The Perfect Wedding Dress Timeline
Dress by Wona Bridal | Shot by Kortney J. Photography
Planning your dream wedding? One of the most exciting (and sometimes stressful) parts is finding the perfect wedding dress. To ensure a smooth process and a dress that makes you feel like a queen, it's essential to have a solid timeline. Let's break down the ideal timeline for weddings planned 12+ months and 6 months out.
12+ Months Out
12 Months Out: Start researching designers, styles, and boutiques to get inspired.
10 Months Out: Begin shopping for wedding dresses.
8 Months Out: Have your dream dress picked out and ordered. Remember - most wedding dresses take 8 months to make.
6 Months Out: Touch base with your boutique to ensure the timeline hasn’t changed for the arrival of your dress. This is a great time to start shopping for accessories. If you haven’t purchased your veil, shoes, shapewear, or jewelry now is the time. This is also the ideal time to start solidifying your hair and makeup looks and secure your artists.
4 Months Out: Schedule your first tailoring appointment to assess the fit and discuss any necessary alterations. Make sure you schedule early! Most boutiques have specific tailors they work with so ask them and get on their books.
2-3 Months Out: Have your first fitting. Your dress should be in at this time. Make sure you bring the shapewear you’ll be wearing on the day of the wedding and your shoes! Your tailor needs to see you in both so they can make the correct alterations.
1 Month Out: Have a final dress fitting to make any last-minute adjustments.
1 Week Out: Pick up your dress from the tailor and ensure everything is ready for your big day. You may want to bring your veil to see the final look before the wedding! Make sure you have them videotape how to bustle your gown so that your planner can do it seamlessly on the day of!
6 Months Out
6 Months Out: If you're opting for an off-the-rack dress, start shopping now to avoid rushing. This allows for necessary tailoring adjustments without feeling pressured.
3-4 Months Out: Schedule your first tailoring appointment to assess the fit and discuss any necessary alterations. Make sure you schedule early! Most boutiques have specific tailors they work with so ask them and get on their books.
2 Months Out: Schedule your second tailoring appointment to ensure the dress fits the way you’d like and decide whether you want any adjustments made. Make sure you bring the shapewear you’ll be wearing on the day of the wedding and your shoes! Your tailor needs to see you in both so they can make the correct alterations.
2 Weeks to 1 Month Out: Have a final dress fitting to make any last-minute adjustments.
1 Week Out: Pick up your dress from the tailor and ensure everything is ready for your big day. You may want to bring your veil to see the final look before the wedding! Make sure you have them videotape how to bustle your gown so that your planner can do it seamlessly on the day of!
Tailoring Timeline
Multiple Fittings: Expect at least 2-3 tailoring appointments to ensure a perfect fit.
Final Fitting: The final fitting typically occurs the week of the wedding.
A Tip: Bring a Friend or Family Member
When attending your fittings, it's always helpful to have a trusted companion. A friend, family member, or even a co-worker can offer a second opinion and help advocate for you. If you're concerned about the big reveal, consider bringing someone who won't be attending the wedding. It may seem weird, but as long as they’re someone you trust, they’ll be excited to tag along and help make sure you feel and look your absolute best!
Communicate with Your Tailor
Your tailor is there to help you look your best, but you know your body best. Don't hesitate to voice your concerns if something feels uncomfortable or doesn't look quite right. When I got married, I told my tailor that I wanted the back to be let out a little because I didn’t like how it was making me feel when I looked at it and knew I was going to be disappointed with the pictures. She initially resisted but then agreed to let it out a little for me, and when I did my final fitting everything was perfect! I LOVE looking at the photos from the back not just because of my 10’ train but also because my back looks killer.
Shapewear for a Flawless Fit
For a smooth and confident silhouette, consider investing in quality shapewear. Honeylove is a popular choice among brides for its comfort and effectiveness. Other options include Skims and Spanx. Purchase your shapewear before your first dress fitting to ensure it works well with your dress. And know that you may need to purchase one or two different pairs and see what works best.
By following this timeline and keeping these tips in mind, you can confidently navigate the wedding dress shopping process and find the perfect gown to complete your dream wedding. And as always, having a planner is one of the best ways to keep you on track!
