Wedding dress regret and timing of purchase

I bought my dress last year. I am happy with my choice... I think you should start looking in April at the latest, depending on the designer. I have a lazaro and it took 9 months to come in. Most places recommend starting alterations 3 months before the wedding and that would have been just in time had I ordered it this year.

5 lbs will not be major alterations. Depending on where you go you probably don't need that much time. I got mine in September for May wedding.

Yea the major alterations I meant would be height related primarily or if I find a really good deal on a sale/sample sale that isn't my size.

I bought mine over a year out and had waves of loving it and regretting it. I'd say the biggest thing is to take your time shopping and make a decision you are happy with. Once you buy it stop shopping/looking/dreaming about other dresses immediately. You will second guess yourself if you let yourself try any more on. Good luck!

I bought my dress just over a year out. I've had moments of slight dress regret, but never because I didn't love my dress, only because there are other dresses that are equally beautiful out there. But I've never really believed in "keeping my options open".

IMO it's a good idea to start shopping now to narrow down what you like best on your body, and staring at tons of dresses to know your preferences on things like buttons vs. lace-up back, type of fabric, etc., but then take your time deciding on one. And set your budget before you start!

Many ladies on here have bought their dress early, myself included. It doesn't hurt to look and if you fall in love with a dress and decide to purchase it just stop looking at other dresses, don't look online or anything. Also make sure to take pictures of you in your dress so you can look at yourself in them and remember how you felt in the dress and how beautiful you look also 5lbs won't be major alterations. Most importantly have fun with dress shopping and don't stress about the size it says it is, wedding dresses run small with most designers so don't take it to heart!

I got mine in October for June. Better to have the extra time than to have to rush through alterations, especially if it requires ordering extra lace or something from the manufacturer (as mine does because they're changing the cut of the dress, and there's only 1/4" seams to work with).

Yep, budget has been set since I have to buy 2 dresses (one Indian for the reception) I would have to find something at a sample sale.

You're not crazy to start looking at least. I'm also short and knew there would be a few alterations regardless of the style I chose. some brands also take longer than 6 months to make and you'll want to avoid and errors and leave room for additional alterations, etc.

I bought mine at a sample sale, so I did need major alterations. I got my dress in October for a July wedding, but the alterations only took a bit over a month, so my dress hung in our guest room for 5 months, lol.

However, you don't know how long it'll take you to find it. I found mine within the first week of looking, like the previous poster said. It's better to be a bit early than late.

I made my own dress so I didn't have the ordering factor to worry about, but Had I planned to order a dress I'm sure I would have started looking 10-12 months ahead to make sure I could take time to decide before ordering. like OriginalLaura said, some dresses can take at least 9 months to get in. I wouldn't have wanted to settle for limited selection because I waited to long.

I think the key to not having dress regret is to stop looking once you've found the one you really want. I personally think that those that felt unsure and couldn't stop looking didn't have the right dress in their heart.

I would start looking early, but I would go alone at least for a while. Then you have no one's opinion to worry about except your own, and it's easier to get a vision of what you want.

I had decided on a look and general design years before the wedding. I even had a version of it cut and on a doll from my doll collection. Then Dutchess Kate Middleton stepped out of the car in a gown that (to me) looked just like it. I turned to my groom and said "*Bleep!* what am I going to do now!?" I got in my head that I couldn't have a look anything like that because then it wouldn't be original enough and people would think I copied. The gowns worn at english and Italian royal weddings have always been the look I lived, but I talked myself out of it. So after sketching a load of dresses, started I think a total of 3 & then deciding they weren't right, I finally gave myself permission to go back to the original vision.

With support of some brides on WW, the support of my groom and my baby brother who always helped pick my dresses and clothes, I was able to stop worrying over silly things and just create a dress that made me feel like a beautiful bride.

In my case it wasn't the fact that I made a decision way ahead that was the issue, it was that I didn't trust that vision. I talked myself into the idea that I should wear a look not in my heart of hearts. Don't base a decision on what you should do make the decision on what you want and feel comfortable in. Trust your heart, and pick the dress that makes you feel like a bride. If you're meant to find that dress a year ahead you will.

You don't want to buy a dress because of major alterations and you're wanting to lose another 5 lbs, yes? Did I read that right? And those major alterations are primarily the hem?

I don't get it. Are you planning on growing taller? Hem measurements really aren't going to change, and to be honest, they're unlikely to do alterations until a few months before the wedding anyway.

Buying now isn't a bad idea if you find something you love, as some designers can take 8 months or more to get the dresses in. You can also order some dresses in short length.

Good points! The alterations (along with regret) were what concerned me since that seems to vary in time. I'll start keeping an eye out and will stop looking once I buy one. Thanks ladies!

@stichingbride - I'm a bit obsessed with the Duchess and the royal family! I didn't have dress envy for her wedding gown since it's wasn't my style but I was a upset when they named their daughter Charlotte. It's like #1 on our baby name list if we ever have a daughter. I know it was a name that existed long (and was popular) before they named her this but the spike in popularity for the name after they used it screwed it up for me. ETA: I know this is silly and I will probably end up using the name but I was annoyed.

I bought mine last April for my June wedding and it's still not in... They said it will be here late February or early March. Like most of the other girls said 5 pounds won't need major alterations. Depending on the designer it could take awhile. I had dress regret but that passed quickly. I think you should start looking. Good luck!

Depending on where you get your dress you can order a petite. I'm 5'2 and and wearing 4 inch heels. Ordered a petite and I don't have to have it hemmed

@mna - no, I don't 'plan on growing taller' and that wasn't the question. It was primarily if people regretted buying it early with buyers remorse and if waiting till Oct like the checklist suggested was a bad idea. I know I'll have to get it hemmed due to my height - hence the question about alterations since it seems that takes awhile.

I'll start looking since I'm not sure if the designer I pick will be in the longer delivery time category you guys mentioned. Thanks!!

If you find it and buy it early...the key is NOT going to the shops again looking at different dressesS

I think that's how people get themselves into dress regret. They see something else pretty and start wondering. But I really feel you WILL know when you know if its THE dress or not

My wedding is April 2017 and I already bought my dress and I I won't have it till March 23 and I bought it a week ago. Then if you have alterations then they have to send it back out. So I am glad I bought mine now

Good to hear it's not a horrible idea! I'm very surprised at the turnaround time some of you ladies have had.

I bought my dress a year before I got married, and had alterations done 2 months before the wedding. It was perfect because I loved my dress and needed to grab it when I found it on sale.