How Many Months Before Your Wedding Should You Start Dress Shopping?

It might be earlier than you think

Your wedding date may feel like an age away, but there are a few things that have to be decided a long time in advance if the big day is to go off without a hitch! One major detail that you may have to start thinking about soon is wedding dress shopping. A process that, unless you've been directly involved with before, can feel like a bit of a mystery.

If you're at the beginning stages of your engagement and are wondering when's a good time to start wedding dress shopping, we're going to help you plan your timeline. Ensuring that you stay on track and find the bridal dress of your dreams!

How Many Months Before Your Wedding Should You Start Dress Shopping?

Knowing when to start shopping can save a lot of stress.

A Typical Wedding Dress Timeline

We would recommend starting to wedding dress shop 8–12 months before your big day. This gives you time for:

• Finding the right boutique and trying on a good selection of dresses

• Ordering your gown (designers typically need 4–8 months for production)

• Scheduling alterations (which can take 2–4 months)

If you start the process too late, you will likely find that fittings are rushed, and paying extra for fast-track shipping is required. You may also need to compromise on the style or exact design you were looking for and instead buy off-the-peg.

Can you start bridal shopping too early? No... but keep in mind that trends and even your own style preferences might evolve the longer you give yourself.

When to Book Wedding Dress Appointments

If you’re aiming for a specific wedding dress designer, book your appointment as soon as you have your wedding date. This ensures you don't miss out on weekend appointments at your local stockist. This is especially true if your wedding is in peak season (spring/summer), as boutiques often get booked months in advance.

Don't Forget About Alterations

We often speak to brides who have totally overlooked the alterations process when putting together their timeline, assuming that either they'll be super quick or the dress will be ready to wear. In reality, you will likely need 2-4 fittings in your chosen dress, and these should be started at least 3 months before the wedding date. Popular seamstresses during peak times may need longer.

MG246 from Millie Grace

Don't Have 8-12 Months to Spare in Your Wedding Timeline?

Don’t panic. If your wedding is coming up sooner, there are still plenty of beautiful options to explore; you'll just need to adjust your approach slightly.

Many of our wedding dress designers offer rush delivery services for an additional fee, which can shorten production times by several weeks. These should be avoided, as the fees can rack up and the stress of getting something delivered and then altered in double-quick time is often unbearable. So we only recommend this only if you're desperate and prepared.

Our off-the-peg collection from Our Ivory Outlet is ideal for brides on a shorter timeline. These bridal gowns are ready to take home the same day and can still be tailored to fit you perfectly.

The key when you're short on time is to let your bridal consultant know your schedule from the start. That way, we can guide you toward dresses that can realistically be ready in time and help you plan fittings the right away.

What About Weight Changes or Fitness Goals?

We hear this a lot, and it’s totally normal to wonder. The truth is, you don’t need to wait until you’ve reached your goal size before ordering your gown. All bridal dresses are made to order based on your closest measurements, and final adjustments are handled during your fittings.

If you’re planning to tone up or lose a little weight, your seamstress can usually take your dress in by one size. Letting a dress out is trickier than taking it in, so it’s better to order the size you currently are rather than risk ordering something that will be too small.

When shopping for your wedding dress, give yourself as much time as possible. Shopping 8–12 months before your wedding means less stress, more choice, and a calm, enjoyable experience. You’ll have time to find a gown that makes you feel incredible, and you won't have to stress about getting alterations right.

Our team at Confetti & Curves can help you find the perfect plus-size wedding dress on any schedule. Whether it’s a made-to-order designer piece or a stunning sample you can take home today, we’ll make sure you walk down the aisle feeling confident, comfortable, and completely you.

Book your bridal appointment with us, and let’s start your journey to finding the dress.