Time

Yes, you should be looking for your dress. Wedding dresses take 4-6 months to come in, after ordering. Then you should allow yourself 1-2 months for alterations. Plus, you never know if you'll find your dress right away or if it'll take a few weeks or so. As far as booking, vendor & photographer are the main things you want to book early. Happy Planning!

Most of your major vendors should probably be booked by now. For smaller things like hair and makeup or the cake, the timeline is a little more relaxed. You should be at least looking at dresses. Designer dresses can take anywhere from 4 to 8 months to arrive (typically in the middle around 6 months) and you will still need time for alterations. If you're planning to shop somewhere like David's Bridal, their turnaround times are usually shorter.

This website and Zola.com have some great checklists that give you an idea of what you should be working on in the planning process. It helps a lot. Get your major vendors book now as usually they start booking about a year in advance.

My dress took 6 months to arrive and needed at least 2 months for alterations. I'd look now & make sure it will arrive in time!