When Should You Go Wedding Dress Shopping?: Wedding Dress Shopping Info & Tips
Wait… my dress takes how long to come in?
If you’re asking yourself “when should I start wedding dress shopping?,” then this blog post is for you! We’ll inform you on the best timeline for dress shopping and all the different options you have available. Keep an eye out for wedding dress shopping tips sprinkled throughout, as well!
When You Get Engaged (~12 Months Before Your Wedding):
The first thing you should do when you get engaged is… celebrate!
But, seriously, when you get engaged, you should start looking at the big picture wedding before you start nailing down the smaller details. Get on Pinterest and start looking into colors, vibe, theme, etc. Talk with your partner about must-haves and must not haves!
During this time, start looking at different bridal styles. Look on Pinterest at all the different details, silhouettes, materials, additions, etc to see what you like based on photos. We will always recommend having a Pinterest board and having looked at styles before your appointment just so you know what’s out there beforehand! Maybe you’ll find a detail that you LOVE that you didn’t even know existed prior. This also is when you should discuss your budget range that you’re comfortable with spending on your dress.
Wedding dress shopping tip #1: take style quizzes, look at trends throughout the years, and look at bridal boutiques in the area to see what details you like and don’t like! There is never too much information for your bridal stylist - bring photos, lists, must-haves, and anything else you can think of!
~8-10 Months Before Your Wedding:
This is the prime time to go dress shopping. At this point, you probably already have your venue booked, some other vendors, and a good idea of what you want your special day to look like. If you are looking for a designer, made-to-order wedding dress, this is the best time to start shopping, because gowns can take 3-4 months to get in, and then you have to take into account time for alterations!
Wedding dress shopping tip #2: Book one appointment at a time! Dress shopping can get very overwhelming very quickly. Decision fatigue is a very real thing. If you happen to find ~ your ~ dress at your first wedding dress shopping appointment, that is a-okay! You do not have to go to a dozen stores to look. When you know, you know!
What If I’m Less Than 8 Months Away From My Wedding?
No big deal! A lot of stores have plenty of options for this. For example, we have off-the-rack options, rush shipping options, and in stock or pre-order options, so you can still get the wedding dress of your dreams within a quicker time frame! We will do anything we can to get you your dream dress.
Wedding dress shopping tip #3: Off-the-rack dresses and sample sales will typically save you some money! These can be up to 75%+ off of the typical cost of a gown since they have been tried on before and aren’t made specifically for you. Some may have some minor damages that can be fixed, or messes that can be cleaned, but if you’re wanting a designer wedding dress without the price tag, this is a great option!
When Your Dress Comes In:
Now the fun really begins. If you haven’t already picked out your wedding accessories, shoes, and veil (if you’re wearing one), now is the perfect time! You can book an accessory appointment when you go to pick up your dress and chat with your stylist about what you’re looking for and discover your perfect full bridal style. It’s so fun to see it all come together!
Wedding dress shopping tip #4: Look at photos from the designer of your dress to see how real brides in the past have worn and accessorized your dress. See what you like and don’t like, and don’t be scared to think outside of the box!
Next, it’s time for alterations. On average, alterations can take about 2-3 months depending on the level of difficulty your alterations are. For tougher ones, add more time and for more common ones, take away some time! Alterations can require several fittings over the course of a few months. Chat with your local seamstress to see what time frame you need! Need a seamstress recommendation? We love Sew Much More!
Wedding dress shopping tip #5: If you get your dress in around prom/homecoming/formal season, you may want to get your dress in for alterations ASAP! This is typically a busier season for seamstresses and it can take longer than usual.
Ready to start wedding dress shopping? Click here to book your appointment at Sero Bridal today!
