when to start the search?

KCBride18

I'm sure this has been asked and answered a million times, but I'm new to the boards, so I apologize...When should I go looking for a dress?  We just set our date for 12/11/10, so we're a little over a year away.  Is the time line the same for bridesmaids?  I think I've heard that we should start looking for those dresses 6-8 months out.  Any suggestions would be great, ladies!  Thanks!

SarahPLiz

I told my mom I wouldnt start looking until i came home and could go with her at xmas, but I want to go NOW! LOL I understnad the urge. I think it all depends on the type of dres you want and how you fit in off-the rack sizes. If its something complicated that needs to be altered a lot or special ordered, I'd say a hear in advance is good. If you are a perfect size whatever and want an off the rack gown, wait for a sample sale in a month or so..

mbcdefg

When you say that you "set the date," does that mean that you have the ceremony and reception venues set? Contracts signed and deposits made?Or does that just mean that you picked a date? Because if it's the latter, then you'll want to set your venues first, so that you have an idea of how formal/casual your wedding is. Plus not everyone can get their first choice as their actual date, so you don't want to buy a heavy gown intended for wintertime and then switch to a hot summer wedding. I bought mine about 10 months out. Not sure about the timeframe for BM dresses from a salon, since we're getting off-the-rack department store dresses around 3-4 months out.

SarahPLiz

And I retract what i said earlier about waiting. I made an appt for next weekend. We just wont tell my mom...

Bridgeebabee

Sarah!!!!  Tisk tisk!!  ;-)

Bridgeebabee

By the way, I ordered my dress about 14 months from my date.  I ordered a custom neckline from the manufacturer, so it will take about 5 months to come in; which gives me lots of time for alterations, accessorizing, etc.  But like PP said, you should definitely have your venue booked before starting your search.  Good luck!

SarahPLiz

dangit, bridgee! I was gonna post that ont he 11/10 board, really, I was   I might still tell my mom. I dont think she expects me to only shop with her..

KCBride18

By "set the date," I mean that it's actually set in stone with a contract and deposit with our venue.  So now I'm hanging around itching to get moving on something else...like my dress!Thanks for the suggestions, ladies!pp, goodluck w/ keeping that secret from your mom

michelle142

It depends. You could certainly start looking now, but I would wait until Dec. to order. Depending on the designer, your dress could take 6 months or more to come in.

cherryT87

I would go ahead and get it now or atleast start looking. I have heard its better to have your dress and BM dresses by the six month mark. So you don't have to settle for one at the last minute to still have time for alterations if needed, or If you have to order one now would be the time so there can be room for error and replacement. We are getting married 09/24/10 and I got mine in July I didn't plan on getting it that day I was just seeing what size I need, what style I wanted and what I wanted for my BMs.