Rhiannon Hendricks
Picking up your wedding dress is an important step in the lead-up to your big day. It's a good idea to buy your dress as early as possible to avoid shipping delays and allow time for alterations. Most dresses take six to eight months to arrive, but some can take up to a year. It's recommended that you pick up your dress about a week before the wedding, giving you enough time to make any last-minute changes if needed. However, picking it up too early may cause wrinkles, so it's a delicate balance!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pick-up time | A few days to a week before the wedding |
| Pick-up day | Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid last-minute changes |
| Final fitting | A few weeks before the wedding |
| First fitting | Three to four months before the wedding |
| Accessories | Picked out before the first fitting |
| Veil | Picked out by the first alterations appointment |
| Weight fluctuations | Buy the dress ASAP or a size up |
| Purchase time | 6-8 months before the wedding |
| Production and shipping time | 6-7 months |
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What You'll Learn
Pick up your dress a few days before your wedding
Picking up your wedding dress a few days before your wedding is a good idea, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you've had your final fitting and are happy with the alterations. This is the time to bring a VIP wedding guest with you so they can learn how to bustle the train or lace up your corset. Check for any snags, discolouration, or damage, and ensure your veil is stored in a protective pouch within the garment bag to prevent snagging.
If you pick up your dress a few days before your wedding, you'll need to carefully store it. Keep it in its protective garment bag to protect it from dust and damage. If you're worried about wrinkles, some brides hang the dress and lay out the train, while others opt for professional steaming and pressing a few days before the wedding. You'll also need to plan how to transport your dress to the venue, especially if it has a long train or is delicate.
It's a good idea to pick up your dress during the week, leaving some buffer time for any last-minute changes. For example, if your wedding is on a Saturday, you could pick up your dress on Tuesday or Wednesday, giving you some leeway. This also allows you to focus on other tasks and appointments closer to the big day.
Remember, the dress should be ready for pick-up two to four weeks before the wedding, so you can always plan to pick it up earlier and then have it professionally steamed closer to the date. This way, you can ensure it looks flawless and is ready for your big day.
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Pay remaining balance and alteration fees when picking up
When it comes to picking up your wedding dress, it's essential to plan ahead and be prepared for any final payments or fees. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to ensure a smooth process:
Payment of Remaining Balance:
When you pick up your wedding dress, you will typically be expected to pay the remaining balance. The amount due will depend on the salon's policies and the terms of your contract. Be sure to carefully review your contract before pickup to understand the final payment amount and any additional charges. It is common for the remaining balance to be paid upon collection of the dress, so ensure you are financially prepared for this step.
Alteration Fees:
In addition to the remaining balance, alteration fees may also be due when picking up your dress. Some seamstresses or alteration specialists may require payment for their services at the time of pickup. These fees can vary, so it is essential to discuss charges and payment expectations beforehand. Understand the pricing structure, whether it's a flat fee or charged per service, and budget accordingly.
Timing of Payments:
The timing of payments for alterations can vary. Some businesses may request payment for alterations at the fitting or when the dress is picked up. It is not uncommon for alterations to be paid for upon completion and approval of the work. If you have concerns about the quality of alterations, you may prefer to pay after inspecting the finished product. Communicate with your seamstress or salon about their payment policies and your preferences.
Final Fittings and Adjustments:
Before picking up your dress, ensure you are satisfied with the alterations and final fitting. Bring along the exact undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure a flawless fit. This is also an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with the dress's features, such as bustling the train or lacing up the corset.
Storage and Transportation:
When you pick up your dress, inquire about proper storage methods and transportation. The salon or tailor may provide a protective garment bag to keep your dress safe and wrinkle-free until your wedding day. If you are travelling with your dress, ask for advice on the best ways to transport it, including carrying it on an airplane and storing it appropriately at your destination.
Remember to carefully review your contract, understand the payment expectations, and be prepared to pay any remaining balances and alteration fees when picking up your wedding dress. This will ensure a stress-free experience as you prepare for your special day.
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Hang up your dress to prevent wrinkling
The wedding dress is one of the most important elements of the big day. It is the bride's chance to shine and feel like a princess. But, when it comes to picking up the dress, there is always the worry of it getting wrinkled. Here are some tips to ensure your dress stays smooth and wrinkle-free:
Firstly, timing is key. Many brides opt to pick up their dress around three months before the wedding, allowing time for any final alterations. This gives some leeway for last-minute changes, but also means the dress isn't picked up too early, reducing the risk of it getting damaged or lost.
Secondly, when you do pick up the dress, ensure it is hung up properly. Hanging the dress on a sturdy hanger will help prevent wrinkles. One bride shared that she hung her dress on a closet door, ensuring the train didn't touch the floor, and this worked well for her. It is also a good idea to lay the dress out, allowing it to breathe and any minor creases to fall out.
Additionally, the fabric of your dress will impact its susceptibility to wrinkles. Synthetic fabrics like polyester blends are great options as they are wrinkle-resistant. If your dress is made from natural fabrics, consider a protective garment bag to keep it safe and wrinkle-free.
Finally, a handy tip for when you are travelling with your dress is to hang it up in the bathroom and run a hot shower. The steam will help to remove any minor wrinkles that may have formed during transport.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your dress is pristine and ready for your special day.
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Pick up your veil and accessories before your first fitting
Picking up your wedding dress is an exciting moment, and there's a lot to consider when it comes to timing. It's recommended that your dress is finished and at the salon around three months before your wedding. This gives you some wiggle room before the first fitting, and you can also have your hair and makeup trial around this time, so you can see the overall aesthetic coming together.
Now, let's talk about your veil and accessories. It's a good idea to have these picked out before your first fitting. This will give you a glimpse of your full bridal look and help you visualise your special day. Your veil and accessories will transform your wedding dress into your dream dress. So, how do you choose the right veil?
First, consider the back of your gown. If your dress has a fabulous low backline or a statement bow, for example, you'll want to avoid a short veil that cuts across this detail. Instead, opt for a veil length that sits just below or above any key features. If your gown has a lot of back detail, you can wear any veil with a long train. A classic, raw-edge cathedral veil can add drama and sparkle, or you might prefer a modern style like a short, square-cut veil for a contemporary dress.
The shape and style of your veil should complement your hairstyle and any hair accessories. If you're wearing an updo, you might want to position the comb of the veil above it to keep it secure. If you're wearing your hair down, consider trying different veil styles to see what suits your hair and dress. You might want to opt for a shorter veil with an updo, so it sits below a bun, or a longer veil with a simpler hairstyle.
Your veil should also reflect the style and theme of your wedding. Are you going for a formal, intimate, or casual vibe? This will help you decide on the finishing touches, such as pearls, crystals, lace, or embroidery.
Remember, it's important to stick to your budget when choosing your veil and accessories. Veils can range in price, and you don't want to be paying more for these than your dress! So, have a price in mind and use that to guide your choices.
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Allow ample time for production, shipping, and alterations
Wedding dresses require time for production and shipping, so it's important to allow ample time for these processes, as well as for any necessary alterations. On average, making a wedding dress takes between four to six months, depending on the complexity of the design. However, some gowns may take longer, especially if they involve intricate details such as embroidery or beading.
It is generally recommended to purchase your wedding dress between eight and ten months before the wedding. This allows for the time needed to make the dress, ship it to the bridal salon, and then send it to the tailor for alterations. Once you have found your dream wedding dress, be sure to clarify whether your chosen salon offers in-house alterations or if they can recommend a trusted tailor or seamstress.
Wedding dress alterations are essential to achieving the perfect fit and ensuring you feel your best on your special day. Most wedding gowns will require at least some form of alteration, even if it's just minor tweaks. The number of fittings and alterations needed will depend on the style and size of the original dress and the extent of the desired changes. It is recommended to start the alteration process about two to three months before the wedding, allowing ample time for multiple fittings and any necessary adjustments.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free alteration process, it is important to bring along the correct wedding dress undergarments and shoes to your fittings. This helps the tailor or seamstress assess the fit of the dress and make any necessary adjustments to the hemline or overall length. Additionally, having your veil, jewellery, and other accessories picked out before your first fitting will give you an early glimpse of your full bridal look.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you pick up your wedding dress a few days before your wedding, such as on a Tuesday or Wednesday if your wedding is on a Saturday. This will allow you to make any last-minute changes if needed.
While there is no definitive answer to this question, some sources suggest that picking up your dress a week before your wedding is early enough to allow for any necessary changes. However, it is important to consider the possibility of wrinkles, especially if your dress has a train.
If you pick up your dress a few days before your wedding and there are any issues, you may have the option to return and pick it up the next day, allowing for quick alterations.
It is recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress about a year before your wedding date to ensure that you have enough time for ordering, creation, and delivery, which can take six to eight months on average.
When picking up your wedding dress, it is important to bring your wedding shoes so that the seamstress can adjust the hem accordingly. Additionally, consider the storage and transportation of your dress, as you will need a safe place to keep it until your wedding day.
