When to Dress Shop

A lot of people buy them a year out but I was engaged for 19 months and I bought my dress right away. Tbh they’re all pretty. The key is to stop browsing. My weight doesn’t fluctuate so I didn’t see a need to wait.

My wedding is in October 2021 and I already ordered my dress. It takes 6-7 months to get it and another 6-7 months if it needs alterations. So just leave time for that 😊

A year out is ideal. New styles come out every season, so buying too early can lead to dress regret. Not to mention how much your body can change in 2 years.

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I've never heard of 7 months for alterations. Most seamstresses won't begin before 3-4 months out. Are your alterations being done through the shop where your dress was purchased?

View Quoted Comment My alterations are being done through the shop where I bought the dress. It’s a smaller boutique though and the alterations that I need are pretty complicated to do

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I know myself and can guarantee it would lead to regret like a week after the purchase.

I bought my dress in October - a year out! I would aim for 6-12 months early.

And, after you buy your dress, just stop looking at them online. Seeing so many online can make you think "what if" I did this or that. One other recommendation is to sleep on it. My big rule was that I would not purchase a dress in my first dress appointment. At my first appointment I just kept trying on ballgowns and what I thought I wanted. I LOVED a dress I tried on but slept on it and was really glad I didn't get it. I went again a month later with a budget and a list of different styles I wanted to try, and ultimately found the one! I haven't had any regret since. Good luck!

No more than 1 year out, and make sure you've selected your venue & time of year.