You’re engaged! It’s now time to begin planning the wedding of your dreams. With so much to do, it can be easy to forget how much time needs to go towards finding, buying and altering your wedding dress. Get a head start with this helpful timeline of when to buy your wedding dress.
12 Months Before – Start Shopping…
Choosing your perfect wedding dress can take time. Starting the search for your wedding dress about 12 months before your wedding gives you plenty of time to do some research, visit a variety of bridal salons and work out what you do and don’t like. This is a much more enjoyable process without the pressure of a time crunch. 12 months before the wedding is also a great time to finalise your dress budget, also setting aside money for accessories like shoes and a veil.
To start window shopping, click here for our wedding designer & retailer directory!
6-9 Months Before – Say Yes To The Dress…
You’ve been deep in wedding planning mode and your big day is starting to come together. Now, it’s time to buy your dress. If you’ve found the one, order now because wedding dresses are made to order. While timing varies, this means you could easily be waiting 6 months for your dress to come in, especially if there is a lot of beading detail. Be sure to check with the bridal salon how long your order is likely to take. If you haven’t found the perfect dress yet, finding out about order times will also give an indication of how much time you have left to look.
3-6 Months Before – Accessorise…
While you wait for your dress to come in, it’s time to complete your look. We are talking shoes, jewellery and a veil. It is important to have all your accessories before your dress comes in so you can wear them all at your first fitting. While things like jewellery complete the look, shoes are particularly important for determining what alterations are needed to the hem length. Click here for some wedding dress hair accessories & inspiration!
Tegan & Jason’s wedding – see it here
6-8 weeks before – Fit To Perfection…
Once your dress is in, it is time for your first fitting. 6-8 weeks before your wedding is usually when this occurs, allowing enough time for alterations to be made. A second fitting will be needed after these alterations have been made, usually 4-5 weeks before the wedding. This will your first chance to see what your dress will really look like. If further alterations need to be made, a third fitting will occur about 2 weeks before the wedding.
Ashley & Daniels wedding – see it here
Pressed For Time?
Planning your wedding in less than 12 months? There are plenty of ways to get the dress of your dreams in a shorter timeline. Look for bridal boutiques that offer off the rack dresses, shop vintage or look for sample sales. Alternatively, there are many high street stores and online retailers that offer budget alternatives that will come quickly. Make sure you have a seamstress on hand to make any necessary alterations to make the dress perfect for you.
Now you know when to buy your dress, check out our tips on how to find the perfect wedding dress here.
