Lyla Dejesus
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but shopping for your wedding dress should be a wonderful, memorable, and stress-free experience. It is important to start the process early to avoid rush fees and ensure you have time to find your dream dress. Most brides purchase their dresses between 6 and 15 months before the wedding, with some starting the search as early as 12-18 months in advance. This allows time for production and shipping, which can take up to 5 months, as well as alterations to ensure the dress fits perfectly. If you're short on time, there are options for off-the-rack dresses or expedited shipping, but be aware that there may be additional rush fees involved. So, when is the best time to start looking for your wedding dress? The earlier the better, but the sweet spot seems to be around 8 to 10 months before your big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for production and shipping | 4-6 months |
| Time taken for alterations | 1-3 sessions |
| Time taken for fittings | 3 fittings, 2 months, 1 month, and 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
| Time to avoid | Less than 8 months before the wedding |
| Time to purchase | 6-15 months before the wedding |
| Time taken to arrive | 5-6 months |
| Time taken for customisations | Longer timeline |
| Time taken for bridal portraits | Before the wedding day |
| Time taken for shopping | 8.5 months before the wedding |
| Time taken for sales | Not much fluctuation |
| Time taken for online shopping | Less |
| Time taken for venue booking | Before the dress |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress appointments
It is recommended that brides start with one to three dress appointments to avoid getting overwhelmed by the shopping process. During these appointments, brides typically try on 7 dresses before purchasing their chosen wedding dress. It is important to keep in mind that dress production can take several months, so it is best to start the process early, especially if you plan on customizing your gown.
If you are having a short engagement or need your gown in a hurry, 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 brides in a time crunch. Online retailers like Anthropologie, Eloquii, and Reformation offer diverse collections of high-quality, on-trend, ready-to-wear gowns available for immediate purchase.
When choosing a bridal appointment date, it is important to consider the time needed for alterations. Most dresses will take at least 5-6 months to come in, and you will need to allow time for 2-3 fittings before the wedding day to ensure your dress fits perfectly. It is also recommended to have your veil, jewelry, and wedding shoes picked out before your first fitting so you can get an early glimpse of your full bridal look.
Lastly, it is important to be honest with your wedding dress stylist about your timeline so they can best serve you. It is also advised to say "yes" to the dress while you are wearing it and feeling connected to the moment to reduce the chance of regrets or remorse with your purchase.
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Customisations and alterations
The first fitting should be scheduled at least six to eight weeks before the wedding. At this point, you can make minor tweaks to the dress, such as changing the neckline or trim. You should also consider bringing along a bridesmaid or two so they can learn how to bustle the gown. The second fitting should take place around four weeks before the wedding, by which time most of the adjustments should have been made. You should also have chosen your final headpiece, veil, and accessories, and be able to see a clear picture of how the dress will look. A third and final fitting may be necessary, which usually happens two weeks before the wedding.
If you are working with a very tight timeline, it is still possible to make alterations in a time crunch, but there may be additional rush fees involved. Buying your dress in January is also a good way to give yourself a roomier timeline, as you will have at least four months for alterations and extra time to find accessories.
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Avoiding rush fees
Wedding dresses can take a long time to be made and shipped, and then there's the matter of alterations. To avoid rush fees, it's recommended that you start looking for your dress 9-12 months before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams. It also ensures that you give designers enough lead time to create your gown from scratch.
Most boutiques require that you order your dress 6-12 months in advance to allow for ample creation, shipping, and alteration time. Rush fees typically come into play if you're ordering your dress 5 months or less before your wedding. The cost of rush fees varies from store to store, but it can be significant when added to the base price of the dress. They can range from 10% to 30% of the price of the dress.
If you're short on time and want to avoid rush fees, you can purchase a gown from the store's sample inventory and take it home that day. These gowns may have small imperfections from being handled and tried on by other brides, but they can be a great way to get a wedding dress quickly. Attending a sample sale is another option. These sales happen when bridal boutiques need to make room for new inventory, so you can often find designer gowns at heavily marked-down prices. With this option, you avoid creation and shipping times, but you'll still need to budget time for alterations.
When planning your wedding dress purchase, it's important to consider any intricate customizations you may want, as these will require more time for the designer to produce. It's also a good idea to establish the wedding theme and location before picking out your dress, so you can ensure it's appropriate for the occasion. If your wedding is taking place overseas and you plan on shipping your dress, you'll need to factor in extra time for that as well.
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The venue and theme
Additionally, the venue and theme can guide your choice of accessories, shoes, and veil. For instance, if you're getting married outdoors on grass or mud, you'll want to pick appropriate footwear. It is recommended to have your veil, jewellery, and other accessories picked out before your first fitting so you can visualise your full bridal look.
While it's important to consider the venue and theme, it's also crucial to maintain an open mind. You may fall in love with a dress that you hadn't initially considered, so be sure to try on different styles, colours, and materials. The dress shopping experience should be enjoyable and stress-free, allowing you to find a dress that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
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Buying off-the-rack
Off-the-rack dresses are premade gowns that are available to try on and purchase immediately from a bridal shop. They are often discounted, as they have been tried on by other brides and may have minor imperfections or wear and tear. This option allows brides to save money and find a designer dress within their budget. It is also a good choice for brides who want to avoid the stress of waiting for their dress to arrive and want instant gratification during the wedding dress shopping experience.
However, when buying off-the-rack, it is important to keep in mind that these dresses are often available in limited sizes and may require alterations. Brides should be prepared to pay for the dress in full and budget enough time and money for any necessary alterations. Additionally, off-the-rack dresses may be longer in length, and while a hem is usually an easy fix, there may be limited options for taller brides who need to add length to the gown.
Overall, buying off-the-rack is a convenient and budget-friendly option for brides with a shorter timeline or those who want to avoid the wait associated with made-to-order gowns. It allows brides to find their dream dress and take it home on the same day, making the wedding dress shopping experience stress-free and enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress 6-15 months before your wedding. This gives you time to shop around and find your dream dress, as well as avoiding rush fees.
Yes, buying your wedding dress too early may result in last-minute stressors. It is recommended that you don't buy your dress any earlier than a year and a half before your wedding.
January is the best month to find a wedding gown for purchase. Wedding professionals will be more available during this time of year due to an influx of brides looking for the perfect gown.
You should allow at least 5-6 months for fittings and alterations, with the first fitting taking place 2 months before the wedding, the second a month later, and the final fitting 2-3 weeks before.
