One of the most exciting aspects of planning a wedding is the dress shopping experience. Shopping for and selecting the perfect wedding dress can be a memorable event that a bride will cherish for a lifetime. However, just as with any other aspect of wedding planning, timing is key. The question is, how far in advance should a bride purchase her wedding dress?
One Year Before the Wedding
In a perfect world, a bride should begin searching for her wedding dress one year before her wedding date. This early start provides ample time for finding the perfect dress, ordering it, and for any potential alterations that may need to be made. Starting this early also puts the bride at an advantage as there is no rush or pressure to make a decision.
Six to Eight Months Before the Wedding
While starting the dress search early is advisable, six to eight months before the wedding is also considered a good time to order the dress. This is because wedding dresses are typically made to order and may take anywhere from three to six months to arrive. Furthermore, alterations may take up to two months to be completed. Therefore, by ordering the dress six to eight months in advance, a bride can avoid the stress of a last-minute scramble to complete dress alterations before her big day.
Exceptions to the Rule
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some brides may prefer to purchase a dress off the rack. In this case, buying a dress closer to the wedding date may be acceptable, depending on the availability of the desired dress. Additionally, some designers offer rush orders for an additional fee, allowing brides to receive their dresses in a shorter amount of time.
Another exception may be for brides planning a shorter engagement or elopement. In these instances, it may not be feasible to start searching a year in advance. However, it is still recommended that the dress be purchased no later than six months before the wedding date to allow ample time for alterations.
Tips for Dress Shopping
In addition to knowing when to purchase the dress, there are a few other tips to keep in mind when beginning the dress shopping experience.
Do Your Research
Before embarking on the dress search, do some research on styles, designers, and price ranges. This will help narrow down the options and make the search more manageable.
Bring the Right People
Bringing a few trusted family members or friends can make the dress shopping experience even more memorable. However, be sure to only bring those whose opinions matter the most and who will support the bride’s final decision.
Be Open-Minded
A bride may have a particular dress style or designer in mind but should be open to trying on different options. Sometimes, what looks good on the hanger may not be the best choice for the bride’s body type or personal style.
Trust Your Gut
Ultimately, the dress choice should make the bride feel confident and beautiful. When she finds “the one,” she will know it.
Conclusion
Purchasing a wedding dress is a significant aspect of wedding planning. By planning ahead and starting the search early, a bride can avoid last-minute stress and ensure that her dress is everything she has dreamed it would be. Remember to do research, bring trusted advisors, be open-minded, and trust your gut. Happy dress shopping!
FAQ
Is 8 months enough time to buy a wedding dress?
When it comes to wedding planning, there are few tasks as exciting as shopping for the perfect wedding dress. But how much time do you need to allocate to this task to ensure you end up with something that makes you look and feel your best on your big day? If you’re wondering whether 8 months is enough time to buy a wedding dress, the answer is yes – but with one important caveat.
In most cases, it’s recommended that brides-to-be start shopping for their wedding dress 8-12 months before their big day. This timeline gives you enough time to browse through different styles, book appointments at bridal boutiques, try on a variety of dresses, and make a final decision without feeling rushed or stressed.
If you only have 8 months until your wedding day, you can definitely still find your dream dress, but you’ll need to be more strategic with your time. Start by doing some research online to get an idea of the styles, designers, and price ranges you’re interested in. Next, start scheduling appointments at bridal boutiques in your area, making sure to give yourself ample time to try on different dresses.
While 8 months is enough time to buy a wedding dress, it’s important to note that alterations can take several weeks, which means you’ll want to leave some room in your timeline for these adjustments. Additionally, if you’re ordering a custom dress, you’ll need to allow even more time for the dress to be made and shipped.
While 8 months is enough time to find and purchase your wedding dress, it’s always a good idea to start shopping as early as possible to ensure you have enough time to find something that makes you look and feel your best on your big day.
Should I buy my wedding dress a size bigger?
Choosing the perfect wedding dress for your special day can be one of the most exciting moments for a bride. The process of finding the right style, color, and material can be time-consuming and overwhelming. However, one question that brides often ask is whether they should buy their dress a size bigger.
In general, bridal sizing can be quite different from regular clothing sizes. Bridal gowns often run smaller than street sizes, and each brand can have its own sizing chart. It is not uncommon for a bride to find that they wear a few sizes larger in bridal dresses. Due to the differences in sizing charts, it is important to go into your dress appointment with an open mind and to not get too fixated on the number on the label.
When it comes to determining the right size for your wedding dress, it is best to work with a professional stylist or consultant who can guide you in the right direction. Typically, a bridal stylist will take your measurements and help you choose a size that appropriately fits your body shape and proportions. It is important to keep in mind that a dress should fit comfortably, not too tight or too loose.
While some brides may be tempted to buy a wedding dress a size bigger with the intention of losing weight before the big day, this is not always the best strategy. It is important to remember that a dress can generally be altered by 2-4 sizes down without losing the integrity or style of the dress. Alterations can be made to the bodice, hemline, and sleeves to ensure a proper fit. Therefore, buying a wedding dress that is too big can be a waste of money, time, and effort.
Choosing the right size for your wedding dress is an important decision, and it is best to work with a professional stylist who can guide you in the right direction. While some brides may be tempted to buy a dress a size bigger, it is not always necessary or recommended. Remember, altering a dress can be done to ensure a proper fit, and brides should focus on finding a dress that compliments their body shape rather than fixating on the size label.
When should you buy bridesmaid dresses?
Choosing bridesmaid dresses for your wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s important to consider the timeline for purchasing these dresses to ensure that they arrive on time and fit correctly. The question is when should you buy bridesmaid dresses?
It’s recommended to start looking at bridesmaid dresses about 8-10 months prior to the wedding, even if the wedding date is a year away. Starting early will give you plenty of time to explore different styles and colors that you like. It’s also important to consider the opinions of your bridesmaids and allow them to have a say in the dress selection process.
Once you have chosen the dress, it’s important to give your bridesmaid enough time to order the dress and make any necessary alterations. About six months before the wedding is the right time to make your final decision on the bridesmaid dress or dresses that you want your girls to wear. This will give them the time they need to get measured and place their orders.
If you’re ordering dresses from overseas, consider adding additional time to the delivery schedule. International shipments take longer than domestic ones, so it’s important to plan for any potential delays. Additionally, it’s important to remember that custom dresses typically take longer to create and receive than pre-made dresses.
It’s also a good idea to order a few extra dresses for bridesmaids who join the wedding party at a later date for any emergency situation. Furthermore, ensure that the bridesmaid dress provider has a return policy in case there are any issues with the dresses upon receipt.
It’S important to start the dress selection process early and allow enough time for order placement and alterations. About six months before the wedding date is the perfect time to make a final decision and order the dresses. By following these guidelines, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure that your bridesmaids look and feel their best on your special day.
