The Ultimate Wedding Gown Shopping Timeline Guide
Wedding gown shopping for some is a long awaited, much anticipated, most FUN part of being engaged. For others, however, it’s a dreaded process. So, we can always understand why some may shop incredibly early, while others wait until the last minute. We’re here to help you find that sweet spot in your wedding timeline, so your gown search is as stress-free and straight-forward as possible.
When is the best time to shop for your wedding gown
If you’re wondering when to start looking for your wedding gown, the ideal time to start gathering inspiration is the 12-18 months prior to your wedding. This is a great time to begin curating design inspiration, building an updated pinterest board of favorite gowns, and seeing what designers appeal to you. It’s also a great time to start researching boutiques and formulating your budget. It is best to have an idea of the season and location in which you want to get married, as these factors will affect the look you are going for. Around the 10-to-12-month mark, you’ll begin to shop!
We always caution brides from shopping too early, or selecting a gown before confirming their venue and date. We know it can be enticing to start going to bridal appointments “just to look” or “get ideas”, but it’s possible you end up falling in love with something that is inevitably not compatible with your wedding details.
understanding the wedding gown shopping timeline
Shopping for your wedding gown is an exciting time, but it’s a process that requires planning and consideration, all in unfamiliar territory. The wedding shopping timeline can vary depending on a number of factors: how long your engagement is, your wedding location, whether you want any customizations to your look, etc. Let’s dive deeper into the ‘average’ gown shopping timeline and key points to remember.
12 - 18 months - Gather inspo and book your bridal appointments
3 - 4 months - Begin alterations. Tailoring a wedding gown for the perfect fit is incredibly laborious, and can’t be left to the last minute. Depending on the work being done to your gown, your gown may only require one subsequent fitting, or several…every bride is different.
Bottom line: no matter the individual circumstances and timeline of your wedding, you’ll find the perfect gown. But with the right planning, preparation, and awareness, you can approach gown shopping in a way that will eliminate any stress or panic for you, the bride. Wedding gowns are tedious to make, and are not mass produced, which is why such great production timelines are required. We’re here to help you navigate these details so that the selection and perfection of your dream gown is a cherished memory rather than a dreaded chore.
As always, reach out to us with any gown questions, and happy shopping!
House of White is an intimate bridal experience in the heart of Historic Newburgh, Indiana, just outside Evansville. For twelve years House of White has been a designer bridal shopping destination for brides from Indianapolis, Bloomington, Louisville, Bowling Green, Owensboro, St. Louis, Nashville, Cincinnati, and everywhere in between :)