This is one of the top questions we get at La Mariée so it was time to dedicate an entire blog post to explain the perfect timeline for wedding dress shopping!

Ideally, you should start wedding dress shopping 12 months before your wedding date.

Yes, you read that right! 12 months before your wedding date is the ideal time to begin shopping and say yes to the dress. Now, let us explain why.

First & foremost, dresses can take 6 to 8 months to order and arrive, depending on the dress you choose. Each of our designers start creating your dress once your order is submitted, which is why it takes so long for your dress to arrive. It also makes your dress so incredibly special!

Now, I know what you are thinking, “6 to 8 months? Why do I have to shop 12 months in advance then?” and that is a valid question. You need 2 to 3 months to allow ample time for alterations. Alterations take time to make sure your dress is perfectly hemmed, bustled and fitted to your body. Giving yourself at least 2 to 3 months, means our alterations specialist has plenty of time to make everything perfect.

Now, something else we don’t like to think will happen but is possible is delays, whether that means shipping delays or the designer notices a mistake in the dress and they need to fix it before sending it to us. All those little delays are possible and giving yourself this extra time means even if these delays come up, you will be stress free because we have enough time to make sure everything is absolutely perfect for you.

Rush fees can quickly turn into thousands of dollars. Shop early to save money!

By waiting to shop, you will limit your options as some designers do not offer rush options. You will also end up spending much more money due to rush fees. Rush fees can range in price from each designer but we have seen rush fees balloon to thousands of dollars. Rush fees aren’t just for ordering the dress but also for alterations. This is because the designer and our alterations specialist will work overtime, sometimes all night, to make sure your wedding dress is perfect. This means there is additional labor involved in making your dress perfect for you.

Give yourself, the designer and your alterations specialist ample time to create your dress and you will be rewarded with absolutely no stress around your wedding dress. Weddings are stressful enough, don’t make it more stressful than it has to be! Shop at least 12 months out and have a fabulous shopping experience from start to finish.

You can start shopping earlier than 12 months if you have the time & want to start shopping!

If you have the time and want to shop early, you absolutely can! It just gives you even more time and ensures there will be absolutely no issues with your chosen wedding dress.

What to do if you are less than 12 months out from your wedding date and you have not found your wedding dress yet.

If you are less than 12 months out from your wedding day, it is time to book your appointment and say yes to your dress! You might be more limited on the dresses you can try on because not every dress can be received in time. In addition, depending on how much time you have an what dress you say yes to, you may have to pay rush fees. At La Mariée, we will strive to make sure you pay as little in rush fees as possible but it may be unavoidable depending on your timeline. If you have questions about your timeline and what is possible, call or email us right away so we can guide you on the best options, and make sure you book your appointment right away!

Styled Shoot Vendors:
Photography | Maddi Renee Photography
Planning | Joy & Honey Events
Florals | Consider the Lilies by Aubrey
Venue | The Mansion at Woodward Park