How Long Before You Get Married Should You Buy Your Wedding Dress: Timing Your Purchase Perfectly
Selecting the perfect wedding dress is a pivotal moment in wedding planning. It’s essential to allot enough time for this process, as it encompasses finding the style you love, ordering the gown, receiving it, and completing necessary alterations. While typical wedding dress shopping timelines may vary, a common recommendation is to commence shopping at least nine months to a year before your big day. This timeline allows for a relaxed and enjoyable experience without the pressure of an approaching deadline.
Your engagement length plays a significant role in your dress shopping timeline. If your engagement is shorter, you may need to expedite the dress selection process. Conversely, those with lengthier engagements have the luxury of time, which offers a broader window to schedule appointments, explore different styles, and consider custom options. Remember to factor in the time required for alterations, which can take several weeks to perfect your gown to fit your body precisely.
Key Takeaways
- Begin looking for your wedding dress 9 to 12 months prior to your wedding to ensure a stress-free experience.
- The length of your engagement may affect the speed at which you need to find and fit your wedding dress.
- Allow time for multiple fittings to achieve the ideal look and fit for your special day.
Starting Your Search
Embarking on the journey to find your dream wedding dress is an exciting time. Knowing when to begin, setting a realistic budget, and gathering inspiration are vital first steps.
Understanding the Timeline
The search for your wedding dress should ideally start 12 to 14 months before your wedding date. If your engagement season is shorter, begin as soon as possible. This timeline allows you to visit multiple bridal salons without feeling rushed and accommodates the potential six to eight months required for dress production and any necessary alterations.
Setting the Budget
Before stepping into a bridal salon, it’s important to decide on your wedding dress budget. Determine a figure that will cover not only the cost of the dress but also the price of alterations and accessories. Having a clear budget will guide your shopping experience and help the salon associates show you options within your range.
Research and Inspiration
Begin your research by browsing bridal magazines and wedding dress designers’ collections. Create a list of styles that resonate with your personal taste. Utilize websites to pinpoint gowns and designers you admire. Collect images of dresses that inspire you, keeping an eye out for common themes that may point you towards your perfect dress.
Appointment and Shopping
Embarking on the journey to find your dream wedding gown should be an exciting and memorable experience. Scheduling appointments, choosing the right dress, and deciding who accompanies you are pivotal steps to ensure a stress-free and successful shopping journey.
Making Appointments
To kick off your dress shopping, book appointments at various bridal boutiques well in advance, ideally between 8-10 months before your wedding. This timeline allows for a relaxed shopping experience, ample time for fittings, and any required alterations. When setting up these appointments, it is a good idea to limit them to one or two per day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Choosing Your Dress
During your appointments, work closely with the bridal shop’s stylists to explore different silhouettes that flatter your figure. Keep an open mind—often, “the one” may be a gown style you didn’t initially consider. Remember, your dress should reflect your personal style and make you feel confident and beautiful on your special day.
Who to Bring
Selecting your shopping crew is also crucial; bring along a trusted bridesmaid or family member whose opinions you value and respect. Ideally, limit your entourage to two or three people to maintain a calm and focused atmosphere during your gown selection process. With a supportive and loving group by your side, finding the perfect dress will be a joyous milestone on the way to your aisle.
The Fitting Process
The journey to a perfectly fitted wedding dress includes several key steps, each critical to ensuring your gown fits like a glove on your big day.
First Fitting
During your first fitting, typically scheduled around six to nine months prior to your wedding, you’ll try on your wedding dress for the first time. This is when a tailor will take your measurements and pin any areas requiring adjustments. It’s imperative to bring the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear to get an accurate fit.
Subsequent Fittings
Second and third fittings will follow the initial appointment to refine the dress’s fit. These sessions are important to make small tweaks, and it’s helpful to have the same person who did the first fitting to ensure consistency. During these fittings, changes to the gowns, such as taking in or letting out areas for a better fit, are typically made.
Alterations and Customizations
The final phase involves alterations and customizations. Most wedding dresses are made-to-order and might require additional adjustments for a flawless fit. If substantial changes are needed or you’re short on time, a rush fee may apply. The tailor will work on your gown, making sure every seam is tailored to your body. The last fitting, often called the final fitting, ensures the dress is ready and comfortable for your big day.
Finalizing Your Look
When your wedding day nears, it’s time to pull together all the elements that will complete your bridal look. This is when you ensure every accessory coordinates perfectly with your dress and that all your final checks are in place.
Accessorizing Your Dress
You’ve found the perfect dress, and now it’s time to accessorize. Traditionally, brides follow the adage of including “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue“. Jewelry can be a way to incorporate this tradition. For instance, an heirloom piece from a family member offers a special connection to something old or borrowed. A new pair of shoes or a sublime veil can be your something new. A blue garter or delicate blue jewelry can serve as your something blue. Consider also the comfort and style of your shoes and the practicality of bustling your dress for ease of movement.
- Hair and makeup should complement your overall aesthetic. Work with your hairstylist and makeup artist to create a look that feels both beautiful and authentically you.
- Lingerie and any special undergarments should be tried on before the final fitting to ensure they fit seamlessly beneath your dress.
The Last Check
Your final fitting is crucial. It’s your opportunity to see your complete ensemble fully assembled. You’ll want to:
- Look for loose threads or missing adornments.
- Practice walking to ensure the bustle is secure and you’re comfortable.
This final fitting may be the perfect time to bring in your veil, jewelry, and shoes to see the full picture. Bring a trusted friend or family member for support and a second opinion. Remember, this is your day; make sure you feel confident and radiant in your carefully selected attire.
Frequently Asked Questions
When planning your wedding, timing is critical, especially when it comes to your dress. Here are some FAQs to guide you through the timeline.
What’s the ideal timeline for purchasing a wedding dress before the big day?
Your wedding dress should generally be ordered 16 to 20 weeks before your wedding day to allow time for delivery and alterations.
Is it possible to acquire a wedding dress with a 4-month time frame?
While challenging, it’s not impossible. Some designers offer rush services, but expect higher fees and limited options. Alternatively, off-the-rack options or sample gowns might be viable.
When is too early to commit to a wedding dress, considering potential weight changes?
Buying a wedding dress more than 12 to 14 months in advance can be risky due to potential body changes.
What is the recommended time to buy a wedding dress from a popular bridal retailer?
Most bridal retailers suggest you begin your search 6 to 9 months before the wedding to ensure a comfortable timeline for selection, ordering, and alterations.
Can a wedding dress be ordered with a 7-month window before the ceremony?
Yes, a 7-month timeframe is typically adequate. Begin the process early to navigate your options, keeping in mind possible alterations.
How early is too early to purchase a wedding dress, say, 15 months in advance?
Purchasing a wedding dress 15 months in advance is quite early. It might afford you peace of mind, but be aware of the possibility of style changes or weight fluctuations. It’s important to factor in potential adjustments needed as your wedding day approaches.
