Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline: When to Start Looking (Complete Guide)
- elizabethkatebridal
- Nov 6
- 7 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Planning your wedding and wondering when to start dress shopping? You're not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at Elizabeth Kate Bridal is: "How far in advance should I start looking for my wedding dress?"
The short answer: 12 to 18 months before your wedding day.
That might sound surprisingly early, but there's an important reason for this timeline. Finding your dream gown is just the beginning, custom production, shipping, fittings, and alterations all require careful planning to ensure everything is perfect for your big day.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the complete wedding dress shopping timeline, explain why each stage matters, and share what to do if your wedding date is approaching faster than expected.
Why Start Wedding Dress Shopping So Early?
Unlike buying a dress off the rack, most bridal gowns are made to order. Here's what that 12-18 months timeline typically includes:
Designer production time: 6-10 months - each dress is made to order just for you
International shipping: 2-4 weeks (some gowns like Eva Lendel, ship from overseas)
Alterations schedule: 2-3 fittings over 2-3 months
Buffer time: For any unexpected delays or changes
Starting early also means you'll have access to the full current collections from designers like Made with Love, Eva Lendel, and other sought-after bridal designers, without the pressure of rush fees or limited availability.
The Complete Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline
12-18 Months Before Your Wedding: Begin Your Dress Search
This is the ideal time to start researching styles and when you feel ready booking your boutique appointment. At this stage, you're exploring what makes you feel beautiful, whether that's romantic lace, sleek minimalism, dramatic volume, or vintage-inspired details.
What to do during this phase:
Research bridal designers and styles that resonate with you
Save inspiration photos (but stay open-minded!)
Book your boutique appointment - you can expect to find your dress at the first boutique if you've done your research
Bring one or two trusted people who know your style
When you visit Elizabeth Kate Bridal for your private appointment, your personal stylist will help you discover silhouettes and designers that complement your vision, body type, and wedding venue. We work with exceptional designers including Made with Love and Eva Lendel, offering everything from modern chic to breathtaking romantic gowns.
Budget tip: Starting early gives you time to save or adjust your budget if you fall in love with a gown outside your initial price range.
Say Yes to Your Dress
Once you've found "the one," it's time to place your order. Most bridal designers require 6-10 months of production time, as each dress is made just for you.
What happens when you order:
We'll take detailed measurements (this makes sure we order you the right size)
A 50% deposit is typically required to begin production
Your designer creates your gown from scratch
Production updates are shared throughout the process
Ordering during this window ensures your dress arrives with plenty of time for alterations, and you'll avoid rush fees that can add hundreds of pounds to your total cost.
Common mistake to avoid: Waiting until you reach a "goal weight" to order. Your dress can be altered, but production time cannot be rushed without significant extra cost. Order when you find your dream gown.
3 Months Before: Your Dress Arrives for First Fitting
This is one of our favorite moments, when YOUR gown arrives at the boutique! You'll be invited back to see your dress and begin the fitting process.
During your first fitting appointment, our expert in-house seamstress will assess what alterations are needed. Common alterations include:
Hemming the length
Taking in the bodice
Adjusting straps or sleeve length
Perfecting the bustle
Adding custom details or embellishments
Why expert alterations matter: A well-fitted gown is the difference between looking nice and looking absolutely stunning. Our seamstress ensures every seam, curve, and detail works perfectly with your body.
8 Weeks Before: Second Fitting and Adjustments
Your dress alterations are now underway. At your second fitting, you'll try on your gown with the initial alterations completed. This is when we fine-tune the fit and make any final adjustment requests.
Pro tip: Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments to this fitting. The right foundation pieces and heel height significantly affect how your dress fits and falls.
2-4 Weeks Before: Final Fitting and Full Bridal Look
Your last fitting is where everything comes together. The gown fits like it was painted on, and now you'll add your veil, accessories, and jewelry to see your complete bridal look for the first time.
This appointment is emotional, exciting, and absolutely magical. We'll also show you how to bustle your dress, manage your train, and move comfortably throughout your wedding day.
What to bring to your final fitting:
Your wedding shoes (broken in!)
Your undergarments and shapewear
Any jewelry you plan to wear
A trusted friend to help you practice bustling
1-2 DAYS/Weeks Before: Dress Collection Day
Your gown is ready to come home! We'll carefully pack your dress for safe transport and provide detailed care instructions. Many brides hang their gown in a safe, climate-controlled space until the wedding day.
What If Your Wedding Is Less Than Twelve Months Away?
Don't panic, you still have options. At Elizabeth Kate Bridal, we understand that not every bride has an 18-month engagement, and we're here to help.
Options for Shorter Timelines:
Ready-to-wear collection: We carry beautiful ready-to-wear dresses that can be altered and ready within 2-3 months.
Rush orders: Some designers offer expedited production for an additional fee (typically 20-30% more). We can inquire about rush availability for specific styles.
In-stock samples: Occasionally, we have designer samples in various sizes that can be purchased immediately and altered to fit.
Realistic minimum timeline: With rush production and expedited alterations, the absolute minimum we recommend is 4-5 months from first appointment to wedding day. This requires flexibility on style choices and higher costs.
Common Wedding Dress Shopping Mistakes to Avoid
Starting Too Late
The most common regret we hear is "I wish I'd started sooner." Limited designer availability, rush fees, and added stress can all be avoided by planning ahead.
Waiting for the "Perfect" Time
There's no perfect weight, perfect season, or perfect moment to start dress shopping. Begin when you're excited about your engagement, your dress can and will be altered to fit you perfectly closer to your wedding.
Shopping Without a Budget
Know your realistic dress budget before appointments (including alterations, which typically run £300-400). This prevents heartbreak and helps stylists show you appropriate options.
Bringing Too Many Opinions
Limit your appointment to 1-2 trusted people whose opinions you truly value. Too many voices create confusion and make it harder to trust your own instincts.
Ignoring Your Venue and Season
A heavy ballgown might be stunning but impractical for a beach wedding in July. Consider your venue, season, and wedding style when choosing your dress.
Wedding Dress Shopping Checklist
Before Your First Appointment:
Research dress styles and create an inspiration folder
Set a realistic budget (dress + alterations + accessories)
Book just 1 appointment at a time
Decide who you'll bring (limit to 1-2 people)
Purchase nude pants for trying on dresses
When You Find Your Dress:
Confirm production timeline with the boutique
Understand the deposit and payment schedule
Ask about alteration costs and what's included
Get everything in writing (contract, timeline, costs)
Take photos of your dress details for reference
Leading Up to Your Wedding:
Attend all scheduled fittings on time
Break in your wedding shoes before final fitting
Purchase undergarments and bring to fittings
Practice walking, sitting, and dancing in your dress
Learn how to bustle your dress
Arrange safe storage and transport
Why Choose Elizabeth Kate Bridal for Your Dress Journey
At Elizabeth Kate Bridal, we believe wedding dress shopping should be joyful, personal, and pressure-free. Your private appointment includes:
One-on-one styling consultation with your dedicated bridal stylist
Carefully curated designer collections including Made with Love, Eva Lendel, and more
Expert in-house alterations for perfect fit and comfort
Personalized timeline planning based on your wedding date
Supportive, judgment-free environment where you can be completely yourself
We guide you through every step of the process, from that first "yes" to your final fitting, ensuring your dress experience is as magical as your wedding day itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for my wedding dress?
Bridal gowns typically range from £1,399 to £3,000, with alterations adding £300-400. Be honest about your budget during appointments so stylists can show you appropriate options.
Can I order a dress online to save money?
We strongly advise against this. Wedding dresses require expert fitting, and online purchases often lack quality control, proper sizing, or alteration support. The money you "save" often gets spent fixing problems, if they can be fixed at all.
What if I gain or lose weight before my wedding?
Dresses can typically be taken in by 1-2 sizes or let out VERY slightly. Major weight changes may require more extensive alterations. This is why skilled alterations are essential.
Do I need to bring anything to my first appointment?
Just an open mind! We provide everything you need for trying on dresses. For later fittings, bring your shoes, undergarments, and accessories.
How long do appointments take?
First appointments typically last 90-120 minutes. Fitting appointments are usually 30-45 minutes each.
Ready to Start Your Dress Journey?
Your dream wedding dress is waiting, and we'd love to help you find it. Whether your wedding is 18 months away or just around the corner, our team at Elizabeth Kate Bridal will create a personalized plan to make your dress dreams come true.
Book your private appointment today and let us guide you through every step of this magical experience.
Elizabeth Kate Bridal
128 High Street, Crowle, DN174DR
01724 645058
Looking for more wedding planning guidance? Read our related articles:
Comments