Your Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline: From Inspiration to Alterations

bride shopping for wedding dress

Wedding planning is an exciting time filled with dreams and anticipation. One of the most important aspects of your wedding attire is, of course, your wedding gown. It’s essential to have a well-planned wedding dress shopping timeline to ensure a smooth and stress-free wedding dress shopping journey.  

Let us guide you through the various stages of the process, from wedding dress shopping tips and ideas to the final alterations. Get ready to confidently say “I do” to your dream gown. 

Benefits of Having a Wedding Planning Timeline  

A wedding dress shopping timeline offers numerous benefits that can help make the experience more enjoyable and organized. Here are a few advantages:  

  • Enjoy the Moment: By having a clear plan in place, you can minimize stress and avoid any last-minute panic. Knowing what to expect at each stage of the process allows you to focus on enjoying the experience rather than feeling overwhelmed. 
  • Knowing What’s Coming: A well-structured timeline ensures you are aware of the necessary steps involved in finding and preparing your wedding dress. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions and prevents any surprises along the way.  

Your Bridal Shopping Experience Timeline 

Here’s what to expect leading up to your big day: 

12-14 Months Before Your Wedding 

  • Choose Your Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on your wedding dress. This will help narrow down your options and keep you on track financially. 
  • Search for Styles You Love: Creating a Pinterest board, reading blogs and scrolling through Instagram or TikTok are just a few of the many ways to find wedding gown inspiration. From glamorous princess gowns to sleek column silhouettes, start gathering inspiration by browsing our huge selection of designer wedding gowns at True Society to find styles that resonate with your vision. Don’t forget to consider your wedding date and venue when looking for inspiration.  
  • Expect different sizing: Please note that wedding dress sizes differ from standard, ready-to-wear sizing, so don’t worry if you hear a size you aren’t used to wearing. 
  • Decide on Your Crew: Choose the people you trust and value the most to accompany you on your wedding dress shopping journey. 
  • Book Your Appointment(s): Schedule your bridal appointment at True Society. Our standard bridal appointment is 1 hour and 30 minutes with an expert bridal stylist in a private, custom-designed fitting room. 
  • Talk to Your Bridal Stylist: You’ll want to inform your bridal stylist beforehand about how many people you’re planning on bringing with you. Our True Crew can’t wait to create an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones. Here’s what to expect at your first bridal appointment. 

9 Months Before Your Wedding 

  • Purchase Your Dress: Congrats, you found your dream gown! Now it’s time to make the purchase. Keep in mind that it can take approximately seven months for your dream gown to be shipped to the store. 

6 Months Before Your Wedding 

  • Find your Dream Wedding Shoes: Begin the search for your comfortable pair of wedding shoes to walk toward happily ever after. 
  • Decide on Accessories: Start considering the accessories you want to wear, such as jewelry, veils or headpieces, for the final touches that will enhance your bridal look. 
  • Shop for Necessary Undergarments: Ensure you have the appropriate undergarments for your dress, such as bras, shapewear or slips. After all, you’ll want to look and feel your absolute best on your special day. 
wedding day bridal accessories

3 Months Before Your Wedding 

  • Schedule Your First Fitting: Arrange your first fitting with a professional seamstress to begin the alteration process. This allows ample time for adjustments to be made. We don’t offer in store alterations at True Society, but your bridal stylist is happy to recommend local seamstresses. 

6 Weeks Before Your Wedding 

  • Schedule Your Second Fitting: Attend your second fitting to check the progress of the alterations and make any necessary adjustments. 

3 Weeks Before Your Wedding 

  • Schedule Final Fitting: Schedule the final fitting to ensure everything fits flawlessly. 
  • Take your Dress Home: Almost there! After the final fitting, it’s time to take your dress home, carefully storing it until your wedding day arrives. 

Wedding Day 

On your special day, slip into your dream gown and walk down the aisle with confidence. You’ve chosen your dream wedding dress that reflects your style and personality. 

Remember, this timeline is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your specific needs. Embrace this exciting journey and revel in the joy of finding your dream dress. If you need your wedding dress rather sooner than later, we’ve got you! Check out our stunning Off-the-Rack options that you can take home with you the same day. 

Are you ready for the ultimate wedding dress shopping experience? Find a True Society store near you and book your appointment today! Gown availability varies per store.  

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