When should you start looking for your wedding dress?
It's one of the most common questions I'm asked at Bridal Gossip, and it's a good one. Wedding dresses don't necessarily work to the same timescales as everyday clothes, particularly if you're ordering a new gown from a designer.
As a general guide, I recommend starting your wedding dress search around 12 months before your wedding.
That gives you plenty of time to enjoy the experience, order your dress and arrange alterations without everything feeling rushed.
But if your wedding is closer than that, don't worry. You may still have plenty of options.
Here's a simple timeline to help you plan.
Around 12 months before: start exploring
This is a lovely time to begin looking at wedding dresses and thinking about what you might enjoy trying.
You don't need to arrive at your first appointment knowing exactly what you want.
You might save a few photographs or notice certain necklines, fabrics or silhouettes you're drawn to, but keep an open mind. Dresses can look and feel very different when you're actually wearing them.
This is also a good time to think about your wedding dress budget.
At Bridal Gossip, new-to-order wedding dresses are generally between £1,200 and £1,700. Bespoke changes and alterations are additional.
You'll also want to allow for things such as shoes, accessories or a veil if you're planning to wear one.
Around 9–12 months before: find and order your dress
Once you've found a dress that feels right for you, we'll take your measurements and look at the relevant designer's size chart before placing your order.
New wedding dresses generally take around 6–8 months to arrive, so allowing plenty of time means you aren't putting yourself under unnecessary pressure.
You don't need to have a dramatic “this is the one” moment before choosing your dress.
Some brides know very quickly. Others make a quieter decision because they feel comfortable, confident and can imagine themselves wearing the dress on their wedding day.
Both are completely normal.
While you're waiting: enjoy the rest of your wedding planning
Once your dress is ordered, there's usually a period where you don't need to do very much with it at all.
You can turn your attention to other parts of the wedding and start thinking about how you'd like to complete your bridal look.
Your dress may help you decide whether you'd like a veil, particular jewellery, hair accessories or certain shoes, but you don't need to make every decision at once.
Around two months before: begin alterations
Most wedding dresses need some alterations to achieve the right fit.
Alterations are separate from the cost of your wedding dress and are carried out by a seamstress.
I can provide details of recommended seamstresses, but you'll choose and book your seamstress directly.
As a general guide, alterations tend to begin around two months before the wedding, although your seamstress will advise you on the right schedule depending on your dress and the work required.
It's a good idea to have the shoes you intend to wear by this stage, as their height can affect the finished length of your dress.
The final weeks: finishing touches
As your wedding gets closer, your seamstress will let you know whether you need any further fittings and when your dress will be ready.
This is the time to make sure the rest of your outfit is coming together too.
Check your shoes, accessories, underwear if required, veil and anything else you'll be wearing so you're not hunting for things at the last minute.
And when you have your finished dress, make sure you know how it should be stored before the wedding.
What if I'm getting married in less than 12 months?
Please don't assume you've left it too late.
The 12-month recommendation is there to give you the widest choice and a relaxed experience — it isn't a deadline after which you can't find a wedding dress.
Depending on your wedding date, there may still be time to order certain gowns.
And if there isn't enough time for a new order, an off-the-peg wedding dress could be a great option.
At Bridal Gossip, off-the-peg dresses can be purchased and taken away without waiting for a new gown to be made.
Tell me your wedding date when you book and I can help you focus on options that work with the time you have available.
When is too early to start wedding dress shopping?
If your wedding is still several years away and you haven't settled on many of the details yet, there may be no need to rush into buying a dress.
Collections change, your ideas may develop and your wedding plans can evolve.
There's nothing wrong with gathering inspiration, but you don't need to feel pressured to start shopping simply because you're engaged.
Around 12 months gives most brides a comfortable amount of time without making the process feel unnecessarily drawn out.
A simple wedding dress timeline
If you only remember four things from this article, make them these:
Around 12 months before: start wedding dress shopping.
Allow around 6–8 months: for a new gown to be ordered.
Around two months before: alterations will generally begin.
Getting married sooner? Ask about the options available, including off-the-peg dresses.
Every wedding is different, so these timings are a guide rather than a set of rules.
At Bridal Gossip in Wadebridge, I'll always work from your actual wedding date and help you understand which options are realistic for you.
If you're ready to start looking, you can explore our wedding dresses.
And when you'd like to come and try them, book your bridal appointment.
Caroline Griffiths, Bridal Gossip
