When to Buy Your Wedding Dress (and What to Expect at Appointments)
The ideal wedding dress shopping timeline, how bridal appointments work, alterations and how to budget.
Wedding dresses take longer than most people expect. Made-to-order gowns often need six to nine months from order to arrival, then a few weeks of alterations. Here's how to time it.
The ideal timeline
- 10–12 months before: start browsing and book your first appointments.
- 8–10 months: order your dress.
- 3 months: first fitting.
- 4–6 weeks: second fitting.
- 1–2 weeks: final fitting and collection.
Less time? Look for off-the-peg, sample sales or boutiques with in-stock gowns.
Booking appointments
Appointments usually last 60–90 minutes and need booking ahead, especially on Saturdays. Take one to three trusted people — too many opinions can drown out your own. Wear nude, seamless underwear and bring shoes of a similar height to the ones you'll wear.
Budgeting for the dress
Remember the extras: alterations, a veil, a slip or bridal underwear, shoes, cleaning and storage afterwards. Alterations alone can add a meaningful sum, so ask the boutique for an estimate when you order.
Questions to ask the boutique
- How long will my dress take to arrive?
- What does the alteration price include?
- What is the payment schedule and refund policy?
- Can I change details such as the neckline or sleeves?
When should I start looking for a wedding dress?
Around ten to twelve months before the wedding gives you time to shop without pressure and allows for made-to-order lead times.
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