When should i start dress shopping?

I would start shopping now as much as you can. Get an idea of what you think you like, and try on dresses early on. A wedding dress that needs to be ordered can take 4-7 months to arrive in normal situations (pre covid) 6-8 weeks for alterations.

I bought my dress about a year before my wedding. I ordered it a size smaller because I planned on losing weight. I ended up not losing the weight when I went in to try my dress when it first came in and it fit almost perfectly (just had to hem and take in a little). I still wanted to lose weight so I lost about 12 lbs and ended up being taken in over 7 inches in the waist and hips. I’m so glad I ordered it a size smaller! However, I heard another bride at the shop crying because she did the same thing (order her dress a size too small) and didn’t lose the weight. so just know that it’s definitely risky— it’s always easier to take in a dress than take it out.

A year out is the perfect time to start shopping

A dress can always be taken in at the most 3 inches on each side without causing extreme dress restructuring. So order the size that is recommended after measurements are taken. It took 6 months for my dress to come in and that was pre-COVID.

They say things could get worse again in the fall. I would order no later than late June into early July. That will give 6 months out from receiving the dress in January. If things get slowed down then you have 8 weeks to spare and another 8 weeks for alterations. Go to salons and get there inquire about payment schedule, deposit requirement, delivery options, read reviews and happy shopping!

Start by Nov or Dec of this year....just to be sure and to have enough time for delivery to store and just in case you need alterations...

I would start looking as soon as possible. It may take a while before you find a dress you love anyway. You can always order it in the size you are now and get it altered if you lose weight

We planned a 10 month engagement and at the boutique I went to I would have had to order the wedding dress I wanted about 8 months out for it to come in on time and still have time for alterations. Most dresses took 3-4 months to come in, but some took closer to six months. Alterations are typically done 2-4 months out, depending on how complex they are, and this boutique recommended a first fitting four months prior to the wedding. Simple taking in side seams and a basic hem on an uncomplicated fabric can probably be done in 6-8 weeks or less, but more complex alterations take more time.

I say a year out is probably the right time to start shopping, and you should hope to whittle down your choices and make a selection by about 9 months out. Of course it all depends on the shop and the dress you buy - you could find something off the rack and take it home the same day, or some designers take longer than others. I ended up getting a pre-owned dress off of StillWhite and got it within weeks.

Also if you get bridesmaids dresses from a bridal shop expect to need to order them as far as 4-5 months out, especially if you are looking for a specific color or style. My MOH and mom thought we were shopping way too early for their dresses but they were surprised at how long the process was.

So I’m getting married in October 🤞🏼 And I got my dress in January. Well it was ordered in January, and is set to arrive next month.
I was figuring I’d find some bargain off the rack dress, so I was never worried about a timeline. So glad I changed my tune 😂

There's nothing wrong with window shopping for inspiration, but losing weight is something you definitely don't want to be doing after you've chosen your dress, that will change the fit and, if you lose a lot of weight, it is essentially like asking your alterations specialist to remake the dress instead of just taking in a little here or there. My grandmother was a professional seamstress and she used to tell me about some of her clients requests...so with that in mind, look around online or whatever but focus on getting your body where you're happy before putting a gown on it 😉

Start now. I’m also getting married in May 2021 and my dress is already ordered. It’s custom so it will take about 8-10 months to arrive. Now is the perfect time. 😊

I started in September for my May wedding. They said dress would be in around 6 months. It was 3. But now I’d go earlier just to give yourself a cushion, July at latest.

Start now. For most bridal dresses, they can take 6-8 months to come in but for the next year or so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was longer.

Forgot to mention you can typically take IN a dress two sizes. It’s recommended you buy a dress for the size you are now, or really know how much weight you can realistically lose (think about if you stress do you lose or gain weight)?

I am in the same boat except the working. But, anyway I gave been waiting because of trying to lose the weight. But then I wonder if they can just alter it by taking it all in.

Start now. One thing I HAVEN'T seen anyone mention is the after effects of the virus. A lot of bridal vendors are behind due to the virus shutting them down, which may or may not clear up quickly. So to be safe, I’d start researching and looking now, ask the consultants how long their dresses are taking to come in and go from there. My wedding is next November and I already have my dress!

About a year out. They recommend order your dress about 9-10 months out to ensure it arrives and allows you time to have it altered.

I also think you should wait if you are planning to lose weight. Fit is super important! Plus, if you pick something super early, you could find things you like more and experience dress regret.

I started pinteresting dresses early into our 3.5 year engagement, started shopping about a year and a half out. I actually was told by the owner of a dress shop here that she advises people 6 months is best, but no more than 9. This is due to weight changes, unplanned pregnancies, and dress regret. She said that the longer you go between purchasing and actually getting to wear it, the more you stare at the pictures and pick it apart.

I did not listen to her, and ended up purchasing a gown 14 months before our date... then hated it 6 months later. I sold it for a little less than 60% of what I paid, after having it listed for 7 months. I bought the dress I LOVE, 7 months before the wedding.

I’m getting married August next year and got my dress already. I got it one dress size smaller. But I’m going for a weight I’ve been before and comfortable at. Prior to that I was working out anyway. I saw I dress I liked and just got it lol

I'd definitely start now! You can always take a dress in, but it may cost a bit.