You've just got engaged, and you can't wait to go dress shopping. While your wedding date (if you've set one yet) may seem ages away, when to buy your wedding gown before walking down the aisle is an important planning point to consider. Because made-to-order wedding gowns typically take six to nine months to create, it's best to visit the bridal salon sooner rather than later.
Whatever your time frame, industry experts mapped out a traditional gown timeline for brides with more than 12 months until the wedding, as well as shopping methods for those with a more spontaneous wedding date.
Post Your Engagement
It's safe to assume you've had a constant flow of dream wedding gowns saved to your wedding Pinterest board long before your partner proposed. If you don't already have a vision of your ideal gown, now is the time to start. Begin by ripping pages from bridal magazines.
After You've Decided on a Location
We recommend going dress shopping only after you've decided on your wedding venue, which makes sense because you want to wear something that fits the vibe of the location (a beach ceremony and elaborate ball gown may not bode well). It's important to choose a venue that will set the tone for the entire wedding, but six to nine months before the wedding, you should really start thinking about your dress and nailing it down.
9 months prior to the wedding
Select your final gown at a bridal salon, specify any desired customizations, pay a deposit of 50 to 60 percent, and allow six to nine months for the bespoke creation to arrive. You might wonder why the process takes so long. Your perfect dress will be made to your specifications, and some components may be sourced from other parts of the globe.
5 months prior to the wedding
While you wait (and wait...and wait) for your dream gown to arrive, check a few items off your wedding to-do list. To begin, arrange for a tailor, which your bridal salon will most likely either provide in-house or refer you to a reputable couturier.
3 months before the wedding
Ta-da! Your perseverance has finally paid off. The gown should be completed and at the salon. Just in case, you have some wiggle room before the first fitting.
6 to 8 weeks before the wedding
It's time for the first fitting. Change the neckline, trim the train, and consider bringing a bridesmaid or two to demonstrate how to bustle the gown.
4 weeks before the wedding
Go through the second fitting. Most of the heavy lifting should be done by now, and you should have a much better idea of how the dress will look. Choose your final headpiece, veil, and accessories if you haven't already. Bring your lingerie with you as well.
2 weeks prior to the wedding
Some gowns require only two fittings, but a third, final round of alterations may be required. The gown should be nearly perfect. Put on your entire wedding ensemble—veil, shoes, everything—and prepare for a sappy (even tearful) first full look.
1 Week Prior to the Wedding
It's crunch time: you'll pick up your finished gown and pay the remaining balance, including alteration fees, by this point. The salon or tailor will provide you with a protective garment bag to keep your prized possessions safe until the big day.
The Special Day
Showtime. Unpack the gown, hang it up to air out, and then steam away any wrinkles for the finishing, picture-perfect touch. Are you hesitant to touch your own gown? (There's a lot at stake here.) Some bridal salons even have wedding consultants as staff.
For the best dresses allowing comfort and amazing dress material, follow Bride Now.
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