Congratulations, you are about to embark on one of the most fun times of your life. There are so many details and checklists to make, but don't forget one of the most important details of the entire process, your wedding dress! Wedding dresses fit much different than your real clothes so it's important to consider time of year, styles, and accessories far in advanced. Below you will find a month to month guide on when you should buy your dress and when you should start the alterations process. Happy shopping!
Twelve months to go:
Set your budget.
What do you want to spend on your wedding dress? How important is the gown compared to other aspects of your day? These are both important questions to ask before the search begins.
Research styles.
You’ve probably already got a Pinterest board of dresses that make you swoon. Go back through and try to picture yourself in that style. What is going to work for your body type and venue?
Ten months to go:
Start shopping.
Some brides may start this earlier if they’re picky, but at ten months you should start really looking and trying on dresses.
Eight months to go:
Time to buy the dress!
This is important to start early because gowns are often not available at the time of purchase. You may have to order a different size or shade. You will make your deposit and take a picture with the infamous “I said yes to the dress.”
Five months to go:
Pair with the perfect accessories.
Whether it’s undergarments or earrings, start your search now. Look for items that compliment each other, not compete with each other!
Find your shoes.
One of the most essential statement pieces on the wedding day is a bride's shoes. From Converse to stilettos and cowboy boots, find the shoes that best fit your style!
Three months to go:
The first fitting.
If you start any earlier, you should be pretty set on the size you will be on your wedding day. It’s also important not to wait too long or you’ll be paying a hefty rush alterations fee!
Follow up fittings
Fitting frequency depends on the tailor, but most of the time, brides need about 3 appointments to properly correct the dress. Make sure to time these right and ensure that they fit in with your schedule.
6 Weeks to go:
Start walking in your shoes.
Most of the time, the shoes you will wear on your wedding day will be a one time wear! Break them in now so you can ensure you can confidently walk down the aisle.
Something old, new, borrowed, and blue.
If you haven’t already, decide which items will serve as your traditional sentiments. Sometimes it's a patch or handkerchief and must be sewn into your dress.
One week to go:
Pick up your dress.
Your gown was probably in the safest place when it was in the alterations store, but you should pick it up and bring it home to make the commute on your wedding day much smoother. They will be able to provide you an opaque gown bag so that you don’t have to worry about spoiling the surprise or damaging the dress.
One day to go:
Pack your dress emergency kit.
Accidents do happen and it is important to be prepared for whatever could happen the day of your wedding. Make sure to include a steamer, lint roller, safety pins, and a mini sewing pin!
Happy Wedding Day!
