Finding the perfect wedding dress is more than just a shopping trip—it's a milestone in your wedding journey. With so many details to coordinate (venue, theme, budget, accessories), knowing when to begin dress shopping and when to commit makes all the difference. A well‑planned timeline helps avoid rush orders, limited selection, unplanned costs or the stress of last‑minute alterations. At Love & Lee, we believe this process should feel joyful and confident—so here’s your comprehensive timeline to make sure you’re on track and excited every step of the way.
1. 12–18 Months Before the Wedding: Laying the Groundwork
At this stage you’ve (hopefully) locked in your venue and date, and the style of your wedding begins to take shape. This is the perfect time to:
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Browse styles: Look at silhouettes, fabrics, necklines, and bridal trends that resonate with you. According to bridal industry guides, 12–18 months out is the optimal time to start considering gowns because you’ll have enough runway for customisation and alterations.
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Set your dress budget: Include gown price plus alterations, accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry), shipping if needed. Expert advice from The Knot notes that the dress budget should be defined early.
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Create your inspiration board: Using Pinterest or bridal magazines, gather images that reflect your vision. Knowing your aesthetic (classic, boho, glam) will streamline your appointments later.
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Avoid buying too early: Some stylists caution that shopping substantially earlier than 12 months may lead to regrets—your taste or body may change.
What to book: You don’t have to order your gown yet. But you should consider scheduling your first appointment at your preferred bridal salons, especially if you’re working with sought‑after designers or peak wedding season.
2. 9–12 Months Before: Say “Yes” and Place Your Order
This is generally considered the sweet spot for ordering your dress. Many sources suggest that nine months out is the deadline for secure delivery.
What to focus on:
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Attend bridal salon appointments: Try on a variety of styles, bring one or two trusted friends or family members.
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Select your gown: Once you feel certain, place your order. Production, shipping and alterations can take months. According to one guide: “The nine‑month mark is your deadline for selecting your dream gown.”
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Pay deposit: Many designers require 50‑60 % deposit at order time.
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Review delivery timeline: Ask the boutique what the expected delivery date is, how long alterations typically take and if there are rush‑order options.
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Start thinking accessories: Although you’ll fine‑tune later, now is a good time to mentally map shoes, veil length, jewelry & overall look.
What to book: Confirm your dress order; set expectations with your bridal shop and tailor. Also book your first fitting window (if known) and keep tabs on arrival dates.
3. 6–9 Months Before: Gown Arrival & Accessories Begin
Once your dress is ordered, your focus shifts to fine‑tuning the look and preparing for alterations. During this period:
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Monitor the arrival of your gown: It may be en route or arriving at the salon soon. Many gowns are made‑to‑order and require this lead time.
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Choose shoes/undergarments: Bring your wedding shoes and planned undergarments to your first fitting to ensure correct hem, shape and comfort. One guide emphasises this point.
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Book accessory appointments: Veil selection, jewelry, headpieces—these matter because they affect how the dress is styled and fitted.
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Begin initial fitting/alteration planning: Your tailor may need several sessions; it’s wise to confirm timing now.
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Designate where the dress will be stored once picked up (climate‑controlled, safe from crushing).
What to book: Secure your first fitting date, accessory shopping appointments, and confirm storage logistics for your dress once it arrives.
4. 3–6 Months Before the Wedding: First Fitting & Alterations in Motion
Now things get real: your gown should be at the salon or imminently arriving. Here’s what to focus on:
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First fitting: This is your chance to try on the gown with shoes and undergarments; the tailor will mark areas for adjustment (hemline, bust, waist, train, etc.). One timeline recommends this around 5‑6 months out.
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Alteration checklist: Confirm timeline (how many fittings you’ll need), budget for these, and ask for a modification log.
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Accessory “dress rehearsal”: Try on the dress with veil, jewelry and shoes to ensure everything works together (style, length, comfort).
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Finalise details: Confirm bustle style, train handling, pockets (if desired), and how the dress will be transported to your venue.
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Photography ups: If you have bridal portraits, ensure the gown is fitted and ready in time. This may impact your timeline.
What to book: First fitting appointment (if not yet), afternoons for any additional alterations; confirm pickup window for the dress.
5. 1–3 Months Before Wedding: Final Fittings & Dress Pickup
This is the home stretch. You’ll want the dress to look flawless and be ready to wear. Key tasks:
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Second fitting (~1‑2 months out): Adjustments should now be minor tweaks — your tailor will check how you move (sit, walk, dance) in the gown. One source recommends this around 6‑8 weeks before the date.
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Final alterations: Hem the dress with your shoes on, adjust bust/waist, ensure train/bustle is perfect, test under spotlight.
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Dress pick‑up: Confirm the dress is professionally pressed or steamed. Ask the salon how to transport it to the venue safely. Many sources suggest pick‑up about a month before, or as soon as alterations are complete. citeturn0search16
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Suit shoes & accessories: Break in your bridal shoes; ensure veil and jewelry coordinate.
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Store the gown: Use a breathable garment bag, store in a safe, cool area. Avoid hanging near heavy garments or traffic.
What to book: Final fitting; confirm dress pick‑up date; transport logistics for getting dress to the venue; expert pressing/steaming if needed.
6. Wedding Week: Final Touches & Peace of Mind
With the big day just days away, here’s how to wrap up your dress journey:
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Final check‑in: Try on the full look (dress + shoes + accessories + veil) in full light. Practice walking, sitting, dancing a bit.
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Steaming/pressing: Some salons will steam the dress one last time; otherwise, ensure you have a handheld steamer or your venue’s team handles it. One guide alerts that for destination weddings, the dress may need care during travel.
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Dress transport: If travelling, ensure the dress is carried (not checked) on flights, and placed in a garment bag or sturdy box. Keep it safe from crowding or moisture.
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Final storage: Hang the dress in a quiet, climate‑controlled space at your venue or home. Avoid dusty closets, hot basements, or cramped spaces.
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Enjoy: Take a deep breath. You’ve structured your timeline, made your decisions, and now you get to wear your dream dress.
FAQ: Common Questions Brides Ask
Q1. Can I buy my dress later than 9 months before the wedding?
A: While it’s possible—especially for ready‑to‑wear or off‑the‑rack styles—many experts warn that ordering later than ~9 months may incur rush fees or limited options.
Q2. Is it too early to buy more than 18 months out?
A: Some stylists advise against shopping too early (over 18 months ahead) because your body, style or the wedding theme may shift in that time.
Q3. How many fittings should I plan for?
A: Generally 2–3 fittings: the first when the dress arrives, a second for fine‑tuning, and possibly a final “dress rehearsal” a few weeks out. Adapt based on complexity of gown.
Q4. What if I’m doing a destination wedding or portrait session early?
A: If you have a bridal portrait session or are travelling abroad, use that date as your effective “wedding date” for dress ordering and fittings. Experts emphasise this.
Q5. What if I buy a sample or off‑the‑rack dress?
A: This can accelerate your timeline—but still account for alterations. Some boutiques offer sample purchases or rush services, but expect limited size/colour choices and possible extra costs.
Why Shop with Love & Lee?
At Love & Lee, we’re dedicated to making your bridal dress journey seamless and memorable. From our curated collection of gowns to personalised styling, we help you navigate every step with confidence. Whether you’re 18 months out or in the final countdown, our team is here to guide your appointments, accessory choices and alterations logistic. Book your consultation with us and let us help you say “yes” to the dress—at exactly the right time.
Conclusion
The right timeline doesn’t just help you secure your dream gown—it helps you enjoy the journey. With clear benchmarks at 12–18 months, 9–12 months, 6–3 months and the final lead‑up week, you’ll be prepared, relaxed and free to shine. Whatever your dress style, venue type or budget, following this plan will give you the space to explore, decide, customise and fit without stress.
At Love & Lee, your bridal dress moment is one to cherish—not rush. Let’s celebrate your unique style, secure your gown at the right time, and make sure you’re stepping into your big day ready, radiant and carefree.
Ready to start? Visit our Gowns Collection and book your styling appointment today.