How Long Before You Get Married Should You Buy Your Wedding Dress: Tips for Perfect Timing

Planning for your wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. One of the most significant aspects is finding the perfect dress. As you begin this journey, it’s important to recognize the timeline involved in purchasing your wedding gown.

You should aim to buy your wedding dress several months before the big day. This will ensure that you have ample time for fittings and any necessary alterations. By starting early, you can avoid unnecessary stress and enjoy the process of finding the dress that makes you feel special on your wedding day.

1) 12-18 months before

At this early stage, start by setting your wedding budget. It’s crucial to know how much you can spend before you begin shopping for a dress.

Consider what style of dress you like. Look at different designs and fabrics to understand your preferences.

Start visiting bridal salons to get a feel for what’s available. Even if you don’t buy yet, this can help you narrow down your choices.

2) Set a budget first

Before you start shopping, it’s important to set a budget for your wedding dress. This helps you avoid falling in love with a dress that’s out of your price range.

Think about how the dress fits into your entire wedding budget. Allocate an amount that feels comfortable for you.

Make sure to include costs for alterations and accessories in your budget. This way, you’ll avoid surprises later on. This approach will make your shopping experience smoother and more enjoyable.

3) Consider your venue

Think about where your wedding will take place. Indoor weddings might call for different styles than outdoor ceremonies.

If your venue is a beach, you might want a lighter dress. For a ballroom, a more formal gown may be appropriate.

Your venue can help you decide on the best dress silhouette, fabric, and style.

4) Factor in delivery times

When planning your wedding dress purchase, it’s important to think about delivery times. Most wedding dresses take about 16 to 20 weeks to arrive once you’ve placed your order.

Some designers might need even longer. It’s best to start shopping for your dress as early as one year before your wedding to avoid any stress.

Remember, once your dress arrives, you might still need alterations. Make sure you leave enough time for those final adjustments to get the perfect fit.

5) Include alteration periods

When buying your wedding dress, plan for alteration periods. Aim to have your dress at least 8-10 months before the wedding. This allows time for necessary changes.

Expect to have your first fitting 2-3 months before the big day. This ensures your dress fits perfectly.

Budget for alterations as they can cost $50 to $1,000 depending on what’s needed.

6) Plan for fittings

You should plan for wedding dress fittings about six weeks before your wedding. This allows enough time for any necessary alterations.

At the first fitting, your seamstress will pin your dress to fit your body better. This may include taking in the bodice, adjusting the hem, and adding a bustle.

You might need a second fitting about four weeks before the wedding. This ensures the dress fits perfectly, so you can confidently walk down the aisle. For more details on what to expect at fittings, click here.

7) Know your style preference

Before you start shopping, think about what styles you love. Do you prefer classic, boho, or modern designs?

Browse bridal magazines and websites to find inspiration. Save pictures of dresses that catch your eye.

Consider your wedding venue and theme. A beach wedding might call for a simple dress, while a ballroom setting might suit something more formal.

8) Look out for sales

Keep an eye out for bridal shops holding sales.

These events can save you a lot of money on your wedding dress.

Check store websites and sign up for newsletters to get alerts about upcoming discounts.

You might find the perfect dress at a fraction of the cost.

Shop with Trusted Companions

Bringing trusted friends or family members can make the experience more enjoyable. They can offer honest feedback and emotional support.

Choose people who know your style and respect your opinions. Avoid inviting too many people, as too many opinions can be confusing.

Having supportive companions helps keep the shopping process fun and stress-free.

10) Mind bridal trunk shows

Bridal trunk shows are a fun and exciting part of wedding dress shopping. These events feature the full collection of a designer’s latest dresses. You get the chance to see and try on dresses that might not be available at the boutique normally.

Make sure to book an appointment ahead of time. Popular trunk shows can fill up quickly. This is a great opportunity to find something unique and talk to the designer or their representative.

For more details, check out The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Trunk Shows.

The Ideal Timeline for Buying a Wedding Dress

It’s crucial to start looking for your wedding dress early to ensure that you have enough time for customization, delivery, and alterations. Planning ahead can make the entire process smoother and less stressful.

Why Timing Matters

Timing is key when it comes to buying your wedding dress. Most dresses are made to order, which means they aren’t ready to wear straight off the rack. It can take anywhere from 16 to 20 weeks for your dress to arrive after you’ve placed your order. This timeframe allows for the dress to be produced, shipped, and delivered to the boutique.

Once your dress arrives, you will also need time for any necessary alterations. Typically, you’ll need at least two to three fittings to make sure your dress fits perfectly. Each fitting can take a few weeks to schedule and complete. Starting early ensures that all these steps are completed well before your wedding day.

Factors Influencing Your Timeline

Several factors can affect the timeline for buying your wedding dress. If you’re planning a wedding with a longer engagement, you can afford to start shopping 12-14 months before your wedding. This allows ample time for selecting the dress, making any customizations, and undergoing fittings. A shorter engagement means you should start the process even earlier.

Your personal style and preferences also play a role. If you’re looking for a custom gown or designer dress, you’ll need extra time for the creation process. This can add several months to your timeline. Additionally, if you want elaborate details or unique fabrics, expect longer delivery times.

Seasonal factors also matter. Bridal boutiques tend to be busier during peak wedding seasons, which can result in longer wait times for fittings and alterations. Be sure to account for these variables as you plan your dress shopping journey.

Customization and Alterations Timeline

When you buy your wedding dress, you need to consider the time required for any customizations and alterations. This will ensure your dress fits perfectly and matches your vision.

Average Time Required for Alterations

Alterations typically take between 2 to 4 months to complete. You’ll usually need 3 fittings to get your dress just right. The first fitting should take place around 8 to 10 weeks before your wedding. This fitting is essential for taking measurements and making initial adjustments.

A second fitting happens about a month later. During this fitting, your dress should be closer to its final form, but there may still be adjustments to make. The third fitting occurs about 2 weeks before the wedding to finalize everything. Complex changes may need more time, so plan early.

Scheduling Early Fittings

It’s crucial to start scheduling your fittings as soon as you have your dress. Aim to book your first fitting as soon as your dress arrives. This could be months before your wedding, depending on your order timeline.

Let your seamstress know about any customizations you want, like adding lace or changing the neckline. Having early fittings ensures you have plenty of time for all the alterations without feeling rushed. Also, take this time to decide on accessories and undergarments, as these can affect how your dress fits and feels.

Having a clear schedule helps everyone stay on track, so your dress fits perfectly on your big day.