Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, especially when you're unsure about the timeline. While there's no right or wrong way to approach it, it's important to start early to explore various options without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Most wedding dresses are made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. It's recommended to start trying on dresses and booking appointments 9-12 months before the wedding, with the goal of ordering your dress 8-10 months in advance. This allows time for production, shipping, and alterations, which can take up to 6 months or longer. If you're ordering a custom or made-to-order dress, allow for even more time. However, don't start dress shopping too early, as styles and tastes can change, and you might experience dress regret later on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to order a simple wedding dress | 6-12 months before the wedding |
| Time to start trying on wedding dresses | 12 months before the wedding |
| Time to finalise the wedding dress choice and place the order | 6 months before the wedding |
| Time for the first fitting | 2 months before the wedding |
| Time for the second fitting | 1 month before the wedding |
| Time for the final fitting | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
| Time to receive the dress | 5-9 months |
| Time for alterations | 2-3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress shopping timeline
Wedding dress shopping can be a lengthy process, and it's important to give yourself enough time to find the dress of your dreams. Here is a timeline to guide you through the process and ensure a stress-free experience.
12-18 Months Before the Wedding
Start researching wedding dress styles, silhouettes, fabrics, and overall aesthetics that appeal to you. Creating a vision board on Pinterest can help narrow down your preferences. Keep an open mind and consider different styles to complement your body shape and personality.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
This is the ideal time to begin wedding dress shopping. Schedule your first bridal appointment and try on a variety of dresses to get a sense of what you like and what suits you. Don't be discouraged if you don't find your dream dress right away; it's normal to take multiple appointments to find the perfect gown.
8-9 Months Before the Wedding
Ideally, you should aim to finalize your wedding dress choice and place your order within this timeframe. Keep in mind that made-to-order and custom dresses can take up to six months to arrive, and you'll also need to allow time for alterations.
5-6 Months Before the Wedding
Your first wedding dress fitting will typically take place around this time. This is when you'll want to have your wedding shoes ready so that the hem can be altered to the correct height.
2-3 Months Before the Wedding
Your second fitting will usually occur at this stage, followed by your final fitting closer to the wedding day. These fittings are crucial for ensuring that your dress fits perfectly and that any desired alterations are made.
Remember, each dress is unique, and timelines may vary depending on the designer and complexity of the gown. It's always better to start the process earlier to avoid rush fees and have a more relaxed and enjoyable wedding dress shopping experience.
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How to avoid rush fees
Wedding dresses typically take several months to arrive, and additional time is required for fittings and alterations. Therefore, it is recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress at least seven to ten months before your wedding, with a view to ordering the dress at least six months in advance. This will help you avoid rush fees and ensure that you have plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams.
- Start shopping early: Most boutiques recommend ordering your dress 6-12 months in advance to allow for creation, shipping, and alteration time. Aim to order your dress 9-12 months ahead of your wedding to avoid rush fees.
- Budget for alterations: Even when gowns are ordered to your size, they usually require minor alterations to achieve a perfect fit. Budget for these costs and plan for multiple fittings to ensure your dress fits like a glove.
- Shop online or in-store for sample dresses: If you're short on time, consider purchasing a sample dress from a boutique's inventory. These dresses may have minor imperfections but can be taken home the same day. Alternatively, attend a sample sale where you can find discounted gowns without the wait time.
- Plan for potential delays: If your wedding is overseas and you plan to ship your dress, or if your wedding date coincides with busy periods like Chinese New Year, allow for extra time to avoid rush fees.
- Order early if customisations are required: If you plan to make intricate customisations to your dress, allow for a longer timeline. Customisations can add several months to the production process, increasing the likelihood of rush fees.
- Shop with a budget: Have a clear budget in mind before you start shopping. This will help you avoid falling in love with a dress that's outside your financial comfort zone and give you a realistic idea of how much room you have in your budget to accommodate any potential rush fees.
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The fittings process
- The first fitting: Your first wedding dress fitting will typically take place about two months before the wedding. During this fitting, the seamstress will make initial alterations such as adjusting the hem to your height and making any necessary adjustments to the bust, waist, and hips. It is important to bring your wedding shoes to this fitting, as the hem length will be determined by your shoe height. You should also start finalising your choice of undergarments, shapewear, and accessories to ensure they complement the dress.
- The second fitting: The second fitting usually takes place a month after the first, giving the seamstress time to make the alterations from the first fitting. Here, you can assess the fit and make any further adjustments. This is also a good time to bring along your bridal party or family members for their input and to share the experience.
- The final fitting: The final fitting typically occurs two to three weeks before the wedding. This is the time to ensure that all the alterations have been made to your liking and that you feel comfortable and confident in the dress. You may also want to bring along your bridal party again for a final opinion and to create a memorable moment.
It is important to note that the fittings process may vary depending on the complexity of the alterations and the availability of your seamstress. Some dresses may require additional fittings, especially if there are intricate customizations. It is always better to allow more time for alterations than to rush the process, so starting your fittings early is advisable.
Additionally, don't forget that your body can change in the months leading up to your wedding. Weight fluctuations are normal, and ensuring your dress fits you comfortably is essential for your confidence and comfort on the day. Communicate any changes or concerns to your seamstress so they can adjust the dress accordingly.
Lastly, be mindful of potential delays or unexpected issues. Having a buffer in your timeline can help reduce stress and allow for last-minute adjustments. It is also a good idea to finalise your choice of undergarments and accessories early on, as these can impact the fit and overall look of your dress.
Remember, the fittings process is an exciting part of your wedding journey, so enjoy the experience and savour the moments leading up to your special day!
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Shipping times
Wedding dresses typically take between 5 and 9 months to arrive, with some taking even longer. One source advises that dresses can take 16 to 20 weeks to arrive from the day you place your order. Another source suggests that dresses can take up to six months to arrive, sometimes longer. It is also important to remember that your dress may need to be altered, which can take up to three months.
If you are buying a vintage wedding dress, an off-the-rack wedding dress, or a sample wedding dress, you may be able to take the dress home with you on the same day.
If you are buying a wedding dress online, it is recommended that you order the same dress in a couple of sizes to avoid extended back and forth. It is also important to leave plenty of time for shipping.
Some sources suggest that you should buy your wedding dress between 8 and 12 months before the wedding. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and find your dream dress, as well as time for any necessary alterations. It will also help you to avoid rush fees.
If you are planning on getting bridal portraits before the wedding day, you should have your dress ordered and fitted before your pictures. In this case, you should still aim for the 9-12 month timeline, but make sure you are going off the date of your bridal portraits rather than your wedding.
If your wedding is taking place overseas and you plan on shipping your dress, you should allow extra time for that.
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Pros and cons of buying early
Wedding dresses typically take between 5 and 6 months to arrive, with some brides reporting wait times of up to 9 months or more. This is because each gown is made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. After your dress arrives, you'll need to allow for 2-3 months of alterations. With this in mind, it's recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress 9-12 months before your wedding, with the goal of ordering your dress 8-10 months before the big day.
Pros
- You'll avoid rush fees, which can be incurred if you order your dress with less than 8 months to go until your wedding.
- You'll have more dresses to choose from, as leaving it too late can result in limited options.
- You'll have time to make any necessary alterations.
- You can use the style of your dress to dictate other choices for your wedding's style.
- You can take advantage of sales and discounts by buying early.
Cons
- Your body or tastes may change, and you may regret your choice of dress.
- You may need to pay for storage for your dress.
- You may need to pay a deposit of up to 50% of the price of the dress when you order, rather than when you collect it.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you order your wedding dress between 8 and 12 months before the wedding. This gives you ample time for shipping and any necessary alterations.
Custom wedding dresses can take up to six months to be made, sometimes longer, so it is advised to start shopping for your dress 7-10 months before the wedding.
If you are getting married in a few months, you may want to consider buying a sample or off-the-rack dress, which you can take home on the same day.
Finding the right vintage dress can take a long time, so it is recommended to start your search early. You will also need to allow time to find a specialist to make any necessary alterations.
To avoid rush fees, it is best to start looking for your wedding dress at least 8 months before the wedding.
