Is 3 Months Too Late to Get a Wedding Dress? The prospect of finding the perfect wedding dress in a mere three months can feel overwhelming. Many brides-to-be are anxious about the tight timeline they face.
Statistics show that “nearly 20% of brides start shopping for their wedding dress within 3 months of their wedding.”
As we frequently mention icon Vera Wang recommends beginning the search at least a year in advance, but sometimes life has other plans.
Don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll address the challenge of discovering your dream wedding gown in just three months. Start your journey by checking out our comprehensive shopping for a wedding dress guide, and stay tuned as we explore expert advice, last-minute bridal gown options, and inspiring success stories from brides who’ve faced similar situations.
In This Article
Is 18 Months Too Early to Buy Your Wedding Dress?
No, you can order a wedding dress 18 months in advance of your wedding and get a great dress. As little as 7-12 months from the wedding is also a comfortable amount of time before the wedding to order your dress, though, so you may want to wait and leave yourself some additional time to be completely confident in your choice (and to ensure as few alterations as possible).
Factors to Consider
Wedding Date
When deciding on the timing of purchasing a wedding dress, one of the most important factors to consider is the wedding date. If the wedding date is a long way off, such as 18 months, it may be too early to purchase a dress. However, if the wedding is less than a year away, it is important to start the search for the perfect dress.
Style Trends
Another factor to consider when deciding on the timing of purchasing a wedding dress is current style trends. Fashion trends change constantly, and while it is important to choose a dress that reflects your personal style, it is also important to keep in mind current trends. If you purchase a dress too early, it may be out of style by the time your wedding arrives.
Body Changes
It is also important to consider any potential body changes that may occur between the time of purchasing the dress and the wedding date. If you are planning on losing weight or gaining muscle, it may be best to wait until closer to the wedding date to purchase a dress. This will ensure that the dress fits perfectly on your big day.
Budget
Finally, budget is an important factor to consider when deciding on the timing of purchasing a wedding dress. If you purchase a dress too early, you may miss out on sales or discounts that occur closer to the wedding date. However, if you wait too long, you may end up spending more money on a rush order or alterations.
Benefits of Buying Early
More Time for Alterations
Buying your wedding dress 18 months before your wedding day may seem too early, but it actually gives you more time to make alterations. Alterations can take up to 6 months, so buying early ensures that you have enough time to make any necessary changes to your dress. This will also give you enough time to have multiple fittings, ensuring that your dress fits perfectly on your wedding day.
Less Stressful Shopping Experience
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, but buying early can help alleviate some of that stress. When you have more time, you can take your time to browse and try on dresses without feeling rushed. You can also take the time to research different styles and designers to find the perfect dress for you.
Access to Limited Edition Dresses
Buying early also gives you access to limited edition dresses that may not be available closer to your wedding date. Many designers release new collections twice a year, and buying early ensures that you have access to the latest styles and designs. This also gives you the opportunity to have a unique and one-of-a-kind dress that no one else will have.
Overall, buying your wedding dress 18 months before your wedding date may seem too early, but it has many benefits. It gives you more time for alterations, a less stressful shopping experience, and access to limited edition dresses. So, if you find the perfect dress early on, don’t hesitate to make the purchase!
Drawbacks of Buying Early
Changes in Body Shape or Size
One of the biggest drawbacks of buying a wedding dress too early is the possibility of changes in your body shape or size. If you purchase your dress 18 months before your wedding, it’s possible that your body may change during that time due to pregnancy, weight loss or gain, or other factors. This can result in the need for costly alterations or even a completely new dress.
Changes in Wedding Plans
Another potential issue with buying a wedding dress too early is changes in your wedding plans. If you purchase a dress before you have finalized your wedding venue, theme, or color scheme, you may find that the dress you chose is no longer the best fit for your wedding day. This can result in additional stress and expenses as you search for a new dress that better suits your wedding vision.
Trend Changes
The world of bridal fashion is constantly evolving, and what may be in style today may not be in 18 months. If you purchase a dress too early, you run the risk of it becoming outdated or no longer in fashion by the time your wedding day arrives. This can result in regret and disappointment, as you may feel that your dress no longer reflects your personal style or the current trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about buying a wedding dress:
Is 18 months too early to buy a wedding dress?
It’s not necessarily too early to buy a wedding dress 18 months before your wedding day. In fact, many brides start shopping for their wedding dress around this time. However, it’s important to keep in mind that fashion trends can change and your personal style may evolve over time. So, it’s a good idea to avoid making any final decisions until closer to your wedding day. Check our guide on whether 15 months is too soon to buy a wedding dress.
When should I start shopping for my wedding dress?
Most brides start shopping for their wedding dress between 9 and 18 months before their wedding day. This gives them plenty of time to find the perfect dress and make any necessary alterations. However, if you have a specific dress or designer in mind, it’s a good idea to start shopping even earlier to ensure availability. Read our post on how early to start looking for wedding dresses.
What should I consider when buying a wedding dress?
- Your budget
- Your personal style
- The formality and location of your wedding
- Your body type
- The season and weather of your wedding
How many dresses should I try on?
It’s a good idea to try on several different dresses to get a sense of what styles and silhouettes look best on you. However, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself with too many options. Aim to try on around 5-10 dresses during each appointment.
When should I order my wedding dress?
You should aim to order your wedding dress at least 6-8 months before your wedding day to allow time for production and alterations. If you’re ordering a custom dress or working with a designer, you may need to order even earlier. Explore our articles on 5-month, 6-month, 7-month, 10-month, and last-minute bridal gown options for more information on wedding dress timelines.
