Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress shopping is an important part of the wedding planning process. It is recommended that you start looking for your wedding dress between nine months to a year before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to explore different styles and find the perfect dress that complements your body shape and personal style. It is also important to consider the time required for alterations and the time required for the dress to be made. On average, it takes about four to six months to make a wedding dress, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the design. To ensure a stress-free experience, it is crucial to start the dress shopping journey early and map out a timeline for when you'll do your wedding dress shopping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average engagement length | 15 months |
| Time to start shopping | 9 months to a year before the wedding |
| Time to start visiting salons | 8.5 months before the wedding |
| Time to make the purchase | 7.5 months before the wedding |
| Time to receive the dress | 4-9 months |
| Time for alterations | 1-3 months |
| Time for first fitting | 2-3 months before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
The ideal time to start shopping
Most made-to-order wedding gowns take about six to nine months to create, so it's important to start the process early to ensure your dream dress is ready in time for your big day. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average engagement length is 15 months, and brides typically start their wedding dress search about 10 months before the wedding. This allows ample time for research and inspiration, scheduling bridal appointments, and finalizing the wedding dress choice.
It's recommended to start trying on wedding dresses 8 to 12 months before your wedding. This gives you enough time to explore different options and find a dress that complements your body shape and personal style. It's also important to consider the venue and season when choosing your dress, as you'll want something that aligns with the aesthetic and weather conditions of your wedding location.
Additionally, it's crucial to account for the time needed for dress alterations. On average, you'll need anywhere from one to three alterations sessions before the wedding day to ensure your dress fits perfectly. These alterations can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the changes. Therefore, it's advisable to purchase your dress with enough buffer time to accommodate these adjustments.
While the above timeline is ideal, some brides may need their gowns in a shorter timeframe. In such cases, there are options like pre-cut gowns, expedited shipping, or ready-to-wear dresses from online retailers. Ultimately, the key to finding your dream wedding dress is to start early, be open to different styles, and utilize the expertise of your stylist to guide you through the process.
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How long dressmaking takes
The length of time it takes to make a wedding dress varies depending on the complexity of the design. On average, it takes between four to six months to make a wedding dress. Some dresses can take up to nine months to be made and shipped, and that's before alterations are considered. It's recommended that you buy your wedding dress between eight and ten months before the wedding.
Some bridal shops have off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns, ready-to-wear looks, and wedding dress rentals are also options for brides who need their dresses in a shorter amount of time.
It's important to keep in mind that dress production typically takes several months, which can limit options and result in rush order fees for brides who are getting married soon. It's recommended that brides start visiting dress salons about eight and a half months before their wedding and make their purchase about seven and a half months before.
Additionally, most wedding dresses require three fittings, allowing for custom alterations and any last-minute design changes. These alterations can take over a month to complete, so it's important to plan accordingly and make appointments at bridal salons ahead of time.
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When to buy
Wedding dress shopping can be an overwhelming process, but knowing when to buy your dress can help make the experience smoother. The general rule of thumb is to order your wedding dress about 9 to 12 months before your wedding day. However, some sources recommend starting the process even earlier, around 12 to 18 months in advance. This extended timeline allows for a more relaxed approach, giving you ample time to browse, research, and try on different styles without feeling rushed.
Ideally, you should aim to purchase your wedding dress between 8 and 10 months before the wedding. This timeframe accounts for the time required for dress production and shipping, which can take up to 5 months or longer. By buying your dress within this window, you can also avoid rush fees and ensure your dress arrives in time for alterations.
It's important to remember that dress production and shipping times can vary. Some dresses may take 6 to 9 months to arrive, while others might take even longer. If you're concerned about weight fluctuations or changes in taste, it's advisable to wait until 8 months before the wedding to buy your dress. This timeframe helps minimise the risk of dress returns or exchanges due to body or style changes.
Additionally, it's worth considering the season of your wedding when making your purchase. Bridal trends tend to change with the seasons, so buying your dress closer to your wedding date can ensure it aligns with the latest styles and your personal preferences.
While it's essential to plan and allow sufficient time for the entire process, remember that there are options if you're in a time crunch. Some bridal designers can expedite the creation process, and you can also explore sample sales or second-hand wedding dresses if you need a gown immediately.
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Research and inspiration
The first step in wedding dress shopping is to gather inspiration and conduct research. This process can begin even before you start visiting salons and boutiques. In fact, many brides-to-be start their wedding dress research as soon as they get engaged.
Sources of Inspiration
- Celebrity weddings and red-carpet looks: Scour social media and bridal magazines for celebrity wedding styles and red-carpet looks that you admire. For example, you might be inspired by the elegant lace sleeves on Kate Middleton's wedding dress or the halter neckline on Sofia Richie's bridal gown.
- TV shows: Shows like TLC's Say Yes to the Dress can offer inspiration and insight into the wedding dress shopping experience.
- Pinterest: Curate a Pinterest board with wedding dress styles that appeal to you.
- Fashion designers: If you have a favourite fashion designer, you might want to start by looking at their bridal collections.
Research
- Bridal salons and boutiques: Research bridal salons and boutiques in your area, including their designer selection, price points, and sample sizes.
- Timing: Understand the industry-recommended timeline for ordering your gown 9-12 months before the wedding, on average and plan your appointments accordingly.
- Budget: Establish a budget before you start shopping to ensure you're looking at dresses that are within your price range.
- Wedding venue and theme: It's worth selecting your wedding venue before choosing your dress, as you'll want your dress to match the vibe of the locale. For example, a beach ceremony might call for a different style than an indoor, formal wedding. The formality of the event, season, florals, decor, and guest attire can also help guide your dress choices.
- Fittings and alterations: Familiarise yourself with the process and timeline for fittings and alterations. Most wedding dresses require at least three fittings, and you'll want to allow time for custom alterations and last-minute design changes.
- Bridal sizing: Keep in mind that bridal sizing tends to run small, so don't be surprised if you end up purchasing a dress that's one or two sizes larger than your usual.
- Customisation: If you're planning to customise your gown, be aware that this may require additional time for production.
- Online options: If you're short on time, consider online retailers that offer ready-to-wear gowns that can be purchased immediately.
Remember, it's easy to become overwhelmed with information during this process, so try to focus on the aspects that are most important to you and your vision for the big day.
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First bridal appointments
The first bridal appointment can be a daunting but exciting experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first bridal appointment and make the most of your time:
Research and Timing
Do your research on bridal salons and designers before booking your appointment. Consider their designer selection, price point, sample sizes, and whether they align with your wedding vision and budget. The ideal time to start wedding dress shopping is between nine months to a year before your wedding. This will give you enough time to find your dream dress and account for any alterations.
Preparation
Before your appointment, eat something to keep your energy up, and if you have long hair, consider bringing a hair tie to keep it out of the way while trying on dresses. Wear the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure comfort. It is also helpful to have a basic idea of the silhouette or style you want, but remain open to trying on different styles and taking recommendations from your bridal consultant.
Company
Decide who you want to bring to your appointment. While some brides prefer to go alone, others bring their closest friends or family members. Choose people who will make the experience relaxed and enjoyable. Keep in mind that salons usually have guest policies and limits on the number of guests, so be sure to ask about this when scheduling your appointment.
Appointment Day
On the day of your appointment, try on as many dresses as possible and take photos and videos to look back on. Rate each dress and provide your stylist with feedback on what you liked and disliked. Remember to trust your consultant's recommendations, as they are experts in their field. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the experience!
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Frequently asked questions
You should start researching and gathering inspiration for your wedding dress 12-18 months before the wedding. This can be done by creating a vision board via Pinterest, bridal magazines, or scrolling through Instagram.
You should start trying on wedding dresses 8-12 months before your wedding. This will give you ample time to explore different styles and find the one that complements your body shape and personal style.
You should purchase your wedding dress 6-9 months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to account for the dressmaking process and any alterations.
