This Wedding
Wednesday we’re talking timelines.
Not just any timeline, but wedding attire timeline. When should you start shopping for your
wedding gown? How far in advance
should the groomsmen order their tuxedos?
We’ve got answers to these questions and more below!
Wedding
Gown
Start
shopping for your wedding gown 9-10 months prior to your wedding (if your
getting married in 6 months, go right now!). Choosing a wedding dress is the part of the wedding
planning process that brides are often most excited about, but don’t start
shopping too soon! Styles change,
as may your taste. Also, don’t
visit the bridal shops until you are ready to purchase a dress. It’s quite disheartening to try on that
perfect gown and fall head over heels in love, but walk out with nothing.
Once you’ve
chosen your dress, you should pay for and order it by 8 months prior to your
wedding date. Wedding gowns, on
average, take 4-5 months from payment to delivery. Of course, all shops and designers are different. Allow yourself ample time for delivery
and alterations. Schedule your
first fitting for 3 months out, 2nd fitting for 6 weeks out, and the
final fitting should be 2-3 weeks before your wedding date.
Bridesmaids' Dresses
Aim to have
your attendants’ dresses picked out with 8 months to go, and have your girls
order their dresses within the 4-6 month window. This will allow 2-3 months for delivery and 4-6 weeks
for alterations (allotting time for a 2nd fitting, if needed). Again, all shops are different. Some dresses may come in right away,
while some of the smaller boutiques may require more time. Check with your specific location, once
you have narrowed down that perfect bridesmaid dress.
Veil,
Shoes, Accessories
About 5
months before the big day is when you should start shopping for your veil,
shoes, undergarments, and accessories.
You’ll need your shoes and undergarments by your first fitting. Consider bringing a couple different
types of undergarments with you.
Different cut bras, shape-wear, petticoats, etc. can drastically change
the look of your gown. You’ll want
to make sure everything fits perfectly and isn’t visible with your dress on.
Groom
and Groomsmen Tuxedos/Suits
The style of
the groom’s and groomsmen suits should be chosen by 4 months prior to the big
day, and ordered about 2-3 months out.
Check with the store where the suits are being rented. Many of the bigger chains have
larger inventory and the suits can be ordered a little bit later.
