Are you currently faced with the task of finding that perfect wedding dress?
It can be a daunting process, and it’s important to get it right.
As an experienced wedding planner, I’m here to tell you that timing is everything when it comes to your gown selection!
Here are my top tips for knowing exactly how long before you should start shopping for your dream dress.
Timing Considerations
When it comes to picking out the perfect wedding dress, timing is essential.
Getting your gown too early can be just as disastrous as getting it too late.
Ideally, you should start looking for a wedding dress around six months before your big day – that way, there’s plenty of time to find ‘the one’ and have any necessary alterations done beforehand.
It’s important to remember that not all dresses are made equal; some might require more complicated tailoring than others.
For this reason, an extra month or two should always be included in your timeline if possible – don’t forget to factor in time needed for fittings and other appointments with your seamstress.
Plus, if you’re buying off the rack, remember that these gowns may need pressing or steaming prior to the ceremony.
Another thing to consider is seasonality.
If you’re planning a summer wedding, then the time frame will be different than if you were tying the knot in winter or fall.
For instance, spring and summer weddings require more lead time so that your chosen design has adequate production time. On the other hand, dresses needed for cooler months may not need as much preparation because they don’t take as long to create.
All-in-all, planning ahead is key when shopping for a wedding dress!
Make sure you give yourself enough leeway so you can focus on enjoying the experience without feeling rushed – after all, finding the right dress should make you feel beautiful and special!
Thoughts On Style
Another factor to think about is trendiness versus timelessness.
Are you looking for something modern and fashion-forward, or would you rather go with an ageless classic?
Depending on what look you decide on, this could affect how early you want to begin shopping around; while trends come and go quickly, some styles remain favorites year after year.
Ultimately, it’s up to the bride-to-be to decide which type of dress best suits her vision – but being aware of these factors can help make sure she gets started at just the right moment!
Dress Shopping Tips
So when should you get shopping?
Firstly, I recommend starting at least six months before your big day. This gives plenty of time to find the perfect gown and make any necessary alterations once its been chosen.
Plus, if there are any delays or unexpected issues that arise while obtaining the dress (shipping delays, production problems etc.), having a longer timeline will give you some much needed breathing room.
Secondly, remember not all dresses take the same amount of time to create or ship.
If you’re ordering something custom-made or overseas, then be sure to factor in an extra two months – just in case!
Also, consider how far along you’ll be in your wedding preparations by the time the dress arrives – do you need accessories ready? Will it need multiple fittings? Planning ahead will help ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.
Thirdly, keep an eye out for sales events and trunk shows as these can offer amazing deals and discounts which may reduce your overall costs significantly – who doesn’t like saving money?!
However, always triple check delivery dates to make sure they won’t interfere with other aspects of wedding planning. After all, being prepared is key when looking for ‘the one’.
So start early, plan ahead and have fun – because shopping for a wedding dress should be an enjoyable experience!
Alteration Timelines
When it comes to wedding dress alterations, timing is everything. It’s important to get your dress tailored as soon as possible so that you can be sure the adjustments are made correctly and in time for your big day.
Here’s a helpful guide on what to consider:
Ordering Your Dress:
♥ You should order your dress at least 4-6 months before the wedding date. This will give the tailors enough time to make any necessary changes or additions to the gown.
♥ It is also best to try ondifferent styles of dresses before ordering one online or purchasing from a bridal boutique. That way, you know exactly how it fits and which style suits you best.
♥ Be sure to check with the store or website where you ordered your dress if they offer alteration services prior to buying – this may save some hassle later on!
Alteration Timeline:
♥ Once you have purchased your dress, it’s time to start thinking about when and how it needs to be altered. Ideally, plan for 3-4 fittings with an experienced tailor who specializes in bridal wear modifications 2 months before the wedding day.
♥ The first fitting should happen within 6 weeks after receiving your garment; during this session,the tailor will take measurements and determine what kind of changes needto be made.
♥ The second fitting typically happens 1 month later; here, any major alterations suchas hemming or taking in seamswill begin happening.
♥ The third fitting usually occurs just days before the ceremony –this final appointment allows for any last minute tweaks or accessory placements like adding straps or beadwork onto fabric.
Tips & Tricks:
♥ If needed, ask your tailor if they provide rush services for busy customers – doing so could shave off some precious minutes ahead of your nuptials!
♥ Don’t forget to take into account extra accessories like gloves and veils that require more attention than usual garments do– factor these items into your timeline too!
With all this taken into consideration, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t find yourself walking down the aisle looking absolutely fabulous in a perfectly fitted gown!
Accessories And Add-Ons
Once you have chosen the perfect dress and taken care of all the alterations, it’s time to think about accessories. The right accessories can transform your look and make your wedding day outfit extra special. As an old adage goes: ‘The devil is in the details.’ Ah, how true!
When considering what accessories to choose, be sure to take into account any elements that are already built-in with your dress – such as beadwork or lace trims – so that they don’t compete for attention. A delicate veil will often complete a bridal ensemble perfectly, but if your gown has intricate detailing then a simple headpiece might be more appropriate.
If you’re going for something less traditional opt for statement jewellery pieces in gold or silver tones.
Whatever style you choose remember that whatever you pick should be easy to wear – no one wants to spend their big day tugging at their sleeves!
Fabric belts and sashes can also add texture and interest around the waistline, which can balance out certain silhouettes very well indeed. Similarly, gloves may help enhance the overall effect of a long-sleeved look without being too overpowering. Other little touches like shoe clips and embellishments on clutches can really bring together an entire bridal look.
All these small additions go a long way towards making a stunning impact when you walk down the aisle on your special day. So why not embrace this chance to give yourself a truly memorable finishing touch?
Preservation And Storage
Once you’ve found your dream dress, it’s important to keep it looking its best for the big day. Here are some tips for preserving and storing your wedding gown:
- Have your bridal shop professionally clean and press your gown before storage.
- Place the dress in a breathable garment bag; never store it in plastic wrap or airtight container.
- Choose an acid-free box for extra protection against dust and moisture.
- Store your dress away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humid areas like basements or attics.
Good preservation practices can go a long way towards keeping your treasured gown as beautiful as the day you bought it! To ensure that you have something special to pass down through generations of loved ones, be sure to follow these steps when preparing your wedding dress for storage. Your precious memories will last forever if they’re taken care of properly.
Happily Ever After
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, timing is key. Shopping too early can mean the style you choose may not be available closer to your wedding date; but waiting too long means that alterations and accessorizing won’t leave enough time for everything to come together as planned. So when should you start shopping?
Ideally, you should begin looking for your dream gown about six months before the big day. This will give you plenty of time to find a flattering style that fits within your budget, have the necessary alterations made and purchase any accessories or add-ons needed for the final look. It also leaves ample time for cleaning and preservation so that after all of your hard work, your dress will still be in great condition years later!
So why wait around? Plan ahead by starting your search 6 months prior to ensure that on the day of your nuptials, you feel confident knowing that every detail has been taken care of—including what makes up one of the most important parts: You in your gorgeous wedding gown! Can there really be anything more magical than that?