As any bride-to-be knows, wedding planning can quickly become an expensive and stressful endeavor. Not only do you have to worry about finding the perfect venue, picking out flowers, and deciding on a catering menu, but you also need to find the perfect wedding dress, which can be one of the most expensive items on your wedding checklist.
However, did you know that there is a time of year when wedding dresses are significantly discounted? If you’re looking to save money on your wedding dress, read on to find out which month is the cheapest to buy a wedding dress.
The Best Time to Score a Discount
According to experts, the best month to buy a wedding dress is January. This might come as a surprise to many brides-to-be, as January is typically a slow month for weddings due to post-holiday exhaustion and colder temperatures. However, bridal shops and designers are keenly aware of this seasonal dip, which results in lower demand for wedding dresses during this time of year.
This dip in demand means that most bridal shops and designers are left with an inventory of dresses that they need to move to make room for new designs. To clear out space, many bridal shops offer discounts on their existing inventory, making January an excellent time to score a great deal on a wedding dress.
Other Seasons
While January is the prime season for scoring discounts on wedding dresses, it’s not the only time of year when you can snag a great deal. Other times to keep an eye out for sales include August and September. These months are in between the height of wedding season and the holiday season, which means many bridal shops may offer discounts to drum up business when there isn’t a lot of demand. Keep in mind that these discounts won’t be as steep as those offered in January, but they’re still worth taking advantage of if you’re on a tight budget.
Tips for Finding a Steal on a Wedding Dress
If you’re looking to score a discount on your wedding dress, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:
- Check out sample sales. Many bridal shops will hold sample sales to clear out inventory, offering steep discounts on designer dresses.
- Shop online. You can often find great discounts on wedding dresses through online retailers. Just make sure to read the return policy carefully, as it can be difficult to return a dress that doesn’t fit as expected.
- Consider buying a pre-owned dress. Websites like Still White and Nearly Newlywed offer gently used dresses at a fraction of the original price.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Many bridal shops will be willing to negotiate on the price of a dress if they know you’re serious about buying it.
Benefits of Buying a Wedding Dress in January
Aside from saving money, there are other benefits to buying a wedding dress in January. For one, you won’t have to worry about competing with other brides to try on dresses or being rushed to make a decision during peak wedding season. Additionally, since many bridal shops have fewer customers in January, you’ll likely receive more personalized attention from the staff.
Conclusion
If you’re on a tight budget and looking to save money on your wedding dress, consider shopping in January. This month offers the best chance to find a steep discount on a designer dress, without having to compete with other brides and with the added bonus of personalized attention from the staff. However, keep in mind that other months can also offer discounts, so don’t be afraid to shop around and negotiate for the best deal.
FAQ
How many months in advance should I buy my wedding dress?
Deciding on the perfect wedding dress is one of the most important aspects of any bride’s wedding planning process. From the style and design to the fabric and fit, there are many details to consider to ensure that you look and feel your best on your big day. However, choosing a wedding dress is not a decision that you can make overnight, and it requires careful planning and plenty of time.
So, how many months in advance should you purchase your wedding dress? The ideal time frame for purchasing a wedding dress is typically 9-12 months before your wedding date. This time frame allows you enough time to browse through various bridal stores, try on different styles and designs, and order your dress well before your wedding day.
The reason why it’s recommended to start shopping for a wedding dress almost a year in advance is that wedding dresses are typically made to order. This means that once you place your order, the designer or manufacturer needs enough time to produce your dress, then ship it to the bridal salon for you to try on and make any necessary alterations. It’s important to keep in mind that alterations can take several weeks, so it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to ensure that your dress fits perfectly on your wedding day.
It’S recommended that you start your wedding dress shopping approximately 9-12 months before your wedding date to allow enough time for you to find the perfect dress, place your order, and have time for any necessary alterations. Don’t forget to take into account potential shipping delays or issues, and it’s always a good idea to keep in close communication with your bridal salon to ensure everything goes as planned. By allowing yourself enough time, you’ll have one less thing to stress about on your big day.
How far away from your wedding should you buy your dress?
Choosing a wedding dress is an exciting and important part of wedding planning. However, many brides-to-be often wonder when they should start looking for and ultimately buy a dress for their big day. The general recommendation is to start researching, shopping, and planning appointments approximately 10 months out from your wedding date, with the goal of ordering a gown no later than six to eight months prior to the wedding.
One of the reasons for starting this early is that wedding dresses are often made-to-order, meaning they are not typically in stock and need to be specially created for each individual customer. This means that there is a significant processing and production time that goes into making the dress just right, so it’s important to have enough time to ensure that the dress is completed on schedule.
Additionally, starting early gives you plenty of time to shop around and try on different styles, silhouettes, and designers. Wedding dresses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it can take several appointments to find the perfect one. By starting early, you can avoid feeling rushed and stressed, and instead, take the time to thoroughly explore your options.
It’s also important to keep in mind that once you do find the dress of your dreams, alterations may be necessary, which can take additional time. This is why it’s recommended to order your dress at least six to eight months before your wedding date. This allows enough time for any necessary alterations, as well as any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
It’S best to start researching and shopping for your wedding dress approximately 10 months prior to your wedding, with the goal of ordering the dress no later than six to eight months before the wedding. Starting early allows you enough time to find the perfect dress and ensure that it fits perfectly for your big day.
Should I lose weight before wedding dress shopping?
Many people ask if they should lose weight before wedding dress shopping, but the answer is not so straightforward. Some brides-to-be may feel pressure to fit into a certain size or look a certain way for their big day. However, it’s important to remember that your wedding dress should fit you as you are, not as you hope to be.
In fact, 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. Ordering your dress early means that you will have enough time to make any necessary alterations closer to the wedding day. Most bridal boutiques recommend ordering your dress at least six to nine months before your wedding day to ensure that you have ample time for fittings and adjustments.
It’s also important to consider your overall health and well-being when thinking about losing weight for your wedding. If you are looking to start a new exercise regimen or diet ahead of your wedding, it’s important to do so in a healthy and sustainable way. Crash diets or extreme exercise routines can actually be harmful to your body and have negative long-term effects.
Additionally, you may find that you lose weight naturally as a result of planning your wedding and managing the stress that comes along with it. You may also find that your body changes in unexpected ways as you get closer to your wedding day. it’s important to focus on feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin, rather than trying to conform to a specific ideal.
While it can be tempting to try and lose weight before wedding dress shopping, it’s best to focus on finding a dress that fits you as you are and makes you feel confident and beautiful. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you can look and feel your best on your wedding day without resorting to unhealthy and unsustainable weight loss methods.
