Finding "The One" should feel like a celebration, not a race against the clock. However, because most designer gowns are made-to-order, the "behind-the-scenes" journey of a dress is longer than most brides realize.
Whether you have a year to plan or are eloping next month, here is the breakdown of how to time your dress shopping perfectly.
The Gold Standard: The 12-Month Timeline
If you have the luxury of time, starting one year out is the sweet spot. This allows for a stress-free experience from the first glass of champagne to the final fitting.
12 Months Out:
Research & Book: Start pinning styles and book your bridal appointment! We have different appointment options so you can choose which one fits your “saying yes” vision best!
The Decision: Aim to order your dress 10 to 12 months before the wedding.
Why so early? Dresses take time to be created and shipped! Ordering early protects you from shipping delays or feeling stressed about alterations!
4 to 6 Months Out: The Waiting Game
Your dress is currently being handcrafted! This is the perfect time to choose your veil, jewelry, and shoes. Accessories make the look! You want to make sure you have everything to complete your look the day of!
2 to 3 Months Out: The Magic of Alterations
The First Fitting: Your dress has arrived! This is where the "adjusting" begins. A seamstress tailors your gown to ensure the perfect fit to your specific body type.
The Timeline: You should ideally leave 6 to 12 weeks for alterations. But if you are on a shorter timeline that's fine! Seamstresses do this everyday and have encountered all kinds of brides with all kinds of timelines!
The Process: Most brides require 2–3 fittings to perfect the bust, waist, and length. Giving yourself a little bit of a buffer ensures you have plenty of time for any adjustments you want made!
Short Timeline? Don’t Panic.
If your wedding date is just a few months away, you aren't limited to a "Plan B." You just need a different strategy.
Option 1: Buying "Off-the-Rack"
At NFBS, we maintain a curated selection of off-the-rack gowns. These are dresses you can purchase and take home the very same day. It’s the perfect solution for:
Last-minute elopement or brides working with a shorter timeframe
Brides who love a high-end designer gown at a sample-sale price point.
You can book a Bustling Bride appointment to try on our off-the-rack dresses in the shoppe or order them directly on our website under the “Shop Our Sample Sale” tab!
Option 2: Rush Orders
Some designers offer "Rush Shipping" for an additional fee, which can shave months off the production time. If you’ve fallen in love with a made-to-order gown but are short on time, just ask! We’ll do everything we can to expedite the process!
Pro Tip: No matter when you buy, always factor in that you will need tailoring. A dress that fits like a glove is what truly makes a bride feel the best walking down the aisle!
What kind of vibe are you going for with your wedding—are we thinking a grand formal celebration or something more intimate and low-key?