Rhiannon Hendricks
If you're looking for a wedding dress with less than two months to go, don't panic – you still have options. While it's true that made-to-order dresses can take four to twelve months to arrive, there are plenty of alternatives if you're working with a shorter timeline. You could try buying off the rack from a bridal salon or department store, or order online from a reputable retailer like BHLDN, Floravere or David's Bridal. You could also look for second-hand dresses on sites like Nearly Newlywed or Preownedweddingdresses.com, or check out vintage options on Etsy. If you're willing to pay rush fees, you may be able to get a dress from a salon in time, and it's worth calling around to find out. Just remember to leave enough time for alterations, which can take two to three weeks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to start shopping | 2 months before the wedding |
| Options available | Off-the-rack, sample, pre-owned, vintage, custom-sized, ready-to-ship |
| Where to buy | Bridal boutiques, department stores, online retailers, second-hand websites, consignment shops |
| Considerations | Shipping time, alterations, quality, budget, style, size, lighting, shoes, underwear |
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$89.99
What You'll Learn
- Bridal shops: some shops may pressure you into buying, claiming longer times than needed
- Off-the-rack: you can take it home the same day, but it may need alterations
- Online: some sites offer quick shipping and custom sizing, but be wary of counterfeits
- Pre-owned: buying second-hand can be cheaper, but you may need to pay for alterations
- Department stores: long white gowns in the evening section can work, especially for casual weddings
Bridal shops: some shops may pressure you into buying, claiming longer times than needed
Bridal shops may pressure you into buying a wedding dress by claiming longer times than needed. It is recommended that you start looking for your wedding dress about a year before the wedding, but this is not always possible. Bridal shops may tell you that a dress will take longer to arrive than it actually will, in order to pressure you into buying. For example, one bride was told that her dress would take 6 and a half months to arrive, but it only took 13 weeks. In this case, the shop may have been trying to ensure that the bride didn't purchase a dress from another shop.
It is important to remember that you should not feel pressured into buying a dress that you are unsure about. A wedding dress is a significant and valuable purchase, so take your time and make sure you are happy with your decision. If you are working with a short timeline, you may need to be more flexible and open-minded when searching for a dress. It may not be the dress you originally had in mind, but you could still find a dream dress that you love.
To avoid being pressured into buying a dress, you can verify the estimated arrival time provided by the bridal shop. Check the designer's website or contact the designer directly to confirm how long the dress will take to arrive. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you are not being misled.
Additionally, be cautious of alterations and customisations. Some bridal shops may offer alterations or claim that a dress can be customised, but this can be risky and costly. Minor tweaks, such as adding straps or changing the hemline, are usually safe, but any changes to the inner support and structure of the gown can be difficult to reverse. If you are considering alterations, it is essential to consult a reputable seamstress for advice.
Finally, when shopping for a wedding dress, it is recommended to bring only a small number of trusted people, such as your mother or a close friend. They can provide honest and reliable feedback and help you make a decision that is right for you. It is your special day, so take your time, trust your instincts, and don't feel pressured to buy something that doesn't feel right.
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Off-the-rack: you can take it home the same day, but it may need alterations
If you're looking for a wedding dress with only two months to spare, off-the-rack options are a great choice. Off-the-rack wedding dresses are available for immediate purchase and can be taken home the same day, saving you time on the lengthy production times of made-to-order gowns.
While off-the-rack dresses offer the convenience of instant gratification, they may require alterations to ensure the perfect fit. Bridal sizing differs from ready-to-wear, so don't be surprised if you need to go up a few sizes from your usual dress size. Before purchasing, it's essential to take accurate measurements to ensure the gown can be altered to fit your unique body. Keep in mind that alterations can take additional time, so it's best to allow at least a month for these adjustments.
When shopping for an off-the-rack wedding dress, you may come across sample dresses, which have been previously tried on by other brides. Sample dresses can vary in quality, so carefully inspect them for any signs of wear and tear, such as missing beads, broken zippers, or snags. If you fall in love with a sample dress, consider whether it's worth getting any damage repaired by a professional seamstress or dry cleaner.
Some boutiques, like Sunday's Bridal and The Bridal Finery, offer a curated selection of off-the-rack gowns in various styles and price ranges. Online retailers like Azazie.com, BHLDN, and Olivia Bottega also provide a convenient platform for finding your dream off-the-rack wedding dress, with the added benefit of having it shipped directly to your doorstep.
Remember, while you may not have the luxury of time, keeping an open mind will help you discover a wedding dress that's even better than you imagined.
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Online: some sites offer quick shipping and custom sizing, but be wary of counterfeits
If you're looking to buy a wedding dress online with quick shipping and custom sizing, there are a few options to consider. However, it's important to be cautious of counterfeit websites and products.
Firstly, Olivia Bottega offers custom-made designer wedding dresses with free custom sizing and detailed customisation options. They have an extensive collection and a user-friendly online store, allowing you to find your dream dress from the comfort of your home. You can book an online appointment with their bridal stylist for personalised advice and recommendations. While they don't specify quick shipping, their customisation options ensure you get a dress that fits your style and body perfectly.
Another option is Etsy, where you can find star sellers like Anna Skoblikova, who offers whimsical handmade designs. If you want something unique, Anna Skoblikova will create a custom gown, from sketch to final design. The seller is praised for quick and easy communication, and Etsy offers free 2-day shipping and returns within 60 days, which is longer than most sites.
For those on a budget, Meshki is an Australian line with an expansive bridal section, offering elegant and reasonably priced clothing. Their wedding dresses range from romantic ballgowns to fanciful minis, and they also cater to engagement parties and after-parties. Meshki offers free standard shipping on orders over $130, with returns within 14 days.
If you're looking for a simple and modern dress, Reformation offers minimalist slip dresses and simple silhouettes, with free shipping and returns on all orders.
While these online options provide quick shipping and custom sizing, it's important to be cautious of counterfeit websites and products. When buying online, look out for red flags such as poor-quality photos, low prices, and lack of decent contact information. Always do your research before purchasing, and be wary of sites that seem too good to be true.
In summary, buying a wedding dress online can offer convenience, customisation, and quick shipping. However, it's crucial to be vigilant to ensure you don't fall victim to counterfeit dress sites or products.
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Pre-owned: buying second-hand can be cheaper, but you may need to pay for alterations
If you're looking for a wedding dress with less than two months to go, you may want to consider buying a pre-owned dress. This option is often cheaper, but you may need to pay for alterations.
Pre-owned dresses are usually more affordable, and you can often find high-quality gowns at a fraction of the original price. This route is also more sustainable, as you're giving a dress a second life. When buying pre-owned, you may get lucky and find a dress that has already been altered to fit someone with similar measurements, saving you time and money.
However, if the pre-owned dress you choose doesn't fit you perfectly, you'll need to factor in the cost and time for alterations. Basic alterations like hemming or adding bra straps can range from $20 to $100. More extensive changes, such as adding sleeves, altering the train length, or accommodating a pregnancy, will cost more and require more time.
If you're considering a pre-owned dress, it's essential to start looking as early as possible within your two-month timeframe. This will give you enough time to find the right dress and, if needed, have it altered by a professional seamstress or tailor.
To find pre-owned wedding dresses, you can check out websites like preownedweddingdresses.com or visit local bridal shops that offer second-hand options, such as Hand-Me-Gowns Bridal in New Jersey.
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Department stores: long white gowns in the evening section can work, especially for casual weddings
If you're looking for a wedding dress in a hurry, don't panic! There are plenty of options for you, including department stores, which often stock long white gowns in their eveningwear sections. This option is especially useful if you're planning a casual wedding.
Department stores are a great option if you're looking for a wedding dress in a hurry. They often stock a variety of long white gowns in their eveningwear sections, which can easily double up as wedding dresses, especially for more casual weddings. You can try on a variety of styles and take your pick, without the pressure of made-to-measure or the long lead times of bridal boutiques.
When shopping for a wedding dress in a department store, keep an open mind and try on a variety of styles. You might be surprised by what looks good and, with a little alteration, you can ensure the dress fits you perfectly. It's also worth checking the quality of the gowns, as these are often off-the-rack purchases. Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as missing beads, broken zippers, or snags, and factor in the cost of getting any damage repaired by a professional.
If you're looking for a long white gown in a department store, it's worth checking online first to see what's available. Websites like Amazon offer a wide range of white evening gowns, and you can often filter your search by size, colour, and other attributes. You can also check the websites of specific department stores, such as Bloomingdales, to see if they have what you're looking for in stock.
If you're short on time, it's also worth considering other options, such as off-the-rack bridal dresses, which you can take away with you on the same day. You could also look at sample dresses, which are gowns that have been previously tried on by other brides. These can sometimes be purchased at a discount, but be sure to check for any damage, as you'll need to get this repaired yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
You have a few options. You could try bridal salons, which have the widest array of dresses to choose from. Call up a few salons to find out how quickly a dress can be ordered and received. You could also try buying off the rack, either from a bridal salon or a department store. This means you can take the dress home the same day, but your choices may be more limited. Department stores like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue sell long white gowns in their evening sections, which could work for a more casual wedding. You could also try buying a second-hand dress online from sites like Nearly Newlywed, preownedweddingdresses.com, or Etsy.
If you're buying off the rack, sample dresses can vary in quality, so check for signs of wear and tear like missing beads, broken zippers, or snags. If there's any damage to the dress, it's up to you to get it fixed. When trying on dresses, wear nude-colored, seamless underwear and bring the exact shoes or similar ones to the style you think you'll wear on your wedding day. Try to buy your dress at least a month in advance to allow time for alterations.
Yes, there are several online retailers that sell wedding dresses with quick shipping, including BHLDN, Floravere, David's Bridal, and Olivia Bottega.
