Getting engaged can be such a heady experience. The congratulations and well-wishes are intoxicating. But after that rush, it’s now time to start planning your wedding.
This is a fun and amazing time for most brides-to-be. The search for the perfect dress is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding preparations. It’s also the most stressful. After all, most women have been dreaming of walking down the aisle for years.
It’s disastrous to leave the dress hunting at the last minute. There might be hundreds of bridal stores in your city, but there’s no guarantee you’ll find one that fits. It’s best practice to start planning what you’ll wear a year or more before the wedding date.
It might seem excessive but it’s not. Consider this. It takes about nine months to have a dress made. You’ll also have to do several fittings before the end. You must also make room for alterations and the like. It’s the same even if you’re planning on buying off-the-rack or renting from a bridal boutique.
When is the Best Time to Buy a Wedding Dress?
Wedding experts say a good rule to follow is to start shopping for a dress at least six months before the wedding. But that’s pushing it too close. At most, give yourself a year to work on your dress.
One year before the big day is great because you’ve already started planning. You have the date and there’s a good chance you’ve already locked in the venue. You know the time and the season. All this information is vital as it narrows down the ideal style of dress for that period.
Giving yourself six to twelve months to look for a dress means you won’t be rushing. Make sure your timeline for dress shopping will consider how long it will take to make a custom gown. If you’re going the retail route, you must allot some time for placing an order and having it delivered. There are alterations and fittings to do too. That also takes time.
Don’t jump the gun too early though. Buying a dress a year early is tricky. You might find another one that looks more beautiful a few months before the wedding. This could either lead to buyer’s remorse or more expenses. Your body could also change from the time you got engaged to six months before you say I Do. Your style or vision for your wedding might also become different.
When’s the Perfect Time of the Year for Wedding Dress Shopping?
Designers and planners will tell you January is the best time to search for a wedding gown. There’s a good reason for this and it is logistics. Many people get engaged during the Christmas holidays and the New Year. It’s why designers and fashion houses often release new wedding dresses in January.
Releasing a new wedding gown collection has many advantages. The designer starts the year right and has a captive audience. Meanwhile, you can be the first to see and try the newest styles. You can also call dibs on the ones you like.
It’s also a good month because you have enough time to shop and order your dress. You also won’t rush the fitting and alteration process. January is also at least four months away from spring and summer. These are prime wedding seasons. The wedding timeline isn’t rushed. There’s also enough time to look for veils and accessories.
The influx of new gown designs could also mean other styles are then discontinued. If you love a specific style, you have to get it before it’s gone. The first few months of the year might be your last window of opportunity. So if you find a dress that calls to you, make sure you ask about it.
Walk Down the Aisle in Style
Le Bella Donna is the place to go when you’re looking for one-of-a-kind wedding gowns. We’re a full-service bridal boutique. Our happy clients know we have the most beautiful wedding gowns in Philadelphia. You can have a custom-made one. You can also opt for a rental gown. Our Mom Shoppe is where mothers of the bride can also find the perfect outfit for their child’s special day. You can schedule an appointment at (215) 690-4018. You can also drop us a line at sales@lebelladonna.com.
