Dress buying timeline

Personally, I wouldn't wait until June. I'd start shopping right now, because many bridal salons require 6 months of production time to order wedding dresses (most of the places where I went required 9 months). However, you might have a lot of luck with David's Bridal, as those dresses tend to come in a lot faster. Or, if you know for sure that you want to buy something off the rack or at a sample sale, then you'd be safe waiting until June. Otherwise, I'd start shopping ASAP. Alternation times depend on what you need done to the dress

I'm getting married on September 12th, 2021! Date twins! But I wouldn't wait. I got my dress back in November. I'm doing alternations in July.

You should be fine but I would start looking sooner than June if you can. I bought my dress pre-made and took it home that day but if you are looking to order a dress that will take quite a bit of time to be sewn and shipped to you (then add time for alterations). Also, it is peak wedding season so alterations may take slightly longer to schedule and get completed. Depends on your seamstress and the alterations needed as to how long they will take.

View Quoted Comment Yay date twins! 🥰

Generally, you should leave 3 months for wedding dress alterations, but of course this will depend on the seamstress you select and the type of alterations you need. If you're buying a dress off the rack and are able to take it home the same day, then purchasing in June should be fine. If you plan on ordering a dress, then you'd want to start shopping immediately, because this is an extremely tight window

Dresses take between 9-6 months to come in plus 2-3 months to alter. So ideally you should have gotten your dress about a year ago. I suggest getting your dress immediately. Unless you buy your dress off the rack and take it in for alterations now, June is very late.

Our elopement is mid July, and our seamstress insisted leaving around 2 months for alterations (basic alterations: hem, sides, bustle, and cups). She’s planning to get it done within a month and a half though. I would suggest finding the dress sooner than later.

You should go ASAP, especially if you don’t want to buy a sample or off the rack.

View Quoted Comment I know for sure I want to buy something off the rack. I don't want to spend more than $200 on a dress.

I'd just go to David's bridal and see what you like them make note of the the style number. Then look for the style online... poshmark, eBay, etc.


Dress was originally 1200 but I found a new with tags in my size for $210 which included the shipping. Cheapest I found was $75 used and altered all the way up to $600 used with no alterations. I know I totally lucked out but there are deals out there.

View Quoted Comment I would still start looking now even with your price point. You want to find something available, in your size before wedding season begins.

So, if you intend on ordering your dress, you are really cutting it too close, and won't be able to avoid rush alteration fees since most wedding dresses take 3-4 months to arrive in the shop after ordering. If you are in this situation, order your dress ASAP.

If you intend to purchase off the rack, or a preowned gown, you are in the clear, but purchase before mid June.

The reason why alteration fees are so expensive when it comes to bridal gowns is because elements from the dress (lace, appliques, netting, etc.) have to be recreated with each layer that is hemmed, tucked, or taken out. The more detailed the dress, delicate the fabric, or detailed (usually lace or beading), the more costs begin to climb.

Absolutely go now, & be up front about your timeline with any store you speak with. I'm a few weeks after you & am starting alterations next week. This may differ depending on your area, but where I am, COVID is having a huge impact. Some things I've run into:

- First, you will have to buy off the rack or go for a non-traditional dress. The "traditional" dresses take months to come in (I ordered in December, came in end of March).

- If you're particular about what you like, it may take you some time to find a dress.

- Lots of places require appointments & they have limited availability, plus you have your own schedule you need to think about! (This may not apply if you go for ordering online or a department store, but even an off-the-rack bridal salon will require it.)

- If you buy off-the-rack, you very well may need complex alterations.

- Traditionally, they say you need 3 months to do alterations. However, many seamstresses are booked due to the influx of weddings this year. Several places I called were booked through December, & the place I'm going with is requiring 4 months lead time, with more for a complex dress.

You'll do fine if you find a dress that is in your size, needs minimal alterations, has no train, etc. But if any of that comes into play, combined with the time to make appointments & choose, you will be happier starting sooner rather than later.