Dress shopping

It doesn't take long to alter but it does feel like forever until you get it after you order. With you getting married in October of next year I would wait until at least October at the earliest and really start looking in November or December. But that doesn't mean you can't start looking at styles online to get a better understanding of what you want.

I'm getting married in September 2018 and am going to look at dresses this July because my areas SYTTD is having a huge sale.

Go for it but as PP mentioned, stop looking once you find one

I think it's a little early. Even though PPs have advised you to stop looking once you purchase, you probably won't (it's just human nature) and you might change your mind. I'm an advocate of getting things done early, but this may be a little too early. Nothing wrong with looking at websites and pictures to see what styles you are drawn to. Enjoy!

I bought mine in December for my October wedding. It came in February and I'm having it altered in July. I have it hidden at a friends house. Styles change frequently and they usually aren't returnable. Figuring out venue, decor, colors etc helped me envision my dress. I ended up getting something I totally wasn't expecting. I think they say wait 10-8 months out.

ETA: I stopped looking once I bought. I highly recommend doing the same. You'll get dress regret if you do.

I bought one early in the process and had second thoughts and ended up buying a different one that I love! I had to eat the cost for the first though. I'd wait until you are sure of your wedding aesthetics to actually purchase one. But you can definitely take it home and take it back later for alterations! Good luck!