How Soon?

angelsong21

I bought an AWESOME wedding book awhile back that indicates that purchasing the dress should happen about 4-6 months out.  However, I have seen a LOT of posts on TK where people have said it took 4-6 months for their dresses to even come in.  So how soon does everyone recommend buying a dress?  I was going to start looking this summer and hopefully make a purchase by August/September...

klw0022

I began looking a month ago and found it on my 2nd trip out; it IS true that many designer dresses can take up to 6 months to even a year to be made and come in. Then, you want to have enough time to get it altered, etc.
I ordered mine in March and it's supposed to take 3-4 months to come in...Always a good idea to get a head start versus look last minute I guess

daftmagpie

You need to double check with your salon on the lead time your designer takes. I bought a Justin Alexander dress last weekend (YAY) and the lead time for that designer is 6-8 MONTHS. So I put my deposit down now and final measurments to be send to the designer will happen in October. (hoping the weight loss gods are kind to me in the next 5 months)

Some are a lot less time then that but if you have your heart set on a designer or specific dress best to double check your lead times.

lnvane00

I actually went this past Saturday. Didnt buy anything but I did find one that I love. So we are going back in May to retry it on while my dad is here to see his reaction. But I guess you can start looking now. Why not get it out of the way? I think you can start whenever you feel comfortable!! The sooner you start looking and trying different dresses on the more time you will have to think about the decision and not have to rush....

FutureMrsSheeler

I would say it all depends on the store you go to. Mine took about a month to get in, but they told me about 5 months. A lot of stores do take 6 months for them to come in. So I would ask the shop you are planning on getting your dress from how long it takes for dresses to come in, and then make your decision from there.

aleighk1

I'm going shopping this weekend. Most people tell you to wait until under a year just in case your opinions change but most of the girls here have already been dress shopping.

angelsong21

Wow, y'all are fast today!!

Okay, so I should get on this soon it sounds like.  The reason I wanted to wait a bit was because I was *hoping* to lose weight and I'm not sure how much they can alter a dress.  I have thyroid issues, and I'm REALLY hoping over the summer since I won't be in school much that I will actually have the time and energy to work out and shed about 15-20lbs.  So my concern is that if I buy a dress now, I may be down 2 sizes or so by the time I need to wear it.  If a dress can take 6 months to come in, by the time I get it, I can't order another if its too much to alter.  Then what do you do??

Thanks so much for the advice!  This is one of those purchases that is hard for me just because a lot of times, you can't exchange or return the dress once you get it, OR it takes so long to come in that by the time you get it and realize it won't work you're screwed. 

Mona8

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_soon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:3bdd86dc-d967-44a3-9a11-3820c34ea909Post:014d20ce-29d8-4866-ae81-661f7ef47444">Re: How Soon?</a>:
[QUOTE]I actually went this past Saturday. Didnt buy anything but I did find one that I love. So we are going back in May to retry it on while my dad is here to see his reaction. But I guess you can start looking now. <strong>Why not get it out of the way? I think you can start whenever you feel comfortable!! :) The sooner you start looking and trying different dresses on the more time you will have to think about the decision and not have to rush....
</strong>Posted by lnvane00[/QUOTE]

^^I agree with this^^

I ordered my dress in January, and they said it would take about 6 months to come in.  My advice would be to order it 8-10 months early to make sure it comes on time and that you have plenty of time for alterations. (The bridal shop I went to also keeps the dress stored for me until the wedding, so that's helpful if you can find a place that will do that for you)

Mona8

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_soon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:3bdd86dc-d967-44a3-9a11-3820c34ea909Post:13bf0d45-3abc-43b0-998a-ac9bd20df9ac">Re: How Soon?</a>:
[QUOTE]Wow, y'all are fast today!! :) Okay, so I should get on this soon it sounds like. <strong> The reason I wanted to wait a bit was because I was *hoping* to lose weight and I'm not sure how much they can alter a dress.  I have thyroid issues, and I'm REALLY hoping over the summer since I won't be in school much that I will actually have the time and energy to work out and shed about 15-20lbs.  So my concern is that if I buy a dress now, I may be down 2 sizes or so by the time I need to wear it.  If a dress can take 6 months to come in, by the time I get it, I can't order another if its too much to alter.  Then what do you do??</strong> Thanks so much for the advice!  This is one of those purchases that is hard for me just because a lot of times, you can't exchange or return the dress once you get it, OR it takes so long to come in that by the time you get it and realize it won't work you're screwed. 
Posted by angelsong21[/QUOTE]

If you like corset backs, then I would go with one of those. You have a bit more leeway with adjusting size there and can maybe avoid needing to get it altered when you lose the weight!  Good luck!

gpapale1

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_soon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:3bdd86dc-d967-44a3-9a11-3820c34ea909Post:5736671a-e51b-47ec-815e-fb9fc1395ea5">Re: How Soon?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: How Soon? : If you like corset backs, then I would go with one of those. You have a bit more leeway with adjusting size there and can maybe avoid needing to get it altered when you lose the weight!  Good luck!
Posted by Mona8[/QUOTE]


Totally this.  You can get a dress in the size you are now (maybe a little snug) and the corset will let you adjust the dress a bit smaller if you lose the weight.  I think it will also take some stress off of you...that way if you don't lose the amount of weight you want, you won't have to worry about the dress not fitting you. :)

angelsong21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_soon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:3bdd86dc-d967-44a3-9a11-3820c34ea909Post:5736671a-e51b-47ec-815e-fb9fc1395ea5">Re: How Soon?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: How Soon? : If you like corset backs, then I would go with one of those. You have a bit more leeway with adjusting size there and can maybe avoid needing to get it altered when you lose the weight!  Good luck!
Posted by Mona8[/QUOTE]


Thank you!! I LOVE corset backs so ideally that's what I'd like to get, but my fairly tight budget for the dress may limit my options ($500ish).  Especially if that would prevent me from having to order a new dress, assuming I can actually lose the weight (stupid thyroid!), then that's the way I'll have to go.

angelsong21

Thank you also, gpapale!

klw0022

& Make sure to post pics when you go shopping!! GL

evenundomiel

i already selected mine, but will be purchasing it in a month or so. Priscilla of Boston dresses take about 8 months to come in. I also want enough time to get all the little adjustments made!!

angelsong21

@even -- wow, thats a long time!  Your definitely right to go ahead and get started on that!  I'm thinking of starting with Alfred Angelo and then another more "budget friendly" independent boutique where I live.  I hae NO idea how long Alfred Angelo might take, but I guess I will bef inding out soon!

Everyone's posts on David's Bridal have freaked me out.  Thinking I probably won't go there...

bpphoto785

I would err on the side of caution and get a dress that fits you now. My SIL bought a dress in a size smaller because she was hoping to lose weight. she didn't and had to buy a new dress! I would mention that you're trying to lose 15-20 pounds to the consultant when you go shopping, that way they can direct you to styles that will be easier to take in or more accommodating to weight fluxuation. I'm sure brides trying to lose weight before the wedding is something they deal with all the time!

klw0022

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_soon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:3bdd86dc-d967-44a3-9a11-3820c34ea909Post:dca74430-247f-43f3-b683-2c10b44b8e68">Re: How Soon?</a>:
[QUOTE]@even -- wow, thats a long time!  Your definitely right to go ahead and get started on that!  I'm thinking of starting with Alfred Angelo and then another more "budget friendly" independent boutique where I live.  I hae NO idea how long Alfred Angelo might take, but I guess I will bef inding out soon! Everyone's posts on <strong>David's Bridal have freaked me out.  Thinking I probably won't go there...
</strong>Posted by angelsong21[/QUOTE]

That's how I felt, not offense to anyone, but I've been with other friends to the one we have in Tampa and the workers there aren't super personal

daftmagpie

Just a reminder for all of us saying we're losing weight over the summer...we have to keep it off through the holiday season! I keep reminding my self that and it scares the bajeezus out of me to order my gown before the holidays but we're going to have too. EEK!

Re Davids Bridal, its a great place to go to try on a bunch of different styles in your size and get an idea of the shape you want. Dont expect great service or designer quality although Vera Wang just put out a DB line. Thats my two cents on Davids Bridal.

angelsong21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_soon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:3bdd86dc-d967-44a3-9a11-3820c34ea909Post:56f41407-dcd0-4031-8db7-1e249d905ff9">Re: How Soon?</a>:
[QUOTE]Just a reminder for all of us saying we're losing weight over the summer...we have to keep it off through the holiday season! I keep reminding my self that and it scares the bajeezus out of me to order my gown before the holidays but we're going to have too. EEK! Re Davids Bridal, its a great place to go to try on a bunch of different styles in your size and get an idea of the shape you want. Dont expect great service or designer quality although Vera Wang just put out a DB line. Thats my two cents on Davids Bridal.
Posted by daftmagpie[/QUOTE]
,
Yikes, good point.  Maybe my wedding dress will remind me to eat carefully over the holiays.

True regarding David's Bridal.  I'm just nervous that if I go in there and try on stuff, I'll end up finding something I REALLY like that no one else makes in a reasonable price range.  :(  I don't want to feel like I have to buy from a company that is notoriously more rude to more customers than it is good to.  They do have some nice dresses though...that's my last ditch option.  If I could find a pre-owned dress I like, that would be even better!

klw0022

Amy - I'll tell you now that's why I've been crazy with my diet and working out! My dress fits and is my normal size, but I wanna rock that thing!

And you may have luck on some websites like preownedweddingdresses.com and a few others...(trying to think of the other one) weddingbee is another one...from brides who are selling designer gowns...just make sure they are cleaned beforehand to not incrue that cost

Ambie106

I got this wild hair today to go look at dresses tomorrow... I know that I am not purchasing anything but I just want to see what style I like the best. I say agree with alot of the PP above. Go when you are ready it never hurts to try them on...

greeneke2

I would say go now.  I plan on losing 5-10 lbs too.  I already found my dress I am just waiting to buy it.  And as PP said be careful about buying a dress smaller than your size.  My cousin did that and had to buy a new dress as well!  

I don't know if you would be willing to do this, but a lot of girls sell their dresses after they get married.  YOu could get a designer dress for a lot cheaper that way or even try a bridal consignment shop.

My friend went to a bridal consignment shop and got a $6000 Kenneth Poole dress for $900.  It had been worn in a fashion show once and that was it and it was absolutely beautiful on her.  There are definitely a lot of option out there for you.

angelsong21

Thanks again -- I will definitely be careful about picking a dress size.  I know I will weigh less then, but I will be very conservative with choosing a side.  I know I will be motivated to work out with that dress hanging there!!! But yes, I need to make sure my goals are actually realistic and achievable (not 'I'm going to be a size 4 instead of a 14 by then, WOHOO!!!"

S0095042

As said in PP, if you haven't started looking, now would be a good time to find out what style, desigers, etc. that you like. Beased on that will determin delivery/pick up time. I personally already have my dress and are taking the BMs shopping at the end of May for theirs...

However, if you go shopping at like David's Bridal the wait time on the dress will be reduced...so it's really about where you plan to shop and whos design you plan to buy

Have fun shopping!

bpphoto785

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_may-2012-weddings_soon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding Club BoardsForum:f0ca0bc1-9255-4120-8042-b40e7f3e99c5Discussion:3bdd86dc-d967-44a3-9a11-3820c34ea909Post:b1d4e173-d12b-4d77-88d0-c43fa3b8afd5">Re: How Soon?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: How Soon? : , Yikes, good point.  Maybe my wedding dress will remind me to eat carefully over the holiays. True regarding David's Bridal.  I'm just nervous that if I go in there and try on stuff, I'll end up finding something I REALLY like that no one else makes in a reasonable price range.  :(  I don't want to feel like I have to buy from a company that is notoriously more rude to more customers than it is good to.  They do have some nice dresses though...that's my last ditch option.  If I could find a pre-owned dress I like, that would be even better!
Posted by angelsong21[/QUOTE]

I'm hesitant about DB as well. I bought a bridesmaids dress there, had them take in the straps and then the whole thing fit weird! I was not happy. At the same time I don't want to miss out on a stellar dress at an awesome price. So I've come to terms with looking there and if they have "the one" then I'll buy it and do my alterations somewhere else. I'm hoping it won't come to that and I'll be able to get my dress from someone I trust who knows what they're doing.

walkers2611

I agree that you should browse around and ask each shop what their shipping timeline is for the dress. I fell in love with the first dress I saw, in the first boutique I visited and have already put my deposit down for the dress. My dress won't be in for 5-6 months.  I would say wait until you find the perfect dress but you might not want to want too late in the year because you may need alterations and will have to do at least one fitting (if no alterations are made). Plus, you may want to build your entire look for the day around the gown (veil/headpiece, jewelry, shoes, make-up, hairstyle). Definitely no need to rush and do it this month or next, but I would recommend not waiting any later than September.