Shopping for your wedding dress is undoubtedly one of (if not THE) most exciting parts of wedding planning! It’s fun, but can feel a little overwhelming if you’re not 100% sure where (or when) to start looking. We’ve created your wedding dress timeline below so you can start planning the shopping appointment of your dreams:
12-14 MONTHS
Twelve months before your wedding day, look up some designers and styles that you love. It’s important to set your budget at this time too (and stick to it!) Remember to set aside some money for your accessories, like a veil, shoes and jewellery. Decide who will attend your appointments with you – it’s a good idea to include family members and supportive friends, but leave your overly opinionated cousin at home. We suggest setting your appointment no sooner than 10 months out so you have enough time to find your dream gown! RELAX and enjoy your bridal appointments! Don’t be under pressure to cry or scream like you see in the movies, not everyone does, but there is a feeling you get when you find THE one, You will know! Be guided by how YOU feel in the gown!
2 of Jeutonic’s amazing collections are Essense of Australia & Stella York.
8-12 MONTHS
Uninformed brides might think bridal shops stock every designer and style in sizes 0-36, but that’s not the case! It takes about 6 months to order the dress, then another 2-3 months for completing fittings & alterations, so give yourself plenty of time to work with your retailer. Note that when you find THE dress, you’ll pay usually 50% -60% deposit to order it at that point, this is the case in Jeutonic, but some shops may charge you the full price then.
6 MONTHS
It’s time to complete your vision! Start shopping for accessories, jewellery and shoes. Don’t forget your preferred undergarments either! Consider strapless bras, body-shapers and underwear as these all play into the overall look and fit of your gown. Shop for comfortable footwear. If you choose to wear heels for the ceremony, it’s a good idea to pack wedges or flats as a backup for dancing the night away (no bride should be in pain on her big day!).
2-3 MONTHS
It’s time start your fittings! This is a great time to begin your alterations – you don’t want to go too early or late as any fluctuations in weight can leave you with a dress that doesn’t fit properly. Bring EVERYTHING – your shoes, your undergarments, your hair accessories. This is the time to see your bridal look come to life! Alterations can cost anywhere between €100 - €300 so be prepared and make sure you have money set aside in the budget for this. Also, this is a great time to have your hair trial so you can try on the gown and see the overall finished look together!
4-6 WEEKS
Schedule your second fitting. This is for those final tweaks. Practice walking in your dress and heels to ensure the length is just right (it should barely sweep the floor and you shouldn’t trip!)
1-2 WEEKS
Time to pick up your gown! You’ll attend your final fitting to ensure it’s perfect and learn how to bustle your dress for the reception. Keep your gown stored in a garment bag and keep it out of harm’s way.
THE Day
Slip that gorgeous gown on and go get married! Schedule about 30 minutes with your bridesmaids to get the dress on, buttoned or tied up and photographed. Breathe, relax and relish the moment you’ve been waiting for!
AFTER
Ask your bridal shop for wedding dress preservation recommendations. You can have it cleaned, boxed and stored for years to come or you can sell/donate it so it can make another bride’s dream come true.