Congratulations, you’re engaged! Now comes the fun part – wedding dress shopping. But before you start browsing dresses online or making appointments at bridal shops, there’s an important question to consider: how many months before your wedding should you buy your wedding dress?
It’s a common question among brides-to-be, and the answer can vary depending on a few factors. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at when to start shopping for your wedding dress and what you should consider before making a purchase.
Why the Timing Matters
The timing for buying a wedding dress matters more than you might think. It’s not just about having something to wear on the day of your wedding. Purchasing a dress early on can alleviate stress and ensure that everything runs smoothly in the months leading up to the big day.
One of the main reasons to buy your dress early is that it can take months for it to be made and delivered to you. Wedding dresses are typically made to order, and it’s not uncommon for the process to take four to six months. Rush orders may be possible, but they can come with extra fees.
Moreover, most brides will require some alterations to ensure the perfect fit, and those alterations can take an additional month or two. Since late alterations can add up, it’s better to have your dress ready early. Finally, waiting too long to pick out your dress can lead to limited style and size options, especially if a specific designer is preferred.
All these factors point to the importance of buying your wedding dress a few months before your big day, but how early should you start shopping?
When to Start Shopping
In a perfect world, it is recommended that you start the wedding dress shopping process at least 12 months before your wedding date. Starting the process early gives you more time to consider options, plan your shopping trips, and helps you avoid the feeling of being rushed.
But rest assured if the 12-month window missed, it is still possible to get your dream dress on time. Most bridal shops can accommodate orders that are 6 to 8 months in advance of the wedding. However, earlier is better for those trendy and unique styles.
It’s worth keeping in mind that many bridal shops require appointments, so it’s best to book these a few weeks ahead of time. Starting earlier means you’ll have more time to plan your fittings, consider hair and makeup options, and avoid any last-minute panic.
Factors to Consider
While the 12-month rule is a great starting point, a few other factors can also affect your wedding dress shopping timing. Consider these factors as you start planning your dress shopping experience.
Wedding Date: Your wedding date should play a significant role in determining when to start shopping for your dress. If you’re having a summer wedding, you may want to shop earlier since summer is a busy wedding season. If your wedding is around the holidays or during a shoulder season, buying your dress six to eight months ahead of time may be sufficient.
Designer: If there’s a specific designer, you love, be sure to check their lead times and availability. It’s worth noting that some higher-end designers may require even more than 12 months to produce dresses that are made to order.
Budget: Your budget is another factor that can play a role in how long before your wedding to buy your dress. If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to plan to shop during a sample sale or wait until closer to the wedding when there may be more clearance sales.
Personal Preferences: Every bride is different in terms of when they want to find their ideal wedding dress. Some brides will want to make the dress buying experience last a few months so that they can try on many styles and shop across several stores. Others want to buy their dream dress as quickly as possible. If you’re the latter, do consider the various lead times as you start shopping for dresses.
Conclusion
Shopping for your wedding dress should be an exciting and unforgettable experience. But it’s best to start shopping early to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Whether you’re a bride who wants to peruse all the styles or a bride who wants to buy her dress quickly, there’s a perfect wedding dress waiting for you. Start shopping for your dream wedding dress today!
FAQ
Is 2 months enough time to get a wedding dress?
The question of whether 2 months is enough time to get a wedding dress depends on several factors. Firstly, it depends on whether you plan to purchase a ready-made wedding dress or have one custom-made. If you’re purchasing a ready-made wedding dress, then 2 months should be sufficient time to get your dress. Many reputable bridal shops carry a variety of wedding dresses in different styles, sizes, and colors, and you’re likely to find the perfect dress within that period. However, it’s advisable to start looking for your dress earlier so that you can have enough time to try out different dresses, assess their fit, style, and design, and make a final decision.
If you’re considering having your wedding dress custom-made, then 2 months may not be enough time. Custom-made wedding dresses require time for measurements, design, fabric selection, and fittings. Even if you find a seamstress who can rush the alterations for you, it could still take two to three weeks, so it’s advisable to allow at least a month in advance to complete your gown, no matter how minor the changes may be.
Other factors that may impact the amount of time you need to get your wedding dress include the complexity of the design and the availability of the materials. If you have a specific design in mind that’s intricate, it may take longer to complete, and it may be difficult to find the right fabric and materials to match your vision.
Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to getting a wedding dress. If you’re getting married in two months and haven’t started shopping for your dress yet, it’s advisable to start looking for ready-made dresses that fit your preferences and needs. Alternatively, if you’d like to have a custom-made dress, consider extending the timeline to give yourself ample time for fittings, alterations, and unexpected changes that may arise.
Can a wedding dress be made in 3 months?
If you have a specific wedding date in mind and you’re running short on time to purchase a wedding dress, you may be wondering if a wedding dress can be made in just three months. Generally, wedding dresses require a lead time of at least four to six months or more to allow for ordering, fabric sourcing, fittings, alterations, and other adjustments needed to make a wedding dress perfectly tailored to your body. However, it is possible to get a wedding dress made in three months or less if you’re willing to navigate some hurdles along the way.
The first thing you should do is to start your search at bridal salons. They generally carry a variety of wedding dresses and can guide you through the process of selecting and ordering your gown. When you contact a salon, ask them about the timelines required for placing an order and how long it usually takes for the dress to arrive. They may be able to quote you a time frame for ordering and express shipping, or they may have rush options available that can reduce the lead time for your gown. Remember, rush fees may apply, which can increase the cost of your dress.
You should also consider the style of dress you want when it comes to timelines. A simple wedding dress could require less time than a ball gown with intricate beading and lacework. Additionally, the kind of fabric you chose for your dress can have an impact on the length of time it takes to create it. If you’re running short on time, consider opting for a dress made of a fabric that is readily available.
Another tip is to look for sample sales or trunk shows where dresses are readily available. Sample sales usually offer dresses that are ready-to-wear and available for immediate purchase. Also, attend a trunk show where designers showcase their collections at a salon, and they often offer discounts on dresses bought that weekend. In both cases, you would usually need to purchase your wedding dress off the rack, but you may be able to find the perfect gown at a discounted price.
It’s also essential to keep in mind that alterations and fittings usually take between four to six weeks. Therefore, the process of purchasing a dress, shipping, and alterations would need to be expedited to meet a three-month deadline. So, if you’re purchasing a dress in stock at a salon or buying a dress off the rack, make sure you schedule alterations immediately to allow sufficient time.
Getting a wedding dress in three months is possible, but it requires careful planning and a willingness to work within tight deadlines. Always start by contacting a bridal salon and understanding the timeline and rush options available for your wedding dress. Additionally, consider simple dress styles, standard fabrics, sample sales, and trunk shows. Above all, remember that this is your wedding day, and you want to feel beautiful in the gown you choose. Don’t settle for a dress that isn’t perfect just to meet a deadline.
Should I lose weight before wedding dress shopping?
The idea of finding the perfect wedding dress can be overwhelming for many brides-to-be. They crave to wear the gown of their dreams, but also want to look and feel their best on the big day. Naturally, the question that arises is if one should lose weight before wedding dress shopping. While it’s understandable to want to look perfect for the grand event, it’s important to keep in mind that the primary goal should be to feel good in your skin.
It’s no secret that the pressure to look a certain way can be quite high, especially when it comes to weddings. While it is not uncommon that women engage in strict diets or intense exercise regimes ahead of their significant day, it’s essential to remember that losing weight solely for the wedding dress could result in the dress not fitting correctly. It’s best to order your bridal dress as soon as you decide which gown is for you, rather than waiting to lose weight first.
It’s worth noting that not every wedding dress requires a specific type of body. Most bridal gowns come in a range of sizes, so you might find your perfect dress in your current size. Also, bridal boutiques may suggest that you order a dress size that’s one or two sizes larger than your usual to allow for alterations, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t fit into your target dress size right away.
Moreover, it’s important to keep in mind that everyone holds weight differently and that everyone’s body is unique. You might be considering a new exercise regime ahead of your wedding. However, it’s crucial that you do what makes you happy and comfortable, rather than what pleases others. Weight loss should not be the motive behind your wedding planning process. You could be so busy planning that you’ve lost a few pounds without noticing. Regardless, make sure to enjoy the process and embrace your body to the fullest.
The answer to whether you should lose weight before wedding dress shopping solely depends on personal preferences and motivations. However, it’s essential to remember that the most critical factor is to feel comfortable and confident in your skin, no matter your size or shape. Order your dress as soon as you find the perfect fit, and don’t let the pressure of looking perfect hinder your wedding experience. Your big day should be all about celebrating love and happiness, irrespective of dress sizes.
