Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dresses are a monumental purchase, and it's important to get the timing right. The process can be stressful, so it's best to start early. On average, brides begin their search for a wedding dress about 10 months before the wedding, but this can vary depending on the length of the engagement and how quickly the wedding is taking place. Ideally, you should start looking between nine and twelve months before the wedding to avoid rush fees and have enough time for any necessary alterations. It's also important to be mindful of production and shipping times, which can take several months, and to plan for any potential delays. Budgeting is crucial, as wedding attire can be expensive, and it's easy to fall in love with a dress that's out of your price range. It's recommended to do your research, set a budget, and gather inspiration for your dream dress before beginning your search.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early is too early to buy a dress? | 8-12 months before the wedding. |
| How early is it recommended to buy a dress? | 10-12 months before the wedding. |
| Average time taken for a dress to arrive | 6-9 months. |
| Time taken for alterations | 2-3 months. |
| Time taken for the entire process | 8-12 months. |
| Things to keep in mind | Budget, fashion trends, bridal style, and location. |
| Tips | Avoid salons or retailers that pressure you into purchasing immediately. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress shopping timelines
Wedding dress shopping is an important part of wedding planning. It is recommended that you start the process between eight and twelve months before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to find your dream dress and avoid rush fees.
The first step is to determine your personal bridal style and budget. Research the best places to buy a wedding dress near you and book appointments. You can also create a mood board and gather a supportive group of friends to accompany you. This prep work typically takes between three weeks and three months.
Once you have an idea of your style and budget, you can start searching for inspiration and checking out the latest trends. It is important to remember that bridal trends change with the seasons, so you may want to consider the time of year when making your selection.
When you are ready to start trying on dresses, make your appointments and begin shopping! This process can take several months, as dress production and shipping times can vary. On average, it takes six to eight months to order a wedding dress, but some dresses may take longer depending on the designer and manufacturer.
Finally, once you have found your dress, you will need to allow time for alterations. These can take two to three months, so plan accordingly to ensure your dress is ready in time for your big day.
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Budgeting for a wedding dress
It is recommended that couples allocate around 6% to 10% of their total wedding budget to the attire, with some sources specifying that this should include alterations and accessories. This means that for a wedding budget of $12,000-$20,000, one could expect to spend between $1,200 and $2,000 on the dress, alterations, and accessories.
When budgeting for a wedding dress, it is important to consider not only the cost of the dress itself but also any potential alterations, which can range from $100 to $300 or more if extensive changes are needed. To save on alteration costs, one can consider opting for a corset-style gown that can be adjusted to fit or a made-to-measure dress. Additionally, it is worth factoring in the cost of accessories such as jewellery, shoes, veils, and headpieces, which can add an extra $150 to $500 or more to the overall expense.
To stay within budget, it is advisable to start the wedding dress search early, as soon as one knows what their main gown will be. This allows for a more leisurely timeline and helps to avoid rush order fees. It is also beneficial to shop around and compare prices at different salons and retailers, both online and in-person. Buying off-the-rack or purchasing a sample dress from a bridal boutique can often result in significant savings. Additionally, considering second-hand, vintage, or thrift store options can offer more affordable choices while also reducing waste.
Lastly, it is crucial to set a realistic budget and stick to it. This means only trying on dresses within one's price range to avoid falling in love with a gown that is outside of one's budget. By planning and allocating funds effectively, one can achieve their dream look without financial strain.
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Researching fashion trends
When it comes to researching fashion trends for your wedding dress, it's important to consider the timeline you're working with. The general rule of thumb is to start the process between nine and twelve months before your wedding. This allows ample time for research, dress selection, ordering, and any necessary alterations. Here are some key points to consider:
Understanding Bridal Fashion Trends
Bridal fashion trends evolve with the seasons, similar to the broader fashion industry. Typically, there are new Spring and Fall collections released annually, with styles being discontinued at various intervals. Keeping an eye on these seasonal trends can help you make an informed decision about the style and timing of your purchase.
Setting a Budget
Before diving into specific trends, it's crucial to establish a budget for your wedding dress. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure you only consider dresses within your financial comfort zone. The cost of a wedding dress varies, but on average, it accounts for about 7% of the overall wedding budget.
Online Research and Mood Boards
The internet is a valuable resource for researching fashion trends. Create mood boards or turn to Pinterest boards for inspiration and to get a better sense of your bridal style. Online research can also help you discover emerging trends and designers, especially if you're looking for unique or custom options.
Salon Appointments and Customization
If you're interested in a salon experience, booking appointments is essential. Keep in mind that dress production and customization can take several months, so starting the process early is advisable. This will also give you the opportunity to try on various styles and work with the salon consultants to find your perfect dress.
Off-the-Rack and Second-Hand Options
For brides working with a shorter timeline or seeking more sustainable options, buying off-the-rack or second-hand can be a great solution. Many bridal salons and retail stores offer alterations services for off-the-rack purchases, ensuring you still get a personalized fit. Additionally, sample sales and vintage dresses are worth considering for unique and timely finds.
Body Positivity and Alterations
It's important to embrace body positivity and accept that your body may fluctuate in the months leading up to your wedding. Most brides require some form of alteration, so ensure you leave enough time for these adjustments. A well-fitting dress will not only make you look beautiful but also boost your confidence on your special day.
Remember, while staying informed about fashion trends is essential, ultimately, your wedding dress choice should reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident. Happy planning!
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Booking appointments
When booking appointments, it is best to call ahead, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend. Weekdays tend to be quieter and can provide a more intimate dress shopping experience. If you plan to visit multiple boutiques, it is recommended to limit the number of appointments per day to two and allow time for travel and breaks between appointments.
Before booking, it is helpful to research bridal salons to understand their styles and price points. It is also beneficial to create a Pinterest board with gown inspiration and your overall wedding vision to share with your consultant during the appointment.
During the appointment, the consultant will discuss your wedding details, including the season, venue, and décor. They will also take your measurements to order the gown in the closest size. You may be expected to pay a deposit during this appointment.
It is important to note that most people try on several dresses before finding their dream wedding dress, so it is normal to book multiple appointments at different salons. Additionally, it is recommended to limit the number of guests you bring to the appointment to avoid too many conflicting opinions.
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Wedding dress alterations
Most wedding dresses require some degree of alteration. This is because dresses are typically ordered based on the largest measurement, meaning alterations are needed to ensure the rest of the dress fits the body perfectly. Alterations specialists and seamstresses can do much more than just adjust a hem. They can perform dress resizing, add custom elements like sleeves or linings, reshape necklines, and even help you incorporate a piece of your mother's wedding dress into your gown. Creating a bustle is another common alteration for gowns with a train, allowing the bride to pin up the train for the wedding reception and enjoy the drama of a train without it getting in the way during the festivities.
It's recommended that you start wedding dress shopping between eight and ten months before your wedding date, and the average time to make a purchase is around seven and a half months before the celebration. However, if you're planning a wedding in under nine months, you may need to buy off the rack and have alterations done locally. In this case, it's best to opt for a domestic designer to shorten lead times. When buying off the rack, it's a good idea to ask the salon or retailer for their timeline for ordering, shipping, and fittings, and get it in writing. Find out if they accept rush orders and how much extra this would cost.
Once you have your dress, it's time to start thinking about alterations. It's a good idea to pick out your shoes as soon as you get your dress, as even a small difference in heel height can affect how the hem looks. You can then take your shoes to your alteration appointments. It typically takes about three fittings before a bride's ensemble is ready to be worn, but this may vary depending on the style and size of the original dress. It's recommended that your first fitting takes place three months before your wedding, allowing you to pick up your dress a month before the big day. This gives you some leeway in case any issues arise.
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Frequently asked questions
Ideally, you should start wedding dress shopping between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to shop around and find your dream dress. However, some brides have purchased their dresses two years in advance.
On average, made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create. However, some bridal designers may take less or more time, and there may be additional time needed for alterations.
You should start researching and planning your wedding dress three weeks to three months before you begin shopping. This includes researching bridal styles, setting a budget, and booking appointments.
If you're on a tight timeline, you can shop for ready-to-wear gowns online or in-store, or consider purchasing a second-hand wedding dress. Some bridal designers also offer expedited shipping options.
