When's The Best Time To Begin Shopping For Your Bridal Gown?

So you found your partner on one knee, proposing they spend the rest of their lives with you... CONGRATS (cue the happy screams and ugly crying)

This is officially one of the best times of your entire life -- also arguably the most stressful. Wedding planning is no easy feat. The good news is you're not alone.

We may be a little biased, but we believe the most important part of your wedding should be what you wear! Your bridal gown is the most important dress you will EVER wear. Your future grandchildren will see these photos from your wedding day. Bottom line, we need to be looking fabulous.

The ideal time to begin shopping for your dress is 12 - 14 months before your wedding date. DO NOT postpone shopping for your gown. 12-14 months is the sweet spot -- styles will still be trending for your wedding day, but you won't have the stress of paying rush fees to ensure your dress is delivered on time. Once you find yourself under 12 months to the wedding date, it's crunch time. Keep in mind, you need the dress in time to do alterations (at least 2 months before your wedding)! Some designers are even unable to produce and ship a gown in that time frame. Be ahead of the game and avoid unnecessary stress when it comes to shipping delays.

Luckily for you, we created the ultimate timeline to your wedding day. Utilize our timeline below to make sure you are on track to the best wedding ever.

Official wedding planning timeline:

Immediately after the proposal:

1. Celebrate your engagement!

2. Start thinking about the ideal wedding date.

3. Create a wedding specific email address

4. Join a wedding planning community (check local Facebook groups!)

5. Gather some wedding inspiration and be prepared to show it during Vendor meetings (Pinterest comes in handy!)

6. Take time to visit a few venues

7. Look into ring insurance

12-14 months before:

1. Solidify your venue and wedding date

2. Book your band/ DJ

3. Book your photographer/ videographer

4. Book your florist

5. Reserve your hair & makeup

6. Say yes to your wedding gown, dress or suit!

7. Start building a guest list

8. Begin proposing to your bridal party

9. Take engagement photos

10. Build your wedding website

11. Create your Save the Dates

12. Choose your wedding party

13. Plan your engagement party

14. Find a hotel near your venue and book blocks for your guests

15. Start a spreadsheet of guests names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.

16. Begin thinking about where you would like to travel for your honeymoon

6-8 months before:

1. Begin booking honeymoon flights, hotels, excursions, etc.

2. Make wedding website visible to guests

3. Research invitation designs and options

4. Book trials for hair and makeup!

5. Add gifts to registry

6. Enjoy bachelorette/ bachelor parties

7. Food/ cake tastings

8. Book rehearsal dinner Venues

9. Book transportation to and from the ceremony location, venue, and hotels.

10. Renew your passport!

11. Meet with your venue to discuss lighting

5 months before:

1. Send out finalized invitations

2. Pick out suiting for groomsmen

3. Book hair, makeup and nail appointments for bridal party

4. Pick out wedding bands

4 months before:

1. Start organizing venue decorations and signage

2. Organize wedding favors

3. Organize seating chart by table

4. Design seating chart board

5. Create welcome bags for guests

6. Get together a day-of timeline

7. Buy bridal accessories

3 months before:

1. Book a local photographer for your honeymoon

2. Confirm date, time, and location with ALL of your vendors

3. Meet with officiant and begin writing vows

4. Start collecting RSVP's

5. Take dance lessons

6. Confirm menus

7. Confirm wedding cake design and flavors

8. Create a playlist of songs for your DJ

9. Confirm first dance song

10. Order "getting ready outfits" for you and your bridal party

2 months before:

1. Create menus for each table

2. Send invitations for rehearsal dinner

3. Order Thank You cards

4. Begin alterations for your bridal gown

5. Write a honeymoon packing list

6. Apply for your marriage license

7. Create a list for your photographer of everyone you want pictures with

8. Finalize outfits for all upcoming wedding events

9. Finalize payments for venue and all vendors

10. Set aside money for tips for all vendors

1 month before:

1. Finalize seating chart

2. Pack for honeymoon

3. Finalize day-of timeline

4. Get manicure & pedicure

5. Treat yourself to a facial and massage (at least 5 days before the wedding day)

6. Final gown fitting

7. Deliver all decorations to the venue

8. Plan and write your wedding toast

9. Finalize vows and practice speaking

10. Invite friends/ family to write out a toast

Day of:

Celebrate, enjoy, and remember to take in every moment

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Have you gone dress shopping yet? If yes, please share with us your experience! DM us @ivory_and_main on Instagram. Your shopping story could be featured on our podcast!

If you haven't gone dress shopping just yet, check out our full website and book an appointment! We are a curvy bridal boutique that is all inclusive. No matter your size, you will fit into our gowns and look absolutely beautiful. Our stylists are excited to meet you and help you find 'The One'.

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