Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and dress shopping is a big part of that. The general consensus is that wedding dress shopping should begin 9-12 months before the wedding. This gives brides time to research trends, designers, and salons, and to book appointments. It also allows for the dress to be produced, and for any alterations to be made. While some brides find their dream dress at their first appointment, others may need to shop around. It's important to keep an open mind and try on different styles. The venue and season of the wedding may also influence the dress, so it's worth bearing these in mind when making a decision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average time to start wedding dress shopping | 9 months to a year before the wedding date |
| Average time to start visiting dress salons | 8.5 months before the wedding |
| Average time to make the purchase | 7.5 months before the wedding |
| Average time to start looking at dresses | 12-18 months before the wedding |
| Average time to make an appointment | 9-12 months before the wedding |
| Average time to pick out and order a dress | 8-9 months before the wedding |
| Average time for the first fitting | 2 months before the wedding |
| Average time for the second fitting | 1 month before the wedding |
| Average time for the final fitting | 2-3 weeks before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting and research
When budgeting, consider the fabric and embellishments you desire, as these can impact the cost. For example, silk, embroidered lace, tulle, and extra layers tend to be more expensive. Similarly, beading, sequins, Swarovski crystals, and lace appliques can increase the price tag. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider simpler silhouettes and fabrics such as crepe, satin, or chiffon.
To save money, you can browse affordable wedding dresses online at budget-friendly retailers or look for sample sales, trunk shows, or off-the-rack options. Shopping secondhand is another great way to find a wedding dress at a fraction of the cost, and it helps reduce textile waste. Pre-owned wedding gowns can be 40%-70% cheaper than new ones, and you can often find modern styles less than five years old.
In terms of research, it is beneficial to start by gathering inspiration and identifying your favourite designers and trends. Pinterest boards, bridal magazines, and real brides can all be great sources of ideas. Once you have an idea of the styles you like, you can start researching bridal salons and their designer selections, price points, and sample sizes. It is also important to keep bridal sizing in mind, as most bridal designers use a scale that runs on the small side, so you may end up purchasing a larger size than your usual.
Additionally, it is recommended to select your wedding venue before choosing your dress, as you'll want your gown to complement the locale. For example, an elaborate ball gown may not be the best choice for a beach ceremony. By mapping out these steps and timelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable wedding dress shopping experience.
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Timing and venue
The timing of your wedding dress purchase will depend on the length of your engagement and the time required to produce the dress. It is recommended that you start wedding dress shopping between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This will give you ample time for getting a dress sorted, and for any necessary alterations.
According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average engagement length is 15 months. However, it is important to note that dress production typically takes several months, and there may be limited options or rush order fees if you are getting married sooner. Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, so it is advisable to start the process sooner rather than later.
It is also important to consider the venue when choosing your wedding dress. The venue will dictate the type of dress you purchase. For example, a beach ceremony may call for a different dress than a formal indoor wedding. It is generally recommended to book the wedding venue before purchasing the dress, as this will give you a better sense of the overall vibe and theme of the wedding.
To ensure that you have enough time, it is suggested that you start researching and gathering inspiration for your wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding. This will allow you to create a vision board or Pinterest board of wedding dress silhouettes, fabrics, and overall tone, which will help narrow down your options.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your budget when shopping for a wedding dress. Wedding attire typically accounts for about 7% of the overall wedding budget, and it is important to shop within your financial comfort zone.
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First bridal appointments
Wedding dress shopping is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. It is recommended that you start wedding dress shopping between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to find your dream dress, make any necessary customizations, and allow for alterations. Here are some tips to make the most of your first bridal appointments:
Do Your Research
Before your first appointment, take some time to research different bridal salons or boutiques. Consider their designer selection, price point, and the sample sizes they carry. This will help you find a salon that aligns with your budget and style preferences. Additionally, look for inspiration for your dream dress. Create a Pinterest board, browse Instagram or TikTok, or flip through bridal magazines to find styles, silhouettes, and designers that speak to you.
Discuss Budget and Payment
Before you begin shopping, have a clear understanding of your budget and who will be paying for the dress. Establish a firm budget or a range that you are comfortable with. This will help you avoid falling in love with a dress that is outside your financial reach. Be honest about your budget with your consultant so that they can help you choose dresses that are within your price range.
Bring Inspiration and Accessories
When you arrive for your appointment, bring your inspiration board, magazine cut-outs, or digital images to show your stylist. This will help them understand your bridal vision and curate a selection of dresses that fit your style. Additionally, bring any important heirloom pieces or accessories you plan to wear on your wedding day, such as a veil, jewellery, or shoes. This will allow you to get a complete picture of how your final bridal look will come together.
Choose Your Entourage Wisely
Decide who you want to bring to your appointment. While you may want to include your family, bridesmaids, and close friends, keep in mind that more people often mean more opinions, which can make the experience more stressful. Consider bringing two to three people from your closest circle to create a fun and efficient bridal appointment. Additionally, wear your hair and makeup similar to how you envision your wedding day look, and don't forget to wear appropriate undergarments, including any shapewear you plan to wear on your big day.
Be Open-Minded
While it's great to have a vision for your dream dress, remember to be open-minded. You may fall in love with a dress that was never on your radar. Trust your consultant and be willing to try on different styles, as they have the expertise to help you find the perfect gown.
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Finalising the choice
After you've done your research and narrowed down your preferences, it's time to start trying on dresses and finalise your choice. It's best to start trying on wedding dresses 9-12 months before your wedding. This will give you ample time to get a dress sorted and avoid rush fees. It's important to keep an open mind and try on different styles to find the one that complements your body shape and personal style. Take photos and videos during this process to help you remember each dress and compare them later. You could also ask a friend to take notes on the details you liked or didn't like about each dress.
Don't feel pressured to make a decision during your first appointment. It's normal to take a few appointments to find the right gown. Most brides visit 2 stores before making a selection. If you're customising your gown, it's important to finalise your desired alterations at the 9-month mark and pay a dress deposit. This is because your dress will be produced according to your measurements, and some components may be sourced from across the globe.
If you're buying a dress off the rack, you can start the process a little later, but keep in mind that you'll still need time for alterations. On average, brides buy their dress 7.5 months before their wedding, and it takes about 6-7 months for the dress to be produced and shipped. So, if you're buying off the rack, aim to purchase your dress at least 8 months before the wedding to avoid rush fees.
Remember, it's important to accept your body as it is and not fall into the trap of waiting to reach a certain weight before buying your dress. Your body might fluctuate over time, and that's okay. Just make sure you leave enough time to get any necessary alterations done after purchasing your dress.
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Fittings and alterations
Your first wedding dress fitting will usually take place about two months before the wedding, with the second fitting a month later. The final fitting will be two to three weeks before the big day. This means that, ideally, you should start trying on dresses nine to twelve months before your wedding, giving you ample time to find the right dress and have any necessary alterations made.
It's worth noting that dress production can take several months, and there may be limited options or rush order fees if you're short on time. Additionally, bridal salons may not offer tailoring services, so it's important to research tailors in advance if alterations are likely to be needed.
While it may be tempting to wait until you've lost weight to start shopping, this can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment. It's better to accept that your body may fluctuate over time and ensure you have enough time for alterations.
Remember, fittings and alterations are a normal part of the wedding dress process, so don't panic if your dress needs a few tweaks to fit perfectly. With proper planning and timely execution, you'll be able to walk down the aisle in a dream dress that fits you like a glove.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to start shopping for a wedding dress between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This will give you ample time for getting a dress sorted, and for any necessary alterations.
Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create. However, dress production typically takes several months, and can mean limited options or rush order fees if your wedding is fast approaching.
Starting your wedding dress hunt too early can result in dress regret later on. Brides who start before the 12-month mark often find themselves comparing their dress to newer designs as more recent collections are rolled out.
Don't fall into the trap of waiting too long to start shopping for your wedding dress. Accept that your body might fluctuate over six months to a year, and make sure you have enough time to get those gown alterations done after buying your dress.
