How Early Is Too Early To Buy My Wedding Dress?

I bought my wedding dress and veil in mid-March for a late February wedding. So more than 11 months before the wedding.


I think considering how long production takes for dresses, it’s not a bad thing that you’ve already started looking. I think 8-10 months before your wedding is safe enough, but if you find your dream dress before that— go for it!

View Quoted Comment Thanks a bunch 🙂 this was super helpful! I’m not alone.

Don't buy your dress til just before you wear it, only applies to Bridesmaid dresses, which arrive 2-10 weeks after ordering. But wedding dresses from the majority of manufacturers
require a minimum of 5-6 months, more reliable at 8 months. Plus 2-3 months more for alterations if needed. You are fine shopping now. After, don't change weight up or down if you can help it . Good luck.

I bought my dress 15 months out! Thankfully the store I got my dress from, you leave with it same day!

I recommend buying a dress 9 months out. Everyone is different though.

I bought my dress in June for our wedding in April so 10 months out. The boutique I bought it from was wonderful! It’s one that once you purchase it, you’re leaving with it that same day! The only accessories I have left to buy are my earrings & shoes.

I wouldn't but your dress until you have a venue. Depending on the type of venue you book that might help you decide the style of dress you want. I also think if you buy a dress too early you could end up having dress regret.

I bought my dress in March One week before quarantine for my May 2021 wedding. However I only bought it this early because there was a Haley page trunk show and I knew I wanted to wear one of her dresses. My sister got her dress in August for an October 2021 wedding because we’re keeping in mind that Covid may shut things down again and we want to make sure she has enough time to get a dress that doesn’t have to be rushed. We live in New York and we’re looking another shut down so I’m glad that we went. When I bought my dress in March they said it will come in in January 2021 and then I have just enough time to get alterations. I honestly never think it’s too early however if you don’t want to do too early and then change your mind on your vision that you want for your wedding day

Your profile says your wedding is October 2022, if that's the case I think it's too early to buy a dress. If it's a type and the wedding is really 2021 then I would say go for it!

I bought mine 9 months prior to the wedding. I have noticed most people purchase between 6-15 months. If you want to go traditional (salon experience and tailor) I would go at least 9 months prior. The salon told me that if I came any later my dress selection would have been limited some. If you want to purchase from an online boutique like Lulu’s which has become very popular, you can wait until much closer to your date. Those ship out immediately!

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I’m not alone

I bought mine 14 months out. It was not planned - I just wanted to get a shopping trip in before my sister went back to college. Since I got a sample sale, it sat happily in storage until June, when I started my alterations.

I will say -- a year out is not too early, especially with COVID delays.

However, I agree that you need to get a venue asap. If you don't have a place to get married, you don't really have a wedding date, and many from 2021 are booked because of all this year's postponements.

I bought mine almost 2 years in advance so I’m definitely for getting things done early. We did already have our venue when I picked the dress though. I was glad to have it all done with, especially with Covid changing a lot of things.

I bought mine in July of this year and will be getting married June 2020. It just arrived at the shop this week!! I would definitely recommend selecting a venue or at least have a season in mind first so you know your dress will go with the overall feeling and vibe though

View Quoted Comment I’m in NY as well! You’re absolutely right, it’s never too early.

View Quoted Comment You make perfect sense. I’d hate to have a dress and then it’s not appropriate for the venue.

I purchased my wedding dress 3 years before my wedding. It sat it my closet until I started alterations in June.

Here for the comments! And i love the fact that most ladies got their dress on average a year ahead of time! I have just about a year and a half before my wedding and im a huge OCD excited bride to be, planner! haha SO ive been in the works of getting everything in order already. Love this website and the community.

View Quoted Comment I love this yes! Did you buy your dress already knowing where your venue was? Or did the venue matter to you when buying your dress?

View Quoted Comment Around what month do you plan to do alterations?