The Ultimate Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline

Finding your dream wedding dress is a magical moment—but let’s be real, it’s also a process! Unlike picking out an outfit for date night, wedding dresses (especially made-to-order gowns) take time to create, fit, and perfect. So, when should you start shopping to ensure your dress arrives in time for the big day? Let’s talk timeline and why it matters. 9-12 Months Before: Start Shopping While you don’t need to buy immediately, starting your search 9-12 months out gives you ample time to explore different styles, try on gowns, and fall in love with "the one." Consider: ♥︎ Booking bridal boutique appointments early—popular spots fill up fast! ♥︎ Choose a small, supportive group to shop with. Keep invites intentional and surround yourself with those who will help you make a decision in an honest and loving way. ♥︎ Exploring silhouettes, fabrics, and details that match your wedding vision 6-8 Months Before Your Wedding: Time to Order Your Dress This is the sweet spot! We highly recommend placing your order at least six to eight months before your wedding date. Here’s why: ♥︎ Made-to-order gowns take time – Our wedding dresses typically take 10-14 weeks to be created and delivered. ♥︎ Alterations take time too – After your dress arrives, you’ll need time for fittings and adjustments to get that flawless fit. ♥︎ Rush orders can be costly – If you wait too long, you may have to pay rush fees or limit your options to in-stock styles. 3-4 Months Before: Dress Arrival & First Fitting
Once your gown arrives (bring on the watterworks!), it's time for your first fitting. This is when a seamstress will begin making adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. Expect: ♥︎ Hemming, taking in/out, and strap adjustments ♥︎ Adding custom details (if desired), like extra lace or sleeves ♥︎ Checking the fit with your wedding shoes & undergarments 1-2 Months Before: Final Fittings By now, your dress should be nearly perfect! Your second (and sometimes third) fitting ensures every detail is flawless. Pro tip: ♥︎ Bring your wedding day accessories to see the full look ♥︎ Confirm when your dress will be steamed and ready for pickup ♥︎ If you haven't already, now would be the perfect time to start shopping for your second look (psst, check out By Watters) 1-2 Weeks Before: Pick Up Your Dress! The moment is here—your gown is ready to shine! Store it in a safe place and keep it wrinkle-free until the big day. If you’re traveling, ask your boutique about the best way to transport your dress. Why the Wait? Because This Dress Is Different. A wedding dress is unlike anything else you'll ever wear—because it's designed, sourced, and sewn with a level of care not often seen in modern fashion. 1. Made to Order, Not Mass Produced Your gown doesn’t sit on a shelf. It’s not plucked from a rack or packaged in plastic. It’s created just for you—cut, sewn, and assembled only after you say yes. This is intentional fashion, and it shows. 2. Fabrics from Around the World These gowns begin with extraordinary materials: Italian silk mikado, French Chantilly lace, Japanese organza, Indian beading. Every textile is hand-selected for its drape, texture, and light-reflecting beauty. 3. Hand-Placed, Heart-Led Details From 3D floral appliqués to intricate pearl work, every detail is placed by hand—often by artisans who’ve honed their craft over decades. No shortcuts. No substitutions. Just craftsmanship that shows up in every close-up. 4. Designed by Human Hands, Guided by Vision These dresses are the work of designers, patternmakers, and seamstresses—real artists who understand proportion, structure, and emotion. They know how to make a bride feel both extraordinary and entirely herself. This Is More Than a Dress It’s the gown you’ll walk toward your future in. The one that will live in photographs, in memories, in stories passed down. It’s not just a look—it’s a legacy. So let it take time. Let it be slow, deliberate, and full of meaning. Because the most beautiful things in life are rarely rushed—and this gown is no exception. Planning ahead ensures you get the dress of your dreams without the stress. Ready to find "the one"? Book your appointment today and let’s make dress magic happen!