No dress - 6 months to go

I got my dress from Davids Bridal, I informed my consultant that I had to pick a dress that would come in on time as our engagement is only 2.5 months. She only brought me dresses to try on after she made sure I would have them in time. I found a dress I absolutely fell in love with and they said it would take 6 weeks, but it actually only ended up taking 1.5 weeks.

My SIL bought her dress 1 month before her wedding from DB. (I literally had my BM dress before she had a dress). She had to buy off the rack, and it was a size too small, and it really didn't help the fact that she was pregnant so she was super nervous about fitting into it. Also, DB refuses to do alterations (they were bookes solid), and only one place in town offered to hem it but would not be able to alter it in any other way (she really needed it let out in the waist, and taken in in the straps). She didn't care, but I can tell you the dress would have looked so much better if she would have gotten it even 2 months before her wedding to allow for alterations. And I think she would have had more selection if she went 6 months ahead of time (would have allowed for some of the dresses to be shipped in)

I don't have a dress either, I had one but once it arrived I wasn't a fan, so I returned it. I have tried on a couple more dresses and narrowed it down to 2. They didn't have my size on the rack at David's in either dress, but I checked online and both are in stock/ready to ship dresses so I'm not worried.

I got my dress at David's Bridal. Took about a month to come in. I was very lucky and did not need alterations.

This is definitely cutting it close! The boutique I bought my dress from told me it would take 6 months, but it only took 4. You need to go ASAP.

It's totally doable but you'll have some constraints. When you make appointments let them know you need off the rack or quick ship dresses only - you don't want to fall in love with something that has to be made for you and won't be shipped until after your wedding. David's or BHLDN are great options for getting dresses in quickly.

I got mine from David's Bridal and was told about a 4 month wait. It was in 2 weeks after ordering it. HOWEVER, I chose a very popular style so they had a ton in production. I don't think this turn around is typical, but since they are a chain, I think they would have more in stock in general than a bridal shop where your dress needs to be made. Alterations took less than 2 weeks as well. You should be fine if you don't customize anything.

Just curious, why did you wait so long?

I know privately owned bridal shops and designer gowns take around 6 months to come in. I ordered my dress from DB in December and the expected date to come in was April, I had my dress by mid February! Definitely check with them.

My dress took 5.5 months to come in and as soon as it came in I set my alterations the next day and they told me it will be complete in two months so I would advise not to wait around just stay on the safe side and not the stresses side

You may also be able to check out boutiques that have their samples for sale also! Or go into a store and say you need a dress off the rack now. You have options, but I wouldn't wait too much longer. Shop around a little, you will be able to find something.

You can always look for salons that specialize in off the rack dresses, or try to buy during a sample sale. You do still have a smidge of time, but as others have said, it depends on the designer. Some take longer than others, so your 5 month time frame may have already eliminated some as far as time frame.

I ordered my dress from DB and it came in way earlier than expected (actually I was quoted a month and it came in within 2 weeks) so it is possible to order a dress you love and have it come in on time to have alterations done if you need them.

My dress from DB is supposed to come in after 16 weeks. So it is doable... But be sure to tell your consultant that you need the dress in less than 6 months.

I am getting married just a week after you, I got my dress at DB this past weekend. They ordered the dress for me and it is supposed to be in during August then we'll be starting alterations in September. I was also told we'd have time to reorder the dress if I lose weight between then and now. You will be fine. Don't put it off too much longer, but you will be fine!

I didn't get my dress until 3 months before the wedding