Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline: How Far in Advance Should You Buy Your Gown?

Yay, you’re engaged! Among the flurry of venue tours, Pinterest boards, and vendor inquiries, one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is saying yes to the dress. But when exactly should you start shopping? And how long does the process really take? Let’s break it down with a simple wedding dress shopping timeline to keep you feeling organized, confident, and ahead of the game.

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12+ Months Before the Wedding: Do Your Research

While you don’t need to start trying on gowns this early, it’s a great time to:

Scroll Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration
Follow bridal boutiques you love (hint: SWBB is a good one to start with!)
Start narrowing down your style preferences — do you love sleek and modern, romantic and boho, or timeless ballgowns?
This will help you feel more prepared once it’s time to book your appointments.

9–12 Months Prior to Wedding: Book Your Bridal Appointments and Say “YES” to the Dress

It’s go time!
Most bridal gowns are made to order, and many designers have a 4–7 month production timeline. Add in time for shipping and alterations, and you’ll want to start trying on dresses around this window.

Pro tip: Popular boutiques and weekend appointments book up quickly, so don’t wait to get on the schedule.

Once you find the one, it’s time to order!
Why so early? Because your dress will be made just for you. After it arrives (usually 4–7 months later), you’ll need time for alterations and final fittings.

Reminder: Trust your gut. If you find a gown you love at your first appointment — go for it! There's no rule that says you have to shop around at a dozen places.

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6–8 Weeks Before the Wedding: Begin Alterations

When your gown arrives, it’ll be time to start alterations. Plan for 2–3 fittings to perfect the fit, adjust straps, bustle the train, and tailor any other details.

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2–3 Weeks Before the Wedding: Final Fitting

Your final fitting ensures everything is perfect. Bring your shoes, undergarments, and any accessories so you can see your full wedding day look come together.

Bonus tip: Appoint someone to learn how to bustle your gown if needed.

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Wedding Week: Pick Up Your Dress

If you left your gown with your tailor after alterations, you’ll typically pick it up the week of your wedding. Make sure it’s steamed (we offer week-of steams at SWBB), packed up safely, and ready to head down the aisle.

Quick Recap: Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline

12+ months: Gather inspo
9–12 months: Book appointments, find and order your dress
6–8 weeks before: Start alterations
2–3 weeks before: Final fitting
Wedding week: Pick up your gown

Shopping for your wedding dress should be one of the most memorable and joyful parts of your planning process. Give yourself enough time, trust your stylist, and most importantly - enjoy every minute of it.

Ready to start the search? Book your bridal appointment with us today - we can’t wait to meet you and help you find the dress of your dreams!