Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and with so many steps involved, it's easy to become overwhelmed. One of the most important parts of the planning process is finding the perfect wedding dress. But when is the best time to go wedding dress shopping? The ideal time to start looking for your dream dress is around 10 to 18 months before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time to research different styles, visit salons, and make a purchase without feeling rushed. It's important to keep an open mind and try on different styles, as you may be surprised by what you fall in love with. Additionally, having a budget in mind before you start shopping is crucial to avoid falling in love with a dress that's outside your financial comfort zone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How early is too early? | Wedding dress shopping should not begin immediately after the engagement.) |
| How late is too late? | Wedding dress shopping should not be left until the last minute. |
| Ideal time to start shopping | 9-12 months before the wedding. |
| Ideal time to buy the dress | 7.5-8 months before the wedding. |
| Budget | Know your budget before you start shopping. |
| Weight loss | Delaying dress shopping to lose weight is a mistake. |
| Research | Research online before buying. |
| Fittings | First fitting: 4-6 weeks before the wedding; Second fitting: 3 weeks before the wedding; Final fitting: 2-3 weeks before the wedding. |
| Customisations | Allow more time if you want customisations. |
| Bridal portraits | If you're having bridal portraits, follow the 9-12 month timeline but use the portrait date as your deadline. |
| Overseas weddings | If your wedding is overseas, allow extra time for shipping your dress. |
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What You'll Learn
Start shopping 10-18 months before the wedding
Wedding dress shopping can be a lengthy process, so it's important to start early. Many brides recommend starting to shop for your dress around 10-18 months before your wedding. This might seem like a long time, but there are several good reasons to start early.
Firstly, your choice of dress can shape your whole wedding, including the theme, colour scheme, and venue. Starting your search early allows you to use your dress as a starting point for other style decisions. It also gives you time to determine your budget, as the dress is often one of the bigger expenses.
Secondly, you need to allow time for the dress to be ordered, created, and delivered. Many dresses are made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. If you start shopping 10-18 months in advance, you'll have plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams. You can also avoid rush fees, which may be incurred if you leave it too late.
Thirdly, you need to allow time for alterations. Your first fitting will usually take place around 2 months before the wedding, with a second fitting a month later. However, this can vary depending on the time of year and whether you are planning to lose weight before the wedding. It's a good idea to have your wedding shoes before your fittings begin, to ensure the length of your dress is correct.
Finally, don't forget that trying on wedding dresses can be enjoyable! Starting your search early gives you more time to enjoy the experience and find a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident.
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Research online first
Wedding dress shopping can be a lengthy process, so it's a good idea to start your research well in advance. In fact, 46% of brides-to-be begin their research online before buying a dress. This can involve creating an 'inspiration board' using magazine cuttings, Pinterest, wedding websites and more. You can also use your wedding's theme, location and overall vibe as a starting point for narrowing down your dress options. For example, if you're going for a beach wedding with neutral colours, consider a lighter fabric that can withstand the heat.
When creating your inspiration board, look for common themes among the wedding dress necklines, fabrics and silhouettes that you like. This will help you to easily describe your ideal dress when it's time to shop. While it's good to have an idea of what you want, it's also important to keep an open mind. Many brides find they choose something completely different from their usual style or from what they had initially planned.
It's also important to figure out your budget before you start shopping. Wedding dresses can be expensive, with the average wedding dress in the UK costing between £1500-£2000. You don't want to fall in love with a dress that's outside your budget.
Finally, don't leave your dress shopping until the last minute. This can cloud your judgement and suck the fun out of the experience. It's recommended that you start wedding dress shopping 9-12 months before your wedding. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and find your dream dress, as well as avoiding any rush fees.
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Try on lots of styles
Wedding dress shopping is a big event in your life, and it's important to find the perfect dress. Most brides are unsure of the style they want, so it's a good idea to try on lots of different gowns to find the one that suits you best.
It's recommended that you start wedding dress shopping seven to ten months before your wedding day. This gives you plenty of time to explore different options and styles without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You can create a vision board on Pinterest of wedding dress silhouettes, fabrics and the overall tone to help you narrow down the type of dress you may be interested in. However, it's also important to keep an open mind and be willing to try on different styles, even if they don't immediately stand out to you. Many brides find they choose something completely different from their usual style, so don't rule anything out until you've given it a chance.
Consider what suits you and what styles you feel most comfortable in. Look at the clothing you usually wear and enjoy, and think about the details that make it work for you. For example, do you prefer a V neckline, an empire waist, or a thigh split? Look for wedding dresses with these features so you'll feel as confident and comfortable as you do in your favourite outfit.
It's also a good idea to think about your hair and makeup on your wedding day. If you plan to wear your hair down, consider avoiding dresses with overly embellished necklines that could tangle in your hair. On the other hand, if you want an updo, look for dresses with lots of detail to showcase your hairstyle. If you're planning vintage-inspired makeup, consider dresses inspired by the same era to create a cohesive look.
Wedding dress shopping should be a fun and joyous experience. Surround yourself with a supportive bridal party to keep the process positive and enjoyable. Remember, the goal of trying on lots of styles is to explore what makes you feel comfortable and beautiful, and to find the dress that reflects your unique style and love story.
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Don't shop too early
While it's important to give yourself enough time to find the perfect wedding dress, starting your search too early can lead to a few potential pitfalls. Firstly, you might end up spending more than you need to. Wedding dresses can be expensive, and it's important to determine your budget before you start shopping. If you start shopping too early, you might fall in love with a dress that's outside your budget and feel pressured to compromise on other aspects of your wedding.
Secondly, your taste and preferences may change over time. If you start shopping immediately after your engagement, you might choose a dress that doesn't feel right for your ceremony closer to the date. You might also find yourself comparing your dress to newer designs as more recent collections are released. It's important to give yourself enough time to shop around and find a dress that aligns with your wedding theme and location.
Additionally, starting your search too early can take away some of the excitement and spontaneity of the experience. Wedding dress shopping should be enjoyable, and leaving some room for spontaneity can make the process more fun and less stressful. Remember, it's normal to take a few appointments to find the right gown, so don't feel pressured to make a decision too early in the process.
On average, brides start visiting dress salons about 8 to 12 months before their wedding and make their purchase around 7 to 9 months in advance. This timeline allows for customizations, alterations, and avoiding rush fees. However, there are options for shorter timelines, such as off-the-rack dresses, sample sales, and ready-to-wear options.
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Budget for the dress and alterations
Wedding dresses are often one of the larger expenses on the big day, so it's important to budget for the dress and any alterations you may need. It's recommended that you start wedding dress shopping 8–12 months before your wedding to avoid rush fees and dress regret, and to give yourself time to shop around.
Before you start shopping, it's a good idea to do some research and figure out what you like and what you want to avoid. You can do this by creating an inspiration board and looking for common themes among the wedding dress necklines, fabrics, and silhouettes that appeal to you. This will help you describe your ideal dress when trying on styles and consulting with a stylist. It's also a good idea to keep an open mind and be willing to try on different styles, even if they're not what you initially had in mind.
When budgeting for your wedding dress, consider the cost of the dress itself, any alterations that may be needed, and the number of fittings required. In the UK, the cost of wedding dress alterations can vary depending on the type and amount of work needed. Simple alterations like hem adjustments or adding sleeves can range from £15 to £150, while more complex alterations like reshaping the neckline or taking in the bust and waist can cost £60 to £200 or more. On average, brides in the UK pay between £250 and £400 for gown alterations, but this can vary depending on the designer and the complexity of the dress.
To stay within your budget, it's helpful to make a detailed list of the changes you want to make to the dress, prioritizing those that are essential and flexible. This will allow you to get quotes from seamstresses or designers and compare them to ensure you're getting a fair price. It's also important to remember that each gown is made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable, and you may need to budget for rush fees if your wedding is less than 8 months away.
Additionally, consider the cost of the dress itself. If you're purchasing a dress off the rack or opting for a sample sale gown, you may be able to save money, especially if only minor adjustments are needed. On the other hand, if you're having a custom gown made, you'll need to factor in the cost of materials and the designer's time, which can vary depending on the complexity of the design and any customizations you request.
By planning ahead, doing your research, and staying organized, you can ensure that you find a wedding dress that fits both your vision and your budget.
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Frequently asked questions
It's best to start shopping for a wedding dress 9-12 months before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around, order your dress, and have it altered.
Don't delay your dress shopping. If you find a wedding gown that makes you feel beautiful in your own skin, it will only make you feel better if you lose the weight.
Many local wedding dress shops have off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns are also a good option for brides short on time.
Try on lots of different styles to find your dream dress. Many brides end up choosing something completely different from what they planned. You can also use your wedding theme and location to narrow down your dress options.
Yes, knowing your budget will help you avoid falling in love with a dress that's outside your financial comfort zone. The average wedding dress in the UK costs between £1500-£2000.
