9-12 Months Before “I Do” Get your creative juices flowing! Start by flipping through magazines and reading wedding blogs to find styles you love! Start a Pinterest board or tear out pictures to begin collecting your thoughts. Remember, don’t be too close minded when it comes to shape and style!
6-9 Months Before “I Do” Schedule your appointments! It often takes about 6 months to order a designer gown (without any custom changes)–so it’s time to start shopping! Give yourself plenty of time to order so your selection doesn’t become limited. When choosing what shops to go to–do your research! Take a look at Yelp! reviews and also consider boutiques where friends or family have purchased. You may need to call around to see if the stores carry the styles you are interested in. Don’t forget to be open and honest with your consultant (you won’t hurt their feelings if you don’t like a dress) that way they can help better assist you in finding your perfect gown!
4-6 Months Before “I Do” It’s time to pull the trigger! Now that you’ve shopped around and narrowed your choices it’s time to “say yes to the dress.” Don’t let the opinion of others sway your decision as it’s going to be YOU walking down the aisle not your entourage. Once the decision is made–you can celebrate ( I advise a nice glass of champagne). Now you can turn your attention to what your bridesmaids will wear. If you are letting them chose the style, make sure to give them a deadline!
2 Months Before “I Do” Your beautiful gown should have arrived! It will be an exciting process to finally see the dress in your size and start the alterations process. A bulk of the alterations will take place at the first fitting, which is why most salons require you to bring your shoes and undergarments. This way they can get started making sure it fits like a glove! Expect to have anywhere from 1-3 fittings prior to your big day.
Happy Shopping! XO
Halley
