When did you start dress shopping??

Kdwhitley81 · September 2013

I have girls out of town and all of my girls have kiddos. I don't want to start too early but I also don't want to start too late. We have a year before our wedding. What is the average time to find a dress, get it ordered, get alterations done, etc. All in time for bridals a month or two before the wedding?? Thanks! :-)

fallbride1109 · September 2013

I bought my dress in January for my November wedding. They told me to allow 4 months, however, it was in two months later. I would say 6 months would be plenty of time. As long as you have a place to store it until you need alterations, it's never too early really.

If you have OOT BMs, I would think about using a chain or a national store so that the girls can just order their dresses from their local store once they are chosen. I think the rule of thumb for BM dresses is 4 months, however, in my experience, it takes much less time than that--we got our BM dresses from David's and I think they were in in around a month.

passthewine · September 2013

It depends on the designer. If you go with a DB dress it doesn't take as long if you want say dresses like Mori lee's they take 6-8 months. Some other designers only take 4 months and then you need to factor in time for alterations.

kg00668 · September 2013

Honestly, I went to visit my family a couple weeks after the engagement and we went dress shopping because I knew I wouldn't be in town much even in a year, and I got my dress, it was just too perfect to pass up. My wedding is next October and I bought off the rack, so it sits at my mother's for a few more months when I'll have it shipped to me for alterations. I don't think it's ever really too soon... but I'd advise not looking at other dresses once you get yours, you'll start second-guessing your decision.

professorscience · September 2013

I also bought my dress in January for a November wedding. My mom, MIL, and bridesmaids were almost all OOT, so I scheduled appointments during a three-day weekend so it would be easier for them to travel.

I agree about using a chain store if your BMs are all over. It's just easier that way.