[Meta description: Figuring out your wedding planning timeline is essential. Here, we share some guidelines to help you determine when to buy wedding dress.]
Weddings are some of the biggest events in our lives. They represent the joining of two people and their families, so there are a lot of moving parts to keep track of leading up to the big day. One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is choosing your wedding dress, but the timing is important.
If you’re starting to organize your wedding planning, you’re probably wondering when it’s best to shop for and purchase your wedding dress. Just like the perfect dress, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question, but there are some guidelines that you should keep in mind.
When to Buy Wedding Dress Timeline
Some people meticulously plan their weddings over the course of a year or two. This can be a good option if you have a specific venue in mind that isn’t available sooner or if you want to book and pay for things over a longer period of time, spacing out expenses.
Others like to have a shorter engagement, only spending a few months on their wedding planning and sticking to a simpler event or choosing an all-inclusive venue.
No matter what route you’re taking, it’s best to start looking at your dress options as early as possible and deciding what style you want. Trying on dresses in person is essential to help you find out what works best for you. Even if you decide what you want well in advance, it’s best to wait on fit adjustments until closer to your wedding date.
Custom Wedding Dresses
If you are ordering a customized wedding dress from a boutique or designer, you’ll need to start this process sooner. You may need to check their availability and start scheduling appointments up to a year in advance.
Finalizing your design may take a few months, and preliminary fittings may start taking place at that time. Even if your dress is fully made to order, you should wait to take delivery of the dress until a few months before the wedding. Eight months is generally considered the earliest you should ever get your gown.
Wedding stress can cause weight fluctuations, and if you’ve noticed body changes in yourself, it’s probably best to wait until you’re about six months away from the wedding. Have a final fitting and tailoring scheduled just a couple of months away from the wedding for any final tweaks.
Off the Rack Wedding Dresses
If a fully custom wedding dress is out of your budget or timeframe, off-the-rack dresses are a good option. More and more bridal boutiques are carrying gorgeous bridal and bridesmaids dresses (we’re loving Sherri Hill’s latest bridal collection, for example) that you can try on and order.
Depending on your timeline, it’s recommended to order your dress six to nine months in advance in case there are shipping delays or your dress arrives damaged or not as you envisioned. If you’re on a super tight schedule, you could always shop sample sales that let you take a dress home that day, but they are more limited in styles and sizes.
Even if you buy a dress off the rack, many boutiques will offer some tailoring services in-house, or you can use your preferred tailor in your area. Depending on the tailor’s schedule, you may be able to do some last-minute adjustments close to your wedding, but don’t count on them being able to squeeze you in. Always contact them in advance so you don’t get disappointed.
When to Buy Bridesmaids Dresses
Most wedding parties use off-the-rack bridesmaid dresses for convenience and cost-effectiveness. While it’s important to get the bridesmaid dress process started early, it doesn’t have to follow the same schedule as a bridal gown.
Once you’ve selected your bridesmaids, it’s good to decide on the style of dress together. Going through the latest collections together and choosing a style that suits the wedding theme and the bridesmaids’ taste can be a bonding experience. Some styles will be available in different colorways or with sleeve and neckline variations, allowing some variety between the bridesmaids.
Once you’ve decided on the style, the bridesmaids can try on the dresses at a local boutique as far as a year out from the wedding. Once you purchase the dresses, they should schedule any necessary tailoring three to six months out from the wedding.
Reduce Stress by Knowing When to Buy a Wedding Dress
Wedding planning can be fun, but also very stressful. Keeping your schedule organized is one of the best ways to reduce that stress, so order your wedding dress in advance, but make sure to leave final fittings until a couple of months before the wedding. Cheers to the big day!
