A wedding dress is one of the most important elements of a wedding. It is the dress in which the bride will walk down the aisle, share her first dance with her partner, and potentially be captured in photos that will be cherished for a lifetime. Therefore, it’s important to start thinking about your wedding dress well in advance of the big day. But, how far in advance should you buy a wedding dress? Here is a guide to help you plan your wedding dress shopping experience.
Begin your search early
The first step in buying a wedding dress is to start looking early. You should begin your search for a wedding dress at least 12 months before your wedding day. Some brides-to-be even start their search as early as 18 months in advance. This will give you ample time to visit bridal shops, research designers, and try on different styles to find the perfect wedding dress. Starting your search early will also give you more time to plan and budget for any alterations.
Consider the type of dress you want
Before you start looking for a wedding dress, it’s important to consider the type of dress you want. Do you want a ballgown, a mermaid, a column, or an A-line? Do you want lace or beading? What kind of material do you prefer? You should also consider the style and theme of your wedding. Is it going to be a formal affair, a beachside ceremony, or something more bohemian? Consider the venue, time of year, and the overall aesthetic of your wedding to help narrow down your dress options.
Book appointments well in advance
Once you have an idea of the type of dress you want, it’s time to book appointments at bridal shops. It’s important to do this well in advance, especially if the shop is popular or if you’ll be shopping during peak wedding season (June-September). Some shops require appointments to try on dresses, and if you wait until the last minute to book an appointment, you may miss out on your preferred date and time.
Know your budget
Wedding dresses come in many different price ranges, from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Before you start shopping for a wedding dress, it’s important to have a budget in mind. Knowing your budget in advance will help you narrow down your options and avoid falling in love with a dress that’s out of your price range.
Factor in time for alterations
After you’ve found your perfect wedding dress, it’s likely that you’ll need to have it altered to fit you perfectly. Alterations can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the alterations needed. It’s important to factor in this time when deciding when to buy your wedding dress. If you’re ordering your dress, it’s a good idea to allow at least six months between your purchase date and your wedding date to allow for alterations and any unexpected delays.
Consider the designer’s lead time
Some wedding dress designers require a longer lead time than others. If you have your heart set on a specific designer, it’s important to check their lead time before making your decision. Some designers may require up to six months to produce a dress, and if you wait too long to order, you may not receive your dress in time for your wedding date.
Conclusion
Buying a wedding dress can be a time-consuming process, but with proper planning, it can also be a fun and enjoyable experience. Start your search early, consider the type of dress you want, book appointments in advance, know your budget, factor in time for alterations, and consider the designer’s lead time. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to find your dream wedding dress and be ready to walk down the aisle in style.
FAQ
Is 7 months enough time to buy a wedding dress?
Planning a wedding can be a joyful yet overwhelming experience, and choosing the perfect dress is often at the top of every bride’s checklist. One question that often arises is whether 7 months is enough time to buy a wedding dress.
To answer this question, it’s essential to understand the process of purchasing a wedding dress. First, it is important to schedule appointments to visit bridal shops or boutiques where you can try on different dresses and explore various designs. Once you choose a dress, you’ll need to order it, and this can take time to arrive and go through alterations if necessary.
At Love Bridal Boutique, a reputable bridal store, it is recommended that brides order their wedding dress 8-12 months in advance. This timeline allows sufficient time for dress fittings, customizations, order delivery, and alterations. It is essential to give yourself enough time to find the perfect dress, but it’s also crucial to consider the possibility of unforeseen circumstances that may arise such as shipping delays, unexpected alteration issues, or even dress damages during transit.
While some brides might think that 7 months is sufficient time to purchase a wedding dress, it’s always better to go with a more extended timeline. Planning early can provide you with peace of mind, reduce stress and anxiety associated with last-minute wedding woes, and give you more options to choose from.
It is also essential to note that the selection of wedding dresses can vary from season to season. Depending on the time of year, some dresses may not be available, or designers may have a backlog of orders. This makes it even more crucial to start your wedding dress shopping process as early as possible.
While 7 months may seem like sufficient time to buy a wedding dress, it is always best to give yourself more time to account for unforeseen circumstances. Ordering a wedding dress 8-12 months before your big day is the ideal timeline. It provides enough time for everything from shopping to fitting and alterations and ensures that you get the dress of your dreams without any stress or last-minute panic.
Should I lose weight before wedding dress shopping?
Many brides-to-be want to look their best on their wedding day, which can often involve losing weight before the big day. It is understandable that a bride might want to be in the best possible shape before trying on wedding dresses. However, it’s important to keep in mind that ordering a wedding dress can take a considerable amount of time, from fitting appointments to alterations, which can take several months.
Additionally, buying a smaller size wedding dress as motivation to lose weight could end up being a mistake if the weight loss goals are not met in time. It’s always best to order the wedding dress that fits you now and have it tailored closer to the wedding date if necessary. This is because a dress can be altered to be taken in or let out, but it’s much harder to add fabric to a dress that’s too small.
Another factor to consider when deciding whether to lose weight before wedding dress shopping is the pressure that it can add to an already stressful time. Planning a wedding can be stressful on its own, and adding weight loss goals to the mix can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Instead, it’s much better to focus on adopting healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, that can be maintained long after the wedding day.
Instead of obsessing over losing weight before wedding dress shopping, focus on finding a dress that flatters your body and makes you feel confident. Remember that you will be marrying the love of your life on your wedding day and your happiness should come first!
Can a wedding dress be made in 3 months?
The answer to whether a wedding dress can be made in 3 months is not a straightforward one. Generally, it takes between four to six months to receive a wedding dress from the time you order it, and that does not even include the alterations. However, if you have only three months or less before your wedding day and you haven’t chosen a wedding dress yet, there are still some options.
If you decide to go the traditional route of ordering a gown from a bridal salon, the first thing you must do is to call several salons to find out the options available for quick orders. Some bridal salons may provide the option of rush orders for an extra fee, which may allow you to receive your dress within the desired three-month timeframe. However, this may not always be possible depending on the salon’s backlog, the availability of the dress you want, or the time of year you order.
Another option is to look for a ready-to-wear wedding gown at a bridal salon or online. Many designers offer dresses that are already made and can be purchased off the rack. You might be able to find a gown that you love and is a perfect fit without the need for additional alterations. Shopping for off-the-rack wedding dresses can be an excellent option for those with a tight schedule or looking for a budget-friendly option.
Another alternative is to take the route of custom-made or made-to-measure wedding dresses. This option can be more expensive, but it guarantees that you will have a one-of-a-kind gown that fits you perfectly. When working with a custom dressmaker or designer, you must factor in the time for consultations, fittings, and adjustments. It typically takes several fittings to ensure that the dress is perfect, so you must plan accordingly.
To sum up, it may be possible to get a wedding dress made in three months, but it largely depends on the availability of the dress you want, the designer or salon’s workload, and the type of dress you desire. Rush orders, purchasing an off-the-rack dress, or having a custom dress made are all options to consider. It is important to plan ahead and be willing to pay extra fees if necessary to ensure that you have the perfect gown for your special day.
