You've just got engaged, and you can't wait to start your bridal gown shopping. While your wedding date (if you've selected one yet) may seem far away, when to buy your wedding gown before you walk down the aisle is an important preparation aspect to consider. Because made-to-order wedding gowns might take anywhere from 6 to 9 months to complete, it's best to visit the bridal boutique as soon as possible.
Aside from the fact that finding the right one may take some time, you'll also need to time your three (yes, three) sessions to allow for custom changes and then some more custom alterations (your perfectly tailored dream wedding dress isn't manufactured overnight, mind you).
To help you get the most out of this shopping experience, we've broken down how to get started and when to shop, as well as all of the common mistakes brides make when looking for their wedding dresses. What is our objective? Not only do you want to find your dream ceremony look, but you also want to enjoy the time you spend shopping for it.
Invest time on research
For the brides in the back, we'll repeat it again: Don't go into this process blind! This is true now more than ever before in the event of a pandemic. On the plus side, you'll have more time to research. Weekends at home are ideal for browsing designer websites, online magazines, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Make your initial move after gaining a strong understanding of the elements you enjoy.
Don't stress: You don't have to know surely what you want right away, but think about your venue, dress code, wedding season, guest count, and favourite silhouettes to get a good idea of where to start.
Give yourself a chance to make decisions
Because each dress and designer has its own timeframe, it's crucial to avoid shopping too late (to prevent rush fees) or too early (to avoid selections being unavailable) (to avoid missing out on styles that will release between now and your deadline to place an order).
You should begin studying, shopping, and scheduling appointments about 10 months before your wedding date, with the goal of ordering a gown six to eight months before the big day. Shorter timelines are certainly possible but be prepared to pay a rush fees; inquire about the brand's rush order procedures when you try on dresses and take into count that amount in your dress budget. Understand that there may be delays, holdups, and changes during this time of global uncertainty; support and shop the brands that most speak to you, such as Bride Now.
Be honest with your budget
Prepare for your appointments by making a game plan: Keep going. Budget. That doesn't mean you can't be flexible with how much you're willing to spend but having a top-line number in mind will help you stay on track with your entire budget and allow money for the other looks you'll need in the days leading up to the ceremony. If you're still undecided about how much you should spend, consider what price point might change your "dream dress" into a gown that isn't right for you.
The suggestions from us will help you to decide when to go for a dress purchase but another important aspect is your bridal shoes. While most places ask you to bring your shoes to your first appointment, we encourage that you use your first appointment to choose your shoes. Purchase (returnable) choices and bring them to the first round of changes. While standing in the dress, choose your favourite shoe, and use your second fitting for finishing touches like jewellery, hairpieces, or an evening clutch.
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