How early is too early to look at wedding dresses?

Shopping for a wedding dress and choosing the right one is one of the most important decisions a bride has to make. It is a momentous occasion that requires careful planning and preparation. One of the questions that often comes up is how early is too early to start looking for a wedding dress?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the time of year of the wedding, the style of dress you want, and the time it takes for the dress to be made. According to The Knot, the ideal time to buy a wedding dress is about 8-10 months before the wedding. This allows enough time for the dress to be made and for any necessary alterations to be done. However, some bridal shops require a minimum of 5-6 months to create a dress, with some being more reliable at 8 months.

It’s important to keep in mind that shopping too early may also limit your options. According to Leez Priory, the average bridal gown can take up to six months to create. Therefore, shopping too late may mean only a limited range of ready-to-wear gowns are available. Ultimately, the best time to start looking for a wedding dress is when you feel ready and have a clear idea of what you want.

Factors to Consider

Wedding Date

The wedding date is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding when to start looking for a wedding dress. If you have a specific date in mind, it’s important to start shopping early to ensure that you have enough time to find the perfect dress and have it altered if necessary. Most experts recommend starting to look for a wedding dress at least 8-10 months before the wedding date.

On the other hand, if you have a flexible wedding date, you may be able to wait a bit longer to start shopping for a wedding dress. However, keep in mind that popular wedding dates, such as Saturdays in June, July, and August, tend to book up quickly, so it’s best to start looking early if you want to secure a specific date.

Venue and Theme

The venue and theme of your wedding can also play a role in when to start looking for a wedding dress. If you’re having a formal wedding at a fancy venue, you may want to start looking for a dress earlier to ensure that you find something that fits the occasion. Similarly, if you’re having a beach wedding, you may want to look for a dress that is lightweight and easy to move in.

It’s also important to consider the color scheme and overall theme of your wedding when choosing a dress. If you’re having a rustic wedding with a bohemian vibe, you may want to look for a dress with lace or floral details. If you’re having a modern wedding with a minimalist theme, you may want to look for a dress with clean lines and simple details.

Personal Style

Your personal style is another important factor to consider when choosing a wedding dress. If you’re someone who loves vintage fashion, you may want to look for a dress with retro details. If you’re someone who prefers a more modern look, you may want to look for a dress with clean lines and contemporary details.

It’s also important to consider your body type when choosing a wedding dress. If you’re petite, you may want to look for a dress with a more fitted silhouette to elongate your frame. If you’re curvy, you may want to look for a dress with a more structured bodice to provide support and flatter your figure.

Timeline for Wedding Dress Shopping

6-12 Months Before the Wedding

It is recommended to start looking for your wedding dress 6-12 months before your wedding day. This will give you enough time to find the dress of your dreams, make any necessary alterations, and ensure that it arrives in time for your big day.

During this period, you can start by researching different styles and designers that fit your vision and budget. You can also book appointments with bridal boutiques and try on different dresses to get a better idea of what you like and what looks best on you.

Once you have found the dress you love, be sure to order it as soon as possible to allow enough time for any necessary alterations and to ensure it arrives on time.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding

If you haven’t found your dream dress yet, don’t worry! You still have time to find the perfect one. During this period, you can continue to research and try on different dresses until you find the one that speaks to you.

Once you have found your dress, be sure to place your order as soon as possible to ensure it arrives in time for your big day. You should also schedule any necessary alterations during this period to ensure the perfect fit.

Less Than 3 Months Before the Wedding

If you are getting married in less than 3 months and have not yet found your dress, it is recommended to look for dresses that are available off the rack or ready-to-wear. This will ensure that you have a dress in time for your wedding day.

However, if you have found your dress but are running short on time, you can still make it work. Be sure to communicate with your bridal boutique or designer to ensure that your dress arrives on time and schedule any necessary alterations as soon as possible.

Remember, it’s never too early to start looking for your dream dress, but it can be too late. Be sure to give yourself enough time to find the perfect dress, make any necessary alterations, and ensure that it arrives in time for your big day.

Conclusion

When it comes to wedding dress shopping, timing is key. Starting too early or too late can lead to unnecessary stress and complications. Based on our research, we recommend starting to shop for your wedding dress around 8-12 months before your wedding date.

While it may be tempting to start shopping as soon as you get engaged, it’s important to remember that your wedding details may change over time, such as your venue or theme. Waiting a few months can help you solidify these details and ensure that your dress matches the overall vision of your wedding.

Additionally, keep in mind that wedding dresses can take several months to be made and altered, so starting too late can limit your options and cause unnecessary stress. Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect dress, and don’t forget to consider alterations and fittings in your timeline.

Overall, the key is to find a balance between starting too early and starting too late. By following our recommended timeline and staying organized throughout the process, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable wedding dress shopping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about when to start looking for your wedding dress:

How early is too early to start shopping for a wedding dress?

In most cases, the sooner you start looking for a wedding dress, the better. However, you shouldn’t go shopping until at least 12 – 18 months before your wedding. This will give you enough time to browse and buy your dream wedding dress to ensure you’re able to enjoy a healthy lead time as well as avoid any last-minute stress.

What is the ideal time to start shopping for a wedding dress?

The ideal time to start shopping for a wedding dress is about 9-12 months before your wedding day. This gives you enough time to browse, try on different styles, and make a final decision. It also allows enough time for any necessary alterations to be made before the big day.

What happens if I start shopping for a wedding dress too late?

If you start shopping for a wedding dress too late, you may not have enough time to find the perfect dress. You may also have to pay extra for rush orders, and alterations may not be possible if there isn’t enough time. It’s recommended to start shopping for a wedding dress at least 9-12 months before your wedding day to avoid any last-minute stress. If you’re running late, consider exploring last-minute bridal gown options.

How many appointments should I make when shopping for a wedding dress?

It’s recommended to make 2-3 appointments when shopping for a wedding dress. This will give you enough time to try on different styles, compare prices and designers, and make a final decision. However, if you find your dream dress at the first appointment, you can always cancel the other appointments. If you have a shorter timeline, read about getting a wedding dress in 4 months or 5 months.

What should I bring to my wedding dress appointment?

When going for a wedding dress appointment, it’s recommended to bring the following:

  • Comfortable shoes
  • A strapless bra
  • Any accessories you plan to wear on your wedding day, such as a veil or jewelry
  • Some pictures of dresses you like to show to the consultant

By bringing these items, you’ll be better prepared to try on different dresses and make a final decision. If you’re worried about having enough time, learn if 7 months is too late or if 6 months is cutting it close to buy a wedding dress. If you’re starting early, find out if 15 months is too soon to buy a wedding dress. Being well-informed about the ideal timeline will help you make the best decision for your wedding day.