When Should You Start Shopping for a Wedding Dress?

Beginning the hunt for your wedding dress is one of the most exciting steps on your wedding planning checklist. Once you start, you may find yourself with more options to choose from than you could have imagined.  

It’s a question brides ask the most: “When should you go wedding dress shopping?” The short answer is that it’s never too soon to start searching for your dream dress. How long does it take to get a wedding dress? Most experts suggest starting the search at least 6-9 months before your big day to prevent any major delays. Consider this: your wedding dress, like your fiancé, is one in a million. Our bridal consultants confirm that when a customer finds the perfect dress, she lights up and her whole body language changes. So why leave this magical occurrence to the last minute? 

With this in mind, read on to uncover our suggestions for a wedding dress shopping timeline. 

You are over the moon with the beginning of your next major life chapter! Once you’ve spread the news to family and friends, start making a Pinterest board or wish list with wedding styles you like. Throw your net wide, as the type of dress you eventually choose will depend on other decisions you make in the coming months.  

For added inspiration, consider narrowing down your long list by browsing dresses tailored to different body shapes. Highlight yournatural features and pick out a wedding dress for hourglass figures or explore our tips on bridal gowns for an apple body shape to create a feminine silhouette. 

Another aspect to think about as you debate when should you buy your wedding dress is the potential venue. Dreaming of a warm-weather beach ceremony? Then consider a lightweight boho wedding dress in tulle or chiffon to match the relaxed atmosphere. If you choose a more formal venue, such as a country estate, then you may want to start searching for a princess bridal gown for a dramatic silhouette that captures the glamour of your special day. Alternatively, for more intimate ceremonies, a shorter design best complements your laid back gathering. Pin down your venue, and your wedding dress style will follow. 

With a wish list of looks and the venue chosen, the next step is to schedule an appointment, either virtual or physical, at a wedding dress boutique. 

Most brides-to-be don’t realize that a wedding dress store is a bit like a traditional haute couture house. The dresses you see on the racks are samples; the one you choose will be made to order especially for you. If you’re worried about how long it takes to order a wedding dress, rest assured you’re in good hands, as your wedding dress consultant will steer you through your choices. You may find your dream dress on your first visit, but chances are you’ll need a couple of trips with friends or family before you make the final decision. 

Once your wedding dress is ordered, allow at least six months for delivery from its maker (now do you see why you need to start looking nine months ahead?). When it arrives at the store, you will be called in for the first fitting, which ideally should happen 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This is when hem length, bust, and waist are tweaked to your exact body size, so make sure you bring along a pair of shoes in the same heel height that you will be wearing on your wedding day, and maybe a bridesmaid so she can practice bustling the gown.   

How long it takes to alter a wedding dress also depends on your second fitting. This time around, you will have a much better vision of how the dress fits. Bring along your lingerie to make sure no bra straps or panty lines will be visible, and if you haven’t chosen your veil or accessories yet, now is the time!

Most dresses only require two fittings, so a week or two before your wedding day, you can pick up your dress! In the final stage, bring along all your accessories for a trial run for the complete look. Whether you’re layering with a cape, adding in a breathtaking veil, or hoping to match your dress with family jewelry as a sentimental final detail, bring in the finishing touches to ensure you capture the bridal look of your dreams.  

Once you make sure the dress is everything you’d hoped for, the store will pack it in a protective cloth bag, so all you will have to do is give it a quick steam on the day. 

With our helpful tips in mind, you can begin the hunt for your ideal dress after you’re done celebrating the recent engagement news. From considering what dresses best fit your body type to taking into account the venue and ensuring you have enough time for alterations, the process can seem overwhelming! Keep our guide in your back pocket as a guide to lead you on the journey towards your dream wedding day look.