3 months. Starting your search 8 months in advance helps you avoid rush fees and ensures your dress is ready in time for your final fitting, which is typically scheduled 2-3 weeks before the wedding.
Short Engagement or Time Constraints:
If you have a short engagement period or are facing time constraints, there are still options available. Local wedding dress shops often have off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns, ready-to-wear looks, and wedding dress rentals are also great alternatives. Online shopping can also save you time, but remember to consider any necessary alterations and potential rush fees.
Remember, it's essential to determine your wedding budget, the style of your wedding, and other key factors before beginning your search. This will help you make a confident decision and ensure your dress aligns with the theme and location of your wedding.
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Budgeting
Determine How Much You're Willing to Spend
Start by setting a realistic, all-inclusive budget for your wedding dress. This should include not just the cost of the dress itself, but also any potential alterations, taxes, shipping or rush fees, and accessories such as shoes, veil, and jewellery. According to industry data, couples typically allocate around 6%-7% of their total wedding budget to attire and beauty, which equates to an average cost of around $2,000 for the wedding dress. However, this can vary depending on your personal finances and the overall wedding budget.
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The type of retailer and dress you choose can significantly impact the price. Large retailers like David's Bridal offer a wide range of options at various price points. If you're working with a smaller budget, consider browsing affordable wedding dresses online at budget-friendly retailers like Lulus, Azazie, or Anthropologie. Off-the-rack dresses are usually more affordable and immediately available, whereas custom-made dresses or designer gowns can be significantly more expensive, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
Attend Trunk Shows and Sales Events
Trunk shows and sales events, such as the National Bridal Sale & Adore Trunk Show, often feature exclusive sales and discounted prices on designer gowns. By attending these events, you might find your dream dress at a more affordable price. Follow your favourite bridal boutiques and designers on social media to stay updated about upcoming events and sales.
Prioritize What Matters Most
If you have specific elements you're looking for in a gown, consider prioritising those that matter most to balance out the costs. For example, if luxe fabric is a must-have, opt for a simpler silhouette to keep the overall price down. Beading, embellishments, and intricate details can add to the cost of a wedding dress, so skipping them in favour of a simpler design can help you save money.
Plan Your Timeline Accordingly
Finally, when budgeting for your wedding dress, it's important to consider the timing of your purchase. Dress production and shipping can take several months, and alterations should be allowed for, too. Most brides purchase their dresses 7.5 to 10 months before the wedding to avoid rush fees and ensure they have time to shop around. By planning your timeline effectively, you can make informed decisions that stay within your budget.
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Researching trends
Wedding dress shopping is an exhilarating journey, but it demands careful planning and consideration. The early stages of wedding dress shopping involve researching styles, designers, and trends. It is essential to start the dress shopping journey early, allowing ample time to explore various options without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
To avoid dress regret, it is recommended that you start researching trends and styles 12-18 months before the wedding. Creating a vision board via Pinterest of wedding dress silhouettes, fabrics, and overall tone will help narrow down the type of wedding dress you may be interested in. Be sure to branch out and explore lots of different styles, keeping in mind your budget, venue, and the weather.
Bridal trends tend to change with the seasons, just like in other parts of the fashion industry. Typically, there are new Spring and Fall collections every year, and some wedding dress styles are discontinued as soon as eight months or a few years after their initial release. If you are looking for a trendy dress, it is best to shop closer to your wedding date to ensure you do not miss out on the latest trends.
Additionally, consider the delivery timeline, especially for custom gowns. Once you've chosen your bridal gown, it's time to think about accessories like veils, shoes, and jewelry. You want to ensure you have enough time to browse and order these pieces if they are not in stock.
If you are having a short engagement, there are still options available to find a wedding dress. Many local wedding dress shops have off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns and ready-to-wear looks are also options if you are shopping last minute.
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Booking appointments
Wedding dress shopping takes time, so it's important to start early and book your appointments in advance. The general consensus is that you should start looking for your wedding dress between 8 and 12 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around, make a decision, and avoid rush fees. Most dresses will take at least 5-6 months to come in, and you'll need to factor in additional time for alterations, which can take 2-3 months. If you're planning on several intricate customizations, you'll need to allow for an even longer timeline.
It's a good idea to have a budget in mind before you start shopping, so you only look at dresses that fit within your price range. You should also consider the style of wedding you're having, as this will help dictate the type of dress you choose. For example, you wouldn't want to wear a duchess satin ballgown to a relaxed beach wedding or a dress with a long train to a chic city-centre wedding.
When booking appointments, try to go mid-week if possible, as you'll have more options for appointments and a little more time in-store to make a decision. Don't worry about trying to reach a goal weight before shopping, as dresses can always be altered for weight fluctuations. It's also important to note that you may not find your dream dress during your first appointment, so it's normal to take a few appointments to find the right one.
If you're having a short engagement or didn't give yourself enough time to shop, there are still options available. Many local wedding dress shops offer off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns, ready-to-wear looks, and wedding dress rentals are also great options for last-minute shoppers. Shopping online can also help cut down on the time spent visiting salons.
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Allowing time for alterations
Wedding dress shopping can be a lengthy process, and it's important to allow enough time for alterations. Most dresses will take at least 5-6 months to arrive, and you should plan to have your final fitting 2-3 weeks before the wedding. This means that you should start shopping for your dress at least 9-12 months before the big day.
The first step in the process is to determine your budget. Wedding attire typically accounts for about 7% of the overall wedding budget, and you also need to factor in costs for extras like taxes, alterations, and shipping. Once you have a budget in mind, you can start trying on dresses to get a sense of the style you want. It's common to try on multiple gowns before finding the perfect one, so don't be discouraged if you don't find your dream dress right away.
When you do find the right dress, be sure to order it with enough lead time. Custom or made-to-order dresses can take up to six months to create, and you also need to allow time for shipping and any necessary alterations. If you're planning on intricate customizations or getting bridal portraits done before the wedding, you may need to allow even more time.
It's also important to be mindful of your weight fluctuations in the months leading up to the wedding. While dresses can always be altered for weight changes, it's much simpler to take a dress in than to let it out. To avoid added stress, try to maintain your weight once you've had your final fitting.
By allowing plenty of time for alterations and being mindful of potential delays, you can ensure that your dress will be perfect for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start looking for your wedding dress at least 8-10 months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to shop around and find your dream dress without feeling rushed.
It is suggested that you buy your wedding dress 8-9 months before your wedding. This will allow time for production and shipping, which can take up to 5-6 months, and for alterations, which can take 2-3 months.
If you have a short engagement, you can still find a wedding dress. Many local wedding dress shops offer off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns, ready-to-wear looks, and wedding dress rentals are also options.
Before shopping for your wedding dress, it is important to determine your budget and the style of wedding you want. You should also consider the wedding theme and location, as this will dictate the dress you choose.
