Your Perfect Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline

Your Perfect Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline

Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress. At The Bridal Room, we want to help you navigate this process with ease! Knowing when to start shopping and what to expect at each stage can make all the difference in ensuring you feel confident and prepared. Here’s a helpful timeline to guide you through your wedding dress shopping journey!

 

10-12 Months Before the Wedding: Get Inspired and Start Browsing

When you’re about a year out from your wedding day, it’s the perfect time to dive into the world of bridal fashion. Start by gathering inspiration online - browse designers’ websites, explore Pinterest boards, and look through bridal magazines. This is your time to discover what styles resonate with you and what fits your budget. Once you have a clearer idea of your dream dress, it’s time to book appointments.

 

Pro Tip: Limit your appointments to no more than three stores to avoid feeling overwhelmed by too many options.

 

8-10 Months Before the Wedding: Time to Say Yes to the Dress!

Ideally, you should purchase your gown within this time frame. This allows enough time for your dress to be ordered, shipped, and altered to perfection. If you find yourself shopping closer to the 8-month mark, don’t worry! 

 

Many designers offer rush options to accommodate tighter timelines, though keep in mind that your options may be more limited. Another great option is to explore sample sale gowns, which can be a fabulous find if you're under time constraints.


About 4 Months Before the Wedding: Accessorize Your Look
Now that your dress is on its way, it’s time to start thinking about the finishing touches. Begin your search for accessories such as jewelry, shoes, headpieces, and veils. Keep in mind that veils can take up to three months to ship, so it’s important to order them early. While rush options are available, it’s best to avoid any added stress by planning ahead.

 

 

 

6-8 Weeks Before the Wedding: Alterations Begin!

This is when your dress journey gets personal. Your first fitting should happen around this time, giving the seamstress plenty of time to make adjustments. Common alterations include adding a bustle, hemming the gown, or customizing details like sleeves and necklines. Make sure you bring along the proper undergarments and shoes. This is where your dress will truly begin to feel like it’s made just for you!

 

2-4 Weeks Before the Wedding: Final Fitting and Perfection

Your last fitting will take place a few weeks before your wedding day. This is your final chance to make sure everything is perfect. Bring along your shoes, accessories, and your trusted crew to see the complete look. It’s all about making sure every detail is just right for your big day!


Anytime After the Wedding: Preserve Your Memories
After your wedding day, many brides choose to preserve their gown as a cherished keepsake. Sending your gown off to be cleaned and preserved will ensure it remains in beautiful condition for years to come.


Ready to start your wedding dress journey? Book an appointment with us today at The Bridal Room, and let us help you find the gown of your dreams!