Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline: When to Start and What to Expect
Hello future brides! Your wedding date is locked, the venue is booked, and now it's time to find your dream wedding dress. As the countdown to your special day ticks away, it's natural to feel a mix of nerves and excitement. After all, your wedding dress is the centerpiece of your big day, and you want to look and feel your absolute best.
The wedding dress shopping experience can be overwhelming, to say the least. There are so many things to consider, such as what dress style suits you, what kind of budget you should set, and when to start looking. But don't overthink it—we've got you! Below is our carefully curated wedding dress shopping timeline so you know when to do what and what to expect every step of the way.
The perfect wedding dress is waiting for you, and we’re here to ensure you have an unforgettable shopping experience on your journey to finding it. Get your wedding vision boards ready, and let the dress hunt begin!
12+ Months Before the Wedding: The Early Bird Advantage
The first step to finding your dream gown is to kick things off early! Generally, it's recommended to start looking for bridal dresses at least 12 months before your wedding date. This will give you enough time to explore a variety of styles and bridal designers, helping you define the overall bridal look for your big day.
Heads up! Bridal stylists often have long waiting lists, especially for custom-made dresses during peak wedding season. So, if you have your heart set on a specific designer or custom design, starting early will give you an advantage and secure your spot.
During this phase, research styles and trends on bridal websites or social media to get a sense of what styles and trends you like. Making a Pinterest board is a great way to visualize your dream look and gather inspiration! This will also help you communicate your preferences to the stylist when you start trying on dresses.
Don’t forget to think about the price range you feel comfortable with and what bridal gowns might flatter your body type. For tips on finding the right fit, check out Finding the Perfect Wedding Dress for Your Body Shape: A Complete Guide.
9-12 Months Before: Time to Book Appointments
Now that the dress of your dreams is shimmering into focus, it's time to book appointments at bridal salons to try it in person! When choosing a bridal shop, do your research and find one with a curated collection of wedding dresses that align with your style and budget.
At The Wedding Bell, our bridal collection features designer dresses from top brands like Allure Bridals, Colby John, Madi Lane, and Morilee. We also carry a gorgeous selection of designer dresses tailored for our plus-size brides. For brides on a budget, we have an array of stunning gowns on sale starting at $699!
It's important to book your appointment at least 9-12 months before your wedding date to ensure availability and enough time for alterations. But don’t worry—finding your dream dress doesn’t have to take months of searching! Many of our brides say “yes” to THE ONE on their very first visit. Our stylists are experts at translating your vision into the perfect dress so you can skip the endless appointments and focus on the joy ahead.
Before your first appointment, bring a pair of nude or white shapewear, shoes of a similar height to what you plan on wearing on your wedding day, and any inspirational photos you have saved. It's also helpful to have a clear idea of your budget—because dreams are free, but that dream dress might come with a very real price tag!
6-9 Months Before: Say "Yes" to the Dress
The fun part has arrived—dress shopping! While this phase can bring up emotions, remember your bridal stylist's job is to hype you up and help you find your perfect dress. At The Wedding Bell, we believe it's not just about finding "the right shape"—it's about finding what makes you feel incredible.
During your appointments, keep an open mind and try on different styles, even ones you may not have considered before. You’ll be surprised how confident, beautiful, and like yourself you’ll feel in the opposite of what you thought you wanted! Many of our brides come in with one idea and change it immediately—it’s why we love pulling those "wild card" styles and watching our brides glow!
Communicate clearly with your consultant about your likes, dislikes, and any concerns you may have. They are there to help guide you towards the dress that makes you feel like a radiant bride.
When bringing friends or family to your dress appointments, keep in mind that too many opinions can be a recipe for chaos and may not align with your own taste. Choose a few trusted cheerleaders who will support you and make the experience a total blast. Remember, this is your moment to shine, and it’s ultimately your decision.
Once you've found "the one" (cue tears of happiness!), be prepared to place your order and plan for alterations. Depending on the designer, dresses can take several months to arrive, so it's important to give yourself plenty of time. Alterations may also require a few fittings, so lock in those dates early to avoid any last-minute stress.
3-6 Months Before: Fittings and Customizations
The hardest part is over—you've found your dream dress! But don't sit back and relax just yet; there's still some work to be done. The next step in the wedding dress journey is getting your dress fitted and customized to perfection.
Fittings are when the dress is tailored specifically to your body shape and size. This usually involves alterations to the hem, waist, bust, and other areas that need tweaking for the perfect fit. At The Wedding Bell, we'll make sure your dress is altered to fit you like a glove, making you look and feel your best on your big day!
It’s important to get those fittings on the calendar early and communicate clearly with your seamstress about any customizations you want. These could include adding sleeves, adjusting the length, or changing the neckline. Just a heads-up: These tweaks often come with a little extra cost, so make sure to tuck that into your budget and plan accordingly.
1-3 Months Before: The Final Touches
Your actual wedding day is just around the corner! It’s time for the final fitting, where your wedding dress gets its last glow-up. This is your last chance to make sure everything is perfect, so pay attention to every detail.
During your final fitting, check that all alterations have been completed and that the dress fits as you envisioned. Do the alterations hug you just right? Does it feel like it was made for you (because, well, it was!)? If something feels even a smidge off, speak up—this is your moment to shine, and your dress should feel like a second skin.
Now, let’s talk movement. Walk, twirl, sit, and practice your best “I just got married” dance moves. Comfort is key because you’ll be living your best life in this dress all day long.
What about accessories? If you haven't already, now is the time to decide on a veil, jewelry, and any other accessories you want to wear to bring it all together.
Lastly, treat your dress like the treasure it is. Store it in a garment bag and keep it in a cool, dry place until the big day. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight or near any heat sources, and be careful not to let any makeup or food stains ruin your masterpiece!
1 Month Before: Dress Rehearsal
Do you hear that? Wedding bells are ringing! Your dress is ready to shine, and your big day is almost here. As the countdown to “I do” begins, let’s make sure your gown is as perfect as your love story.
The day before (or even the morning of!) is the perfect time for a dress rehearsal. Think of it as your gown’s final performance check. This is your chance to make sure everything fits like a dream and feels comfortable for all the festivities ahead.
When it’s time to transport your dress, treat it like the VIP it is. Tuck it into a garment bag, lay it flat in the car, and if you can, let someone else drive while you play dress guardian. Wrinkles and tears? Not on your watch!
As the hours tick down, you might feel a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. Take a deep breath—this is your moment. Rest up, stay hydrated, and maybe sneak in a snack (nobody wants a hangry bride). Trust that all the pieces will fall into place, because you’ve put in the work, and you’re about to glow like never before.
Your Dream Dress Awaits at The Wedding Bell
Your dream dress is out there, ready to make you feel like the most confident, radiant version of yourself—and the journey to finding it is what you make it!
Start early to avoid last-minute stress, and don’t be afraid to explore styles you might not have considered. Sometimes, the most unexpected gowns steal the show! Trust your instincts, because when you know, you know. And don’t forget: alterations are your secret weapon, turning a beautiful gown into one that fits like it was made just for you.
At The Wedding Bell, we’re more than just a bridal shop—we’re your destination for a personalized, unforgettable experience. Like East Coast or Southern salons cultivate their own distinct style, we’ve carefully curated our collection to reflect the effortless elegance our brides love. Even if you recognize a designer, our selection tells a different story—one that speaks to our unique vision of bridal style.
Whether you’re a Pacific Northwest local or visiting from afar, our curated collection of stunning, affordable gowns is here to help you feel your absolute best. Let us make your bridal journey as magical as your wedding day!
Come say “YES!” to your perfect dress. Book your appointment today!