Deborah Chan
The wedding dress is an essential part of the big day, and there are many considerations to make when deciding when to put it on. Some brides opt to put their dresses on at the venue right before the ceremony to avoid creasing or getting the dress dirty. Others may choose to put it on earlier for photographs or to get into the right frame of mind. The wedding dress shopping timeline is also a key consideration, with most dresses taking 5-6 months to come in and three fittings required. Ideally, the process should start 9-12 months before the wedding, with the final fitting occurring several weeks before the big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start shopping for a wedding dress | 8–12 months before the wedding |
| When to buy a wedding dress | 8–9 months before the wedding |
| First fitting | 2 months before the wedding |
| Second fitting | 1 month before the wedding |
| Final fitting | 2–3 weeks before the wedding |
| Pick up the finished gown | A few weeks before the wedding |
| When to put on the wedding dress | Right before the ceremony |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress fittings should start 2-3 months before the wedding
Wedding dress fittings are an essential part of the wedding planning process. While it's important to start looking for your dream dress 8-10 months before the wedding, the fittings themselves should start 2-3 months before the big day. This allows for any necessary alterations and customisations to be made, ensuring the dress fits you like a glove on your wedding day.
The first fitting usually takes place around two to three months before the wedding. At this appointment, the seamstress will go over every detail of the dress, from the neckline to the train, to determine what alterations need to be made. It's a good idea to bring along your bridal shoes and undergarments to this fitting, as the height of your shoes and the type of lingerie you wear can impact the fit and flow of the dress.
The second fitting typically occurs a month later, with any major adjustments being addressed. By this fitting, most of the significant alterations should be complete, giving you a clearer idea of how the dress will look on your wedding day. This is also the time to choose your final accessories, such as the veil, headpiece, and jewellery, to ensure they complement your dress perfectly.
Depending on the complexity of the alterations and the number of customisations, a third or even fourth fitting may be necessary. These final fittings usually take place two to three weeks before the wedding and serve as a quality check to ensure that all the adjustments from previous fittings have been made correctly. It's better to be safe than sorry, so don't hesitate to discuss any concerns or last-minute tweaks with your seamstress.
While it may seem like a lengthy process, these fittings are crucial to ensuring your wedding dress is absolutely stunning and fits you flawlessly. By allowing ample time for alterations and customisations, you can walk down the aisle with confidence, knowing your dress is just as you envisioned it.
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The final fitting should be 2-3 weeks before the wedding
The final fitting of your wedding dress is a crucial step in ensuring that your gown not only looks perfect but also feels comfortable and uniquely yours. To achieve this, it is generally recommended to schedule your final fitting two to three weeks before your wedding day. Here are some reasons why this timing is ideal:
Progress Evaluation and Last-Minute Adjustments
The final fitting is your opportunity to assess the progress made since the initial fittings and ensure that your dress aligns with your vision. During this appointment, your seamstress will fine-tune the gown's fit, making any necessary last-minute adjustments. These adjustments are crucial to ensure your comfort and confidence on your big day.
Weight Fluctuations
Weight fluctuations can occur, and having your final fitting two to three weeks before the wedding allows for any necessary alterations to be made without rushing. If your weight has been stable, a month before the wedding may also be feasible, but closer timing ensures a more precise fit.
Picking Up the Dress
After your final fitting, you will typically pick up your dress a few days later or within the same week. This timing ensures that any final alterations are completed, and you can safely store your dress at home or in a bridal salon until your wedding day.
Travel Considerations
If you are travelling for your wedding, carrying your dress onto the plane in a sturdy garment bag is recommended. By having your dress ready two to three weeks in advance, you can ensure it is packed and prepared for travel without rushing.
Peace of Mind
Having your final fitting two to three weeks before your wedding provides peace of mind. It allows you to focus on other aspects of your wedding planning and ensures that your dress is one less thing to worry about as your big day approaches.
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Buy your wedding dress 8-10 months before the wedding
Buying your wedding dress is one of the most important parts of the wedding planning process. It is essential to give yourself enough time to find the perfect dress, as well as to allow for any necessary alterations.
Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, so it is generally recommended to start looking for your dress nine months to a year before your wedding date. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams. It also ensures that you can avoid rush fees and gives designers enough time to create your gown from scratch.
The first step in the process is to select your venue. This is important because you'll want to wear a dress that suits the vibe of the location. For example, a beach ceremony and an elaborate ball gown may not go well together. Once you've selected your venue, you can start thinking about the style of dress you want and doing your research. Look into different designers, price points, and sample sizes to ensure you find the right dress within your budget.
Eight to ten months before the wedding is the ideal time to buy your wedding dress. This is when you'll want to say "yes" to the dress and place your order. When you purchase your gown, you'll typically be asked to sign a contract and put down a deposit, which is often about 50% of the price of the dress. The remaining balance will be due when you pick up your gown. This gives you enough time for any necessary alterations, which typically require two to three sessions before the wedding day to ensure the dress fits perfectly.
Remember to also think about your accessories, veil, and shoes during this process. These elements are important to help you visualise your full bridal look and determine the hem length of your gown.
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Pick up your dress and pay the remaining balance
Picking up your wedding dress is an important step in the process of getting ready for your big day. It is recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This will give you plenty of time to find the dress of your dreams and avoid rush fees. Ideally, you should aim to pick out and order your dress eight to nine months before the wedding.
Once you have found your dream dress, you will typically be asked to sign a contract and pay a deposit, which is often about 50% of the price of the dress. The remaining balance will be due when you go to pick up your gown. It is important to read through the contract thoroughly and double-check that all the information about your dress, including the designer, size, and arrival date, is correct.
After you have ordered your dress, you will need to schedule fittings to ensure that it fits perfectly. Your first fitting should be scheduled at least six to eight weeks before your wedding, with the second fitting taking place about four weeks later. During these fittings, you can work with your seamstress to make any necessary alterations and tweaks to the design.
Finally, when you pick up your finished gown, you will pay the remaining balance, including any alteration fees. The salon or tailor will provide you with a protective garment bag to keep your dress safely stored and protected until your wedding day. If you are travelling for your wedding, it is recommended that you carry your dress with you on the plane rather than checking it with your luggage.
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Put on your dress right before the ceremony
Putting on your wedding dress right before the ceremony has its advantages. Firstly, you won't have to worry about your dress getting wrinkled or dirty if you're moving between locations. Secondly, you'll be more comfortable, and there will be less chance of any spills on your dress.
If you decide to put on your dress right before the ceremony, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you've allowed enough time to get ready. This includes doing your hair and makeup, putting on your dress, and making any final adjustments. You may also want to do some stretches, take photos with your bridal party, and use the restroom before getting into your dress.
It's recommended that you put on your wedding dress after your hair and makeup are done but before your shoes. This will help you avoid any mishaps with your hair and makeup, and it will also prevent you from snagging your dress on your shoes. Be sure to step into your dress carefully to avoid any damage.
Before putting on your dress, it's also a good idea to eat your pre-wedding meals and snacks, as you'll need to be more careful with eating and drinking once you're in your gown. Stick to clear liquids and non-messy snacks if you're still hungry after getting dressed. Finally, remember to take a moment to admire yourself and enjoy the process!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you start shopping for your wedding dress 8 to 12 months before your wedding. This gives you time to shop around, order your dress, and have any necessary alterations made.
Most dresses will require at least two fittings, with a third, final round of alterations potentially being necessary. The first fitting should take place around two months before the wedding, with the second following a month later, and the final fitting taking place two to three weeks before the big day.
You'll typically be asked to pay a deposit when you purchase your gown, with the remaining balance due when you pick up your dress after the final fitting.
If you're travelling to your wedding destination by plane, carry your dress onto the plane in a sturdy garment bag rather than checking it with your luggage. Confirm with your airline in advance that your bag will be accepted as carry-on.
Many brides put their dresses on right before the ceremony to avoid creasing the dress or getting it dirty. However, if you're having pre-wedding photos taken, you may want to put it on earlier.
