With countless styles, silhouettes, fabrics, and designers to choose from, finding your wedding dress is one of the most exciting milestones in the wedding planning process. But with so many options available, it’s no surprise that many brides feel overwhelmed and find themselves asking the same question: When should I start wedding dress shopping?
The answer is simple: earlier than you think! Giving yourself plenty of time to shop allows you to enjoy the experience, explore a variety of styles, and confidently find the gown that feels uniquely you. Keep reading for our recommended wedding dress shopping timeline, along with expert tips to help you find your dream dress!
Start Shopping Early!
The first rule of wedding dress shopping is to start early! We recommend beginning your search 8-12 months before your wedding date.
Once you say yes to a gown in our Columbus, Ohio bridal boutique, it can take 6-8 months for your dress to be made and shipped from the designer. From there, you’ll want to allow time for your Meet the Gown + accessory selection, alterations and final fittings! Starting your search early gives you access to the widest selection of gowns while allowing every step of the process to unfold naturally, making your bridal journey exciting, seamless, and stress-free.
On the other hand, if your wedding date is approaching sooner, don’t worry, finding your dream dress is still possible! Ask your La Jeune Mariee stylist about our designers who offer rush production options. Alternatively, you can ask about any off-the-rack sample options available in-store.
For an even wider selection of designer bridal gowns available to take home the same day, our sister store, Luxe Redux Bridal, is the perfect spot to visit! Their off-the-rack inventory offers a beautiful solution for brides planning on a shorter timeline, giving you plenty of time to shop around and try on different options.
No matter your timeline, you don’t want to wait too long. It’s best to give yourself enough time in case there are any unexpected delays during shipping or alterations, and helps avoid unnecessary stress as your wedding day approaches.
Don’t Overbook Your Appointments
When it comes to wedding dress shopping, more appointments don’t always lead to a better experience. In fact, visiting too many boutiques in a short period of time can make it difficult to remember the gowns you’ve tried on, and more importantly, how they made you feel. With so many beautiful options, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, leading to decision fatigue. While wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts of planning, it can also be emotionally and physically exhausting.
Instead of filling your calendar with appointments, focus on visiting 1-2 boutiques that align with your style, vision, values, and price point. Give yourself the time + space to fully enjoy each experience, trusting your instincts along the way! If you feel confident, beautiful, and can’t stop thinking about a gown long after you’ve tried it on, chances are you’ve found the one!
Consider Your Schedule and Who to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping
As you begin planning bridal appointments, consider who you’d like to share this special milestone with. While it can be tempting to invite a large group of loved ones, too many opinions can quickly become overwhelming and make the decision process more difficult. We typically recommend bringing 1-3 guests whose opinions you value most and who will support your vision throughout the experience.
Most importantly, remember the opinion that matters most is your own. Your wedding dress should reflect your personal style, personality, and how you want to feel on your wedding day.
Whether you’re planning months ahead or fitting appointments into a busy schedule, our boutique offers both weekday and weekend appointments to help make finding your dream dress as seamless as possible!
Trust Your Stylist
At La Jeune Mariee, our expert stylists are here to guide you through every step of the wedding dress shopping journey, helping you find a gown that reflects your vision and makes you feel your most beautiful!
While you may arrive with a specific style or vision in mind, we always encourage brides to keep an open mind. Our stylists take the time to understand your wedding vision, personal style and preferences, then thoughtfully curate gown selections that align with what you’re looking for while introducing possibilities you may not have considered. Some of the most memorable YES moments happen when a bride falls in love with a gown they never expected to try on.
Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline at a Glance
Every bridal journey is unique, but this general timeline can help you plan your experience with confidence:
12+ Months Before Your Wedding
- Start your Pinterest board+ begin gathering inspiration and researching designers, styles, and bridal boutiques that fit your values and style
- Schedule your bridal appointments
8-12 Months Before Your Wedding
- Say YES to your wedding dress
- Place your gown order with any unique customizations
3-6 Months Before Your Wedding
- Attend your Meet the Gown Appointment
- Select your veil + accessories
- Begin Alterations
1-2 Months Before Your Wedding
- Attend final fittings
- Refine your complete wedding day look
Your Wedding Day
- Step into the gown you’ve been dreaming of and walk down the aisle to your forever!
Ready to Find Your Dream Wedding Dress?
Wedding dress shopping is one of the most memorable parts of your engagement + bridal journey. With thoughtful planning, an expert stylist by your side, and plenty of time to enjoy the process, you’ll be able to find the perfect gown that makes you feel the most beautiful version of yourself.
Now that you know when to start wedding dress shopping, it’s time for the fun part! Tap the button below to view upcoming availability + secure your bridal appointment. We can’t wait to see you there!
More tips:
How to Prepare for Wedding Dress Shopping
4 Wedding Dress Shopping Misconceptions