When To Buy Your Wedding Dress: The Ultimate Timeline and Guide

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Among the numerous decisions you'll make, choosing the perfect wedding dress is one of the most important. To help you navigate this journey, we've put together the ultimate timeline and guide for when to buy your wedding dress. Whether you're a meticulous planner or more of a spontaneous soul, this guide will ensure you find the dress of your dreams without unnecessary stress.

12 Months Before the Wedding: Start Dreaming

Begin Your Research

The journey to finding your wedding dress begins with dreaming and researching. About a year before your big day, start gathering inspiration. Browse bridal magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs to get a sense of what styles you love. Create a vision board or a digital folder to keep track of your favorite looks.

Set Your Budget

Before you fall in love with a gown that’s out of your price range, establish your budget. Consider how much you're willing to spend on the dress itself, but also keep in mind the cost of alterations, accessories, and shoes. Knowing your budget will help you narrow down your options and avoid heartbreak later on.

Book Your Appointment

Once you have an idea of your preferred styles and budget, book your appointment at your preferred bridal boutique. Popular shops can book up quickly, especially on weekends, so it's wise to schedule these visits 1-2 months in advance. Don't forget to bring along any family or friends whose opinions you value.

9-10 Months Before the Wedding: Start Shopping

Go Dress Shopping

The moment has arrived – it's time to start shopping! Nine to ten months before your wedding, visit the bridal boutique you’ve scheduled your appointment with. Bring along any undergarments or shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure a proper fit during try-ons. Be open to trying on different styles, even those you didn’t initially consider. Sometimes the dress you least expect becomes "the one."

Trust Your Instincts

When you find a dress that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and excited, you'll know it's the one. Trust your instincts and don’t feel pressured to keep searching if you’ve found a gown you love. If you're unsure, take a moment to sleep on it. Most boutiques allow you to place a hold on a dress for a short period.

8-9 Months Before the Wedding: Purchase your gown

Make the Purchase

Once you've decided on your dress, it’s time to make the purchase. Most brides purchase their gown 8-9 months before their wedding, but since we sell our gowns out of our collection, you can shop here with less time!

Discuss Alterations

Most wedding dresses need some alterations to achieve the perfect fit. Discuss the alteration timeline with your chosen seamstress and schedule your first fitting. This is also a good time to ask about the cost of alterations, as they can vary significantly.

6-7 Months Before the Wedding: Finalize Accessories

Choose Your Accessories

Now that you have your dress, it's time to complete your bridal look with the perfect accessories. Consider your veil, shoes, jewellery, and any other accessories you might want. Remember, your accessories should complement your dress without overwhelming it. If possible, bring your dress to your accessory appointments to see how everything looks together.

3-4 Months Before the Wedding: First Fitting

Attend Your First Fitting

Three to four months before your wedding, you'll have your first dress fitting. This is when you'll try on your gown and the seamstress will make the necessary adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly. Be sure to bring your undergarments, shoes, and accessories to this fitting. Communicate clearly with your seamstress about any changes you want.

6-8 Weeks Before the Wedding: Final Fitting

Attend Your Final Fitting

Six to eight weeks before the wedding, it’s time for your final fitting. By now, your dress should fit like a glove. This fitting ensures that any last-minute adjustments can be made, and it's your last opportunity to make any changes. Bring a trusted friend or family member to  assist you while you try on your dress.. 

Break in Your Shoes

Start breaking in your wedding shoes by wearing them around the house. This will help you avoid any discomfort or blisters on your wedding day. Practice walking, dancing, and standing in them to ensure they are comfortable.

2-4 Weeks Before the Wedding: Final Preparations

Pick Up Your Dress

Two to four weeks before your wedding, your dress should be ready for pick-up. Inspect it carefully for any final adjustments and make sure it’s stored in a safe, dry place. Keep it in its garment bag to protect it from dust and damage.

Plan Your Transportation

If your dress has a long train or is particularly delicate, plan how you will transport it to your wedding venue. Some brides choose to carry their dresses themselves, while others arrange for professional transportation. Whatever you decide, make sure your dress arrives in pristine condition.

The Week of the Wedding: Final Touches

Steam and Press Your Dress

A few days before your wedding, have your dress professionally steamed and pressed. This will ensure that it looks flawless as you walk down the aisle. If you're travelling for a destination wedding, research local options for steaming and pressing.

Prepare Your Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like a sewing kit, safety pins, fashion tape, and stain remover. This kit will come in handy for any last-minute dress mishaps. Have a trusted bridesmaid or family member keep it close on the big day.

The Big Day: Enjoy Every Moment

Get Dressed Early

On your wedding day, give yourself plenty of time to get dressed. Rushing can lead to unnecessary stress and mistakes. Have a trusted friend or family member help you with your dress to ensure everything is perfect.

Take a Deep Breath

You've spent months planning, and now the day is finally here. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy every moment. Your wedding dress is just one part of your special day, but it’s a symbol of your love and commitment.

Bonus Tips for Dress Shopping

Bring the Right People

When shopping for your dress, bring a small group of trusted friends or family members. Too many opinions can be overwhelming, so limit your entourage to those whose opinions matter most to you.

Keep an Open Mind

You might have a specific dress in mind, but be open to trying different styles. Many brides find that the dress they fall in love with is not what they initially envisioned.

Consider Your Venue and Season

Your wedding venue and season can influence your dress choice. A beach wedding might call for a lighter, more flowy gown, while a winter wedding might inspire you to choose a dress with long sleeves or heavier fabric.

Don’t Forget About Comfort

While style is important, comfort is key. You'll be wearing your dress for many hours, so make sure you can move, sit, and dance comfortably.

Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Trust your gut and don’t be swayed by others’ opinions if you’ve found "the one."

Finding your wedding dress is a magical experience, and following this timeline will help ensure that the process is smooth and enjoyable. Remember, the most important thing is to feel beautiful and confident on your big day. Happy dress shopping, and best wishes for a wonderful wedding!