When Should You Buy Your Wedding Dress? The Ultimate Timeline for UK Brides
- elizabethkatebridal
- Nov 20
- 7 min read
Updated: November 2025 | Read time: 8 minutes
If you're newly engaged, one of your first Google searches is probably "when should I buy my wedding dress?"
The answer matters more than you think, and starting at the right time can be the difference between a magical experience and last-minute stress.
This comprehensive guide is designed for UK brides shopping with boutiques across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and the Midlands. We've broken down exactly when to take each step, from that exciting first appointment to walking down the aisle.
Quick Answer
Most UK brides should begin shopping 12–18 months before their wedding date.
This timeline gives you:
Time to explore designers and find "the one" without pressure
4–10 months for handmade production and delivery
10–12 weeks for professional alterations and multiple fittings
Zero rush fees and complete peace of mind
The earlier you start, the more choice you'll have, and the better your boutique experience will be.
Why Starting Early Actually Matters
Wedding dresses aren't something you grab off a rack. Here's what happens behind the scenes:
Your dress is made to order. Each gown is hand-crafted by skilled seamstresses after you place your order, not mass-produced. This means timelines vary depending on designer demand, fabric complexity, and global production seasons.
Alterations take time. Bridal alterations aren't rushed, they're meticulous. You'll typically need 2–3 fitting appointments over 10–12 weeks to ensure a perfect fit. Rushing this step often shows on the day.
Designer lead times vary significantly. Specific lead times by designer:
Made With Love: 10–12 months
Eva Lendel: 5–6 months
Enzoani: 5–6 months
Serene by Madi Lane: 5–6 months
Bespoke/custom designs: 8–12 months
Popular designers fill quickly during peak season, but you want breathing room regardless.
Peak engagement season is real. December–February sees a 45% spike in bridal appointment bookings, meaning boutique calendars fill up fast. Weekend appointments book 4–6 weeks ahead. If you want flexibility with your preferred consultant or boutique, start early.
The Complete Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline
18–12 Months Before: Research & Book Your Appointments
What to do:
Set a realistic budget (Elizabeth Kate bridal dresses typically range from £1,500–£3,000+)
Research designers, styles, and boutiques on Instagram and Pinterest
Read reviews and testimonials from other brides
Book your first appointment with your chosen boutique
Why this timing works:
Maximum choice of designers and styles
You can revisit boutiques if you want a second opinion
You avoid seasonal production delays
Your consultant won't feel rushed, so you'll get their full attention
Time to coordinate with photographers, stylists, and other wedding professionals
Pro tip: Follow Elizabeth Kate Bridal and other boutiques on social media to see 2026/2027 collection previews. Many designers release collections 6–9 months before availability.
12 Months Before: Order Your Dress
What to do:
Attend appointments and try on dresses
Revisit boutiques if you need time to decide
Place your order with your chosen designer
Pay the deposit (usually 50% upfront)
Production timelines to expect:
Designer lead times vary, so here's exactly what to expect:
Made With Love: 10–12 months
Eva Lendel: 5–6 months
Enzoani: 6–7 months
Serene by Madi Lane: 5–6 months
Some designers offer rush options (for an additional fee of 10–40%), but quality takes time, which is why early ordering is best.
Real talk: Searches for "custom wedding gown design" are up 24% in 2025, and brides are increasingly requesting custom details like personalized embroidery and custom train lengths. If you're customizing, add an extra 4–6 weeks to the timeline.
Pro tip: If your wedding is before June 2027, place your order by January 2026. This keeps you well ahead of spring wedding season.
3 Months Before: Your Dress Arrives
What to do:
We'll complete a full inspection
Your gown will be professionally steamed
You'll come in for your first fitting
We'll discuss your alteration plan and timeline
You can shop for undergarments, shoes, and accessories
This moment is magical. You'll finally see your dress in person and know your order is complete. Many brides describe this as one of their favourite bridal moments, this is often when the emotions hit and your dress finally feels real.
8-12 Weeks Before: Alterations Begin
What to do:
Work with our in-house seamstress team on:
First fitting: seams, straps
Second fitting: refining bodice and silhouette and hem
Third fitting: final tweaks and bustle training
Alteration budget: £300–£400+ depending on complexity
Why multiple fittings matter: Alterations aren't one-and-done. After the first fitting, your seamstress may need to refine the fit. The second fitting allows for adjustments. The third fitting is your final check. Allow 6–12 weeks for this stage to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit.
Pro tip: Bring your bridal shoes to fittings so hems are measured at the correct height.
2 Weeks Before: Final Fitting
You're nearly there.
At this appointment, we:
Make final tweaks
Practice bustling the train
Offer styling guidance
Teach safe storage and transport
1 Week Before: Collection
You're nearly there.
At this appointment, we:
Talk about how to get your dress in and out of the bag
Show you how to store her
Give you an emergency kit containing everything you might need on the day
Then you take your dress home, ready for the aisle.
What If You Don't Have Less Than a Year? Your Options
Life happens. Maybe you booked your venue recently or weren't engaged earlier in the year. Here are your realistic options:
9–6 Months Before Wedding
You'll have fewer custom options but still plenty of choice. Most designers still have availability, and you can explore both made-to-order and off the peg dresses.
6 Months Before Wedding
Tight but possible. Some designers still accept orders (with potential rush fees of 10–40%). Off the peg dresses become great options, often at reduced prices with minimal alterations needed.
4 Months Before Wedding
Off the peg dresses and ready-to-wear gowns shine here. Limited custom options, but plenty of beautiful, immediately available gowns. Alterations will be expedited, but still professional.
Less Than 2 Months Before Wedding
Emergency options exist: We've helped brides find their dress with 6 weeks' notice. It's always possible, though you'll have fewer choices and compressed alteration timelines.
Local Advice: Shopping in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire & the Midlands
If you're planning a wedding across:
Scunthorpe, Doncaster, Sheffield, Hull, Lincoln, Grimsby, or nearby areas, plus popular local venues like Hodsock Priory, Doddington Hall, Bawtry Hall, Norwood Country House, and Middleham Castle (Yorkshire), or Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire estates:
Weekend appointments book up 4–6 weeks ahead, especially during January–March (peak engagement season)
Popular designers fill quickly, so early booking gives you first pick of appointment slots
Local brides often shop with us multiple times (with friends, family, or fiancés), so if you love your experience, tell others
Bring support, but limit it to 2–3 people. Boutiques are intimate, and too many opinions can overwhelm the process
Can You Buy Your Wedding Dress Too Early?
Not really, but here's the thing:
2+ years out: Wait until 18 months out to keep your dress feeling fresh and current with your venue and season.
12–18 months: Perfect. This is the sweet spot for every bride.
Under 12 months: Act quickly, there are still options, but your choices narrow and rush fees may apply.
Your Real Bride Timeline Checklist
Month 1: Set budget and research designers
Month 2: Book appointment at preferred boutique
Month 3–4: Visit boutique, try dresses, decide. Place order and pay deposit
Month 9: Dress arrives at boutique; first fitting scheduled
Month 9: Begin alterations (first fitting)
Month 10: Second fitting with adjustments
Month 11: Final fitting and collection
Wedding day: Walk down the aisle in your perfect dress
Why Elizabeth Kate Bridal?
Our newly refurbished boutique in Lincolnshire is designed for one thing: making your bridal experience magical and stress-free.
We specialise in:
Personal consultation: One-to-one appointments mean no distractions, no pressure, no overwhelm
Expert alterations: Our in-house seamstress team has 40+ years of sewing experience
Designer partnerships: We stock Eva Lendel, Made With Love, Enzoani, Serene by Madi Lane, Rebecca Ingram and more
Local expertise: We understand the unique needs of brides across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and the Midlands
Honest guidance: We'll tell you if a timeline is realistic, or suggest alternatives that work for you
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I buy my wedding dress in the UK?
Ideally 12–18 months before your wedding date. This gives you maximum choice, time for production, and breathing room for alterations.
Can I buy a wedding dress in 6 months?
Yes, choose designers with quicker lead times (Made With Love, Serene by Madi Lane) or look at off the peg dresses. You'll have fewer custom options but plenty of beautiful gowns.
How long does a wedding dress take to arrive?
Most take 4–7 months, depending on the designer. Made With Love is typically 10–12 months;
When do alterations start?
Around 9 weeks before your wedding. Allow time for 2–3 fitting appointments and budget £300–£400+ depending on complexity.
Can I buy a dress with 2 months to go?
Yes, Off the peg dresses and ready-to-wear gowns are perfect for this timeline. We've helped brides find their dress with as little as 6 weeks' notice.
What if I want a custom wedding dress?
Custom designs take longer, typically 6–10 months. If you're customizing, order at least 12 months before your wedding to ensure timely delivery and alterations.
Final Advice From Your Bridal Team
Start earlier than you think. It removes stress, gives you choice, and keeps the experience joyful, exactly what you deserve.
Whether you're 18 months away or just 3 months, we're here to help you find the dress that feels like magic. The best dress is the one that makes you feel truly like yourself.
Wedding dress shopping should feel magical, not stressful. When you start early, you have more choice, enjoy the process, avoid rush fees, get time for thoughtful alterations, and feel relaxed and confident on your wedding day.
Ready to Begin Your Dress Journey?
Book your private, one-to-one appointment with Elizabeth Kate Bridal today. Let's find your perfect gown, stress-free.
📞 Call us:01724 645058
📧 Email: hello@elizabethkatebridal.co.uk
🌐 Book online: Appointments | Elizabeth Kate Bridal | Crowle Scunthorpe
📍 Visit us: 128 High Street, Crowle, DN174DR
Elizabeth Kate Bridal - Where every bride finds her magic.
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