Delivery time for bridal gowns

My wedding is in April and I just recently ordered my dress that is coming from overseas. The dress is slated to arrive early March. Instead of ordering the custom option, I ordered it 3 sizes over my measurements as is custom for wedding dresses to allow for alterations locally. That option makes me feel less stressed about getting the dress here on time.

I'm no help with how long it took to get my dress. I got mine at David's Bridal.

Based on your options presented, I would go with the custom with rush since it will get it to you fastest without the need for alterations.

I ordered in August and was told by my boutique January 2nd, it came in a few days before Christmas.

Just keep in mind that you may still need alterations elsewhere on the dress, most common being the bodice area to take it in to fit you perfectly, especially if strapless.

This varies so much based on the designer and the number of orders that are being placed with that designer at the particular time of year that you are placing your order. Even if someone else on WW ordered a dress from the same designer, there's no guarantee that they placed their order at a time when the volume of irders being received by that designer is equal to the current volume of orders that you'll be placing your order.

Trust the shop you are ordering through. They are giving you the current lead time for that designer, and they're telling you 4 months is the longest your dress would come in. That would still leave you with a decent amount of time for alterations, and there's the possibility your dress would come in earlier.

You could pay the rush fee, if you would rather not worry about it. I would keep in mind that just ordering the custom length won't guarantee your dress won't need alterations. I ordered mine with a hollow-to-hem length customization. They measured me while wearing the shoes I planned to wear with the dress when I ordered it. It should have been the exact length I needed, no need for hemming. I lost weight, and that affected how my dress sat on me, so I still needed to have it hemmed. I also ordered a custom size, so my dress was made to my siecufuc bust, waist, and hip measurements. Remember how I said I lost weight by the time my wedding rolled around? I had to have it taken in in alterations. At least the dress already had my figure rather than the proportions of a standard size, so it wasn't a total loss. But my point is, don't get it in your head that the shorter dress will eliminate alterations. Even custom sized gowns can require alterations.

I was today my dress would take 5-7 months. It came in 3. My dress was by a different designer.

Personally, I wouldn't sacrifice the dress color just so I could get it in 2 weeks. I'd order a new dress, and might consider the rush option for the peace of mind, but I'd encourage you to be realistic about that $150 not completely eliminating your need for alterations and weigh that cost in your decision.

View Quoted Comment Thanks for your advice. Especially regarding sacrificing the dress color. I fell in love with the ivory in store and was a bit fearful of getting a color I didn't see in person. Plus I think white may be a bit harsh on me anyway. Additionally, thanks for pointing out how losing weight affected the dress fit (I'll have to keep that in mind).

View Quoted Comment Did you have an alterations contact prior to ordering your dress?