Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses typically take between four to six months to arrive, with some taking even longer. This leaves enough time for the dress to be made to your measurements, shipped to the bridal salon, and sent to the tailor for alterations. However, if you're working with a shorter timeline, there are still options available. Many boutiques carry a range of sizes in stock for same-day purchase, and some designers offer rush orders with turnaround times of six to eight weeks. When shopping for a wedding dress with a tight deadline, it's important to be flexible and manage your expectations. You may need to buy a dress off the rack or choose a simpler design that can be produced quickly. Additionally, it's crucial to communicate your timeline clearly to the boutique or designer so they can advise you on the best options available.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for wedding dresses to ship | 4-6 weeks on rush orders, 6-9 months in advance of the wedding day |
| Time taken for alterations | 1-3 sessions, 2-4 months |
| Time taken for dresses to arrive | 4-6 months, up to 9 months for complex designs |
| Time to start shopping | 8-10 months before the wedding, 7.5 months on average |
| Time to buy off the rack | 3 months |
| Time to buy a custom dress | 5 months |
| Time to buy a sample dress | 6 months |
| Time to buy a ready-to-ship dress | 2-7 days |
Explore related products
$42.99
What You'll Learn
Research online, then buy off the rack
If you're looking to buy a wedding dress with only two months to spare, you may need to let go of the idea of a "perfect" dress and manage your expectations. It's important to be flexible and keep an open mind. A good strategy is to first research online and then buy off the rack.
Start by looking at the websites of bridal boutiques and salons in your area. Check out their selection and pricing, and don't hesitate to give them a call to ask about their current stock and any upcoming sample sales. Many brides today are going for online gown providers, so be sure to include those in your search. You can also browse pre-owned wedding dress websites, which offer a wide range of designer gowns at more affordable prices.
When researching online, keep in mind that bridal sizing differs from regular sizing. You'll need to take your measurements to ensure that the dress you buy will fit well. It's also a good idea to clarify whether the boutique offers in-house alterations, or if they can recommend a seamstress. You'll likely need at least a couple of alteration sessions to ensure your dress fits perfectly.
Once you've found a dress that you love and that fits your timeline, be sure to read the contract thoroughly before signing. Check all the details, including the designer, size, and expected arrival date, to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises later on.
While buying off the rack may mean that you're choosing from last year's collection, it doesn't mean you have to compromise on style or quality. With some careful research and a bit of luck, you can find your dream dress and have it ready in time for your big day.
Plain Wedding Dresses: Simple or Simply Boring?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Ask about rush orders and rush fees
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, especially when working with a tight timeline. If you're looking to get a wedding dress in two months, it's important to ask about rush orders and rush fees. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Understand Rush Fees
Rush fees are additional costs on top of the price of the wedding dress. These fees are charged when a bride needs her dress expedited, requiring the boutique or designer to rush the creation and shipping of the gown. The cost of rush fees can vary depending on the store, the time constraints, the designer, and the complexity of any customizations. Typically, rush fees come into play if you're ordering your dress five months or less before your wedding.
Inquire About Rush Order Options
When visiting bridal boutiques or salons, be transparent about your timeline. Ask about their rush order options and whether they can accommodate your request without incurring additional rush fees. Some boutiques may have more flexibility than others, so it's worth shopping around.
Consider Buying Off the Rack
If you're looking to avoid rush fees, consider purchasing a dress off the rack. Many bridal boutiques offer sample sales, where they sell gowns that have been on display or tried on by other brides. These gowns are often discounted and can be purchased immediately, bypassing the usual creation and shipping times. While there may be limited options, this can be a great way to get a designer gown without the wait.
Verify Timelines
When discussing rush orders, be sure to verify the timeline with the boutique or designer. Ask about their typical turnaround time for rush orders and whether they can guarantee delivery within your desired timeframe. It's also important to factor in time for alterations, which can take several weeks to ensure your dress fits perfectly.
Compare Costs
Don't be afraid to compare costs between different boutiques and designers. Inquire about their rush fees and any additional charges for customizations or alterations. This will help you make an informed decision and budget accordingly.
Remember, while getting a wedding dress in two months may require rush orders and additional fees, it's not impossible. Be proactive, ask the right questions, and remain flexible to find the dress of your dreams, even on a tight timeline.
Megan's Wedding Dress: Cost and Design Details
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$56.99 $62.99
Buy from a large retailer with more stock
If you're looking to buy a wedding dress with only two months to spare, one option is to buy from a large retailer with more stock. While bridal boutiques often require brides to order their dresses six to nine months in advance, large retailers like David's Bridal have thousands of gowns in stock in stores for same-day purchase. They also have the inventory to ship your dress within 2-7 days on average.
David's Bridal, with its large buying power, can accommodate tighter timelines that might be a problem for smaller boutiques. They offer a wide range of styles and have the largest selection of ready-to-ship dresses in the U.S., with nearly 500 styles available. Their dresses can be shipped in as soon as two to four business days, making them an excellent option for last-minute brides.
Another benefit of buying from a large retailer is the convenience of one-stop shopping. Large retailers often have a vast selection of wedding-related products, including veils, shoes, and accessories. This means you can find everything you need in one place, saving you time and effort.
Additionally, large retailers often have multiple locations, providing you with more options for trying on dresses and convenient return or exchange policies. They may also offer exclusive discounts or promotions that smaller boutiques may not be able to match.
When considering a large retailer, it's essential to keep in mind that their dresses may not be as unique or customizable as those from smaller boutiques. However, if you're open to a wider range of styles and are comfortable with a dress that may not be made-to-measure, buying from a large retailer can be a lifesaver when you're short on time.
Embellishing Your Wedding Gown: Adding Sequins for That Sparkle
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$30.39 $37.99
Find a simple dress, they arrive faster
If you're looking to get your hands on a wedding dress in just two months, one of the best options is to find a simple dress. Simple dresses are more likely to be available for quick delivery, as they don't require the same amount of time for production and shipping as more complex designs.
One option is to look for a bridal boutique that offers quick-ship or quick-delivery options. These boutiques will often have a selection of gowns that can be produced and delivered within a shorter time frame, without sacrificing quality. Some boutiques may offer predetermined dresses that are eligible for faster production, while others may offer customizable options, such as adding or removing a train or including detachable sleeves.
Another option is to shop for a ready-to-wear or ready-to-ship wedding dress. These dresses are already crafted and available for immediate purchase, so you don't have to worry about production and shipping times. Online retailers, such as Olivia Bottega, offer a variety of styles, from classic silhouettes to modern designs, ensuring that you can find a dress that suits your taste.
Additionally, don't be afraid to try big retailers, such as David's Bridal. Their large buying power means they may be more accommodating to tighter timelines. You can also explore online gown providers, who have expanded their offerings and often have faster delivery options.
When shopping for a wedding dress with a short timeline, it's important to be proactive and flexible. Start your search as early as possible, and don't be discouraged if you don't find your dream dress right away. It may take a few appointments to find the perfect gown, and you'll also need to account for alterations, which can take several weeks to months.
Remember, finding a simple dress that can arrive faster doesn't mean you have to compromise on feeling beautiful and confident. With a bit of research and flexibility, you can still find a dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself on your special day.
Stella York Wedding Dresses: How Much Do They Cost?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$23.34 $26.06
Buy a second-hand dress
If you're looking to buy a second-hand wedding dress in just two months, you'll be pleased to know that there are many online platforms that can help you find your dream dress without the lengthy process of visiting salons and waiting for a made-to-order dress to be produced and shipped.
One of the benefits of buying a second-hand dress is that you can save a lot of money. Websites such as Borrowing Magnolia offer thousands of wedding dresses at up to 80% off the original retail price. Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, offers designer wedding dresses at affordable prices.
You can also buy a ready-to-wear gown off the rack from a department store, especially if your wedding falls around prom season (March to May), when you have a higher chance of finding a white gown at a good price. Department stores such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, and Saks Off Fifth are worth checking out.
If you're looking for a more sustainable option, buying second-hand is a great choice. Borrowing Magnolia caters to environmentally conscious women who want to consume mindfully and responsibly, ensuring that dresses are not a one-and-done deal but have a lot of life left in them.
When buying a second-hand wedding dress, you can browse through user-friendly websites, connect securely with dress owners, and negotiate prices. You can also sell your dress after your wedding to recoup most of your money.
Finding Your Dream Wedding Dress Fast
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ideally, you should start looking for your wedding dress between eight and ten months before the wedding. However, if you are short on time, there are still options available.
Most bridal boutiques will post information about upcoming sample sales on their Instagram accounts. You can also call salons in your area and ask if they will be hosting a sale. Big retailers, such as David's Bridal, may also be a good option as they have large quantities of dresses in stock.
You will need to buy something off the rack, which means you may have to settle for a dress that isn't exactly what you wanted. You will also need to account for alterations, which can take up to two months.
Don't stress too much about finding the "perfect" dress. If it makes you feel beautiful and like the best version of yourself, that's what matters. You can also do your research online before buying to get inspiration and narrow down your options.
