Shapewear: they should be, as mentioned above, nude-coloured, but they’re also necessary because they determine how your wedding dress looks on you. You don’t want to buy your shapewear halfway through your fittings, then realise you need a bunch of alterations to suit a slightly different figure. Do it in advance, so your sewist’s foundation is the same from day one.
Shoes: even if you’re not wearing heels, your shoes will add a smidge of height that will need to be accounted for. Desired heel height factors into your hem, train and overall drape of the dress. If you haven’t found the perfect pair of shoes yet, then at least decide on the heel height and bring a pair of shoes with them so your fittings can proceed with that in mind.
Inspiration: as recommended by all of our experts, bring your inspiration with you. Whether it’s a Pinterest board on your phone or an old-school scrapbook filled with magazine cut-outs, the source of your inspiration matters. Mood boards and scrapbooks help your bridal expert gauge what you’re after rather than guess.
“The first thing I'll [normally] ask before we start looking at the dresses is whether [they have] anything of mine or any style that [they] prefer,” Jenny told us, concerning inspiration. “So then I can narrow it down from what [they say] - whether she wants a mermaid dress or she wants a button and flair or A-line gown. Then I will guide them to what I have available that they prefer.”
The wedding dress shopping experience is a time-honoured tradition amongst many, many people. For women, it can be emotional and exciting - but also sensitive. This is why it’s crucial that you pick the right people to join you. No one wants too many pushy opinions from a supposedly well-meaning family member or not enough insight from a friend distracted by their phone. Pick someone you really trust to help you. Good options include:
Easygoing relations, whether it’s the cousin you’ve been close to since you were toddlers or the sibling you cannot do without. Choose family members that are patient and listen to you and your needs. This might be your mom or dad, or it might be your dotting grandmother.
Easygoing pals, because nothing is better than a friend you can trust with your life. The ones that keep calm in sticky situations and are level-headed and kind are the keepers.
Exciting besties, because, if you really want it, a loved one encouraging you and being your number one hype man is one of the best feelings around - even more so for wedding shopping.
You, since, at the end of the day, that is the opinion that matters most. You don’t have to take anyone wedding dress shopping with you if you don’t want to. If you prefer something more lowkey and free from stress, fly solo and spread your wings in comfort.
Engaged besties, listen up! The venue is booked. Planning is underway. But you still find yourself asking when to buy your wedding dress. Let me be honest: wedding dress shopping is so much more than just showing up to the salon and picking a dress. It requires strategic planning and budgeting, from researching dress trends to booking appointments and leaving time for alterations. There's a lot to consider, and TBH, it's hard to remember all the to-dos. Luckily, I'm here to help you get started with a wedding dress shopping timeline that highlights all of the important fashion-related benchmarks to note while you're wedding planning. From the start of your engagement to the big day, here's everything you need to know about when to shop for your gown, including exactly when you should buy your wedding dress to ensure that it arrives on time.
Exactly when to shop for a wedding dress depends on the length of your engagement and how quickly you're getting hitched. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, the average engagement length is 14 months, but as an engaged girlie myself, let me tell you that time flies. So I'm going to spill the tea on your most burning questions, from when should you buy your wedding dress to how long it takes to get a wedding dress.
Ideally, you should start wedding dress shopping about one year before your wedding date. This is especially important if you'd like to customize your gown in any way. If you don't find your dream wedding dress during your first shopping appointment, don't panic—it's completely normal to take a few appointments to find a gown that fits your vibe. Everyone's experience is unique, so just keep in mind how long you think the process may take for you because dress production typically takes several months, which can mean limited options or rush order fees depending on how soon you're headed to the altar. Plan accordingly, and be sure to make your appointment at your local bridal salon ahead of time.
You should plan on buying your wedding dress between eight and 10 months before the wedding. Wedding dresses require time for production and shipping, meaning your dress could take up to five months (or sometimes even longer) to arrive. This leaves enough time for your wedding dress to be made to your measurements, shipped to the bridal salon, and sent to the tailor for alterations.
Once you've found your dream wedding dress, you'll have to account for the dressmaking process, which can take anywhere from four to six months on average, depending on the complexity of the design. (Trust me, it will be so worth the wait!) Be sure to clarify with your bridal stylist if your chosen salon does in-house alterations. If not, see if they have a seamstress they can recommend, because you'll need anywhere from one to three alterations sessions before the wedding day to make sure your dress fits you perfectly.
If you're having a short engagement because you just can't wait to marry your significant other (I totally get it because, same!) or you just haven't had the time, there are options! Many local bridal shops have off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns are also fab options, along with ready-to-wear elopement looks and wedding dress rentals.
You can also choose to shop online for ready-to-ship dresses at retailers like Anthropologie Weddings, ELOQUII and KYHA Studios. If you need alterations, the process can still be done in a time crunch, but be aware that there may be additional fees involved.
No one loves talking about money, but this is one of the first questions your bridal stylist will ask you so they know to only pull gowns that are within that number. So, after setting your main wedding budget, decide how much of that will be spent on your dress. Our data shows that wedding attire typically accounts for 7% of the overall budget, and in 2022, the average cost of a wedding dress was $1,900. You also want to budget for extras like taxes, alterations and shipping (or rush fees, in certain cases). And of course, don't forget to set aside a budget for accessories, like your wedding shoes, veil and jewelry.
Before you start wedding dress shopping, it's a good idea to figure out what you like (or what you want to completely avoid). And while you don't need to become a wedding dress expert overnight, knowing a few basics can help you describe your ideal dress when it's time to shop. Brush up on your inspiration board and look for common themes amongst the wedding dress necklines, fabrics and dress silhouettes ahead of time so you can easily share your ideal look with a stylist.
You can also use your wedding venue as a starting point for narrowing down your dress options. If you're going for a beach wedding vibe, you'll probably want lighter fabrics that can withstand heat but also some sparkle that can easily reflect the sun. Getting married at an upscale Parisian chateau or grand estate? A fairytale-inspired ball gown may be the way to go.
Buy Wedding Dress In ChilliwackTLDR; Keep an open mind. Doing your research can help narrow down your options at the start, but an experienced bridal consultant can also help you find the right dress for your budget, body type and personal style.
Once you've nailed down your wedding dress aesthetic, it's time to find a bridal salon that matches your personal taste and offers gowns in your price range. Often times, boutiques will post their price ranges and available sizes in their Instagram bio or on their website. Their site should also have a list of available designers as well. Nowadays, you can even find your local bridal salons on TikTok, showing off new arrivals, popular styles and designer favorites. Oh, and don't forget to read reviews for boutiques on places like The Knot Vendor Marketplace, Google and Yelp.
Making appointments at just one to three locations to start because friends don't let friends overwhelm themselves too early on. If you know you want to try a dress from a specific designer, see if they're having a trunk show (a traveling show of new and exclusive collections) at a salon near you.
After your appointments are locked, it's time to decide which loved ones and besties will be there to cheer you on as you try on dresses. Bring a small entourage of those who lift you up and support you. This can be your mom, sister, dad, maid of honor, bridesmaids, etc. There are no rules about who you bring with you. I do recommend limiting your group to around three to five people max—too many opinions can make your dress shopping experience unnecessarily confusing. And nobody's got time for that!
This is the moment—the sweet spot for when to buy your wedding dress. Hopefully, during this time period, you'll say yes to the dress, and the salon can place your order. Eek!
When you purchase your gown, you'll be asked to sign a contract and put down a deposit. The deposit will vary by retailer, but it's usually about 50% of the price of the dress, and the remaining balance will be due when you go to pick up your gown.
You will also sign a contract at this time. This will include all the details about your dress, including the designer, the size and when it will arrive. Before you sign your name on the dotted line, be sure to read through it thoroughly and double-check that all the information is correct. If it contains the wrong info and you sign it, the fault could be yours if you end up getting the wrong wedding dress (or the incorrect size or color). You'll also want to make sure any extras like alterations, veils, etc. are clearly listed and included in the final payment amount.
Also, take this final opportunity to ask your stylist any questions you may have. Ask questions about how long it will take to order your wedding dress. On average, your dress will take 16 to 20 weeks from the day you place your order to arrive. So, you'll just want to confirm your wedding dress timeline because each store is a little different.
It might feel like sitting around and watching paint dry while you're waiting for your wedding dress, but here's a few important tasks related to your wedding dress to keep you busy.
If you haven't already, now is a great time to start shopping for your wedding undergarments, bridal shapewear and other intimate essentials. Why now? Well, you need to bring exactly what you want to wear on your wedding day to your alterations fitting to ensure a flawless fit. After all, you are the main character. So whether it's a strapless bra, nude undies or shapewear, having the proper undergarments on hand can make all the difference in how your dress looks and feels on the big day.
Who can forget the accessories? While you're anxiously waiting for your dress to come in, treat yourself and shop for your wedding day accessories like jewelry, shoes and even a clutch. Be sure to lock in your bridal accessories before your first fitting, especially your wedding shoes. The seamstress will need to know how to adjust the hem of your gown based on the height of your heels, or take the hem up even more if you're planning to wear flats or sneakers.
You don't need to wear a wedding veil on your wedding day if it's not your vibe (here are some cool alternatives!) but if you are planning to wear one, aim to have it picked out by your first alterations appointment. This will give you (and your seamstress) a better idea of your entire look, from head to toe. For casual gowns, you can opt for a short blusher or a birdcage veil. If you're wearing a ball gown, you can bring the drama with something more grand, like a chapel- or cathedral-length veil.
Now that you know what you're wearing on the wedding day, you can start thinking about the rest of your look. Your hair and makeup trial should take place about five months before your wedding. Consider your wedding dress neckline and overall aesthetic to influence your hair and makeup—for example, if your gown has a show-stopping illusion lace back, you might want to show it off with an updo.
It's finally here! After months of waiting, you finally get the call that your dress has arrived. Depending on the salon's policies, you'll be expected to pay the remaining balance on your dress when you pick it up. If you haven't already called up a professional seamstress for alterations, now is the time to do so (they can book up fast, don't wait!) Be sure to choose someone who has experience working on wedding dresses and formal wear.
Now here's where the magic happens. Once the dress arrives from the designer, alterations are the next phase of your wedding dress timeline. Consider your seamstress your wedding dress fairy godmother (or father!) You'll have up to three alterations fittings to make sure that the dress fits like a glove, and it's important to get the timing of each appointment right. If your fittings are too far in advance, you may end up with a dress that doesn't fit properly—your body weight and shape could fluctuate after the gown is altered. On the other hand, waiting too long to schedule your alterations will leave you in a time crunch.
By the time you're done, you might slightly resemble a pincushion, but the finished product will be totally worth it. And don't forget to bring the undergarments and accessories you bought.