The Best Time to Begin Your Search for the Perfect Wedding Dress

You’ve said yes to the proposal, picked a date, and booked a venue. Now comes the fun part: finding your dream wedding dress! But when should you start looking for your wedding dress, and how long does it take to get one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this guide for brides.

The Ideal Timeline

The ideal timeline for wedding dress shopping is to start about one year before your wedding date. Because made-to-order wedding dresses typically take about six to nine months to create, it's actually a good idea to head to the bridal shop sooner rather than later. This will give you enough time to browse different styles, book appointments, try on dresses, and order your gown. Wedding dresses typically take several months to be made and shipped, so you want to avoid any last-minute stress or rush fees.

Aside from the fact that it may take you some time to find the one, you'll need to perfectly time your three (yes, three) fittings, allowing for custom alterations, and then some more custom alterations (your well-tailored dream dress isn't made overnight, mind you). However, thanks to the modern, evolving wedding industry, this dress shopping itinerary is hardly set in stone (breathe a sigh of relief, time-pressed to-be-weds).

Above is a traditional gown timeline for brides with over 12 months left until the wedding. Maybe you have a shorter engagement or a change of plans. In that case, you still have some options for finding your wedding dress in a shorter time frame.

Off-the-rack dresses: These are dresses that are already made and available in the store. You can buy them on the spot and take them home the same day. You may still need some alterations, but you can save time and money by skipping the making and shipping process.

The Tips

No matter when you start looking for your wedding dress, here are some tips to make the process easier and more enjoyable:

• Do your research: Before you book an appointment, browse online or in magazines to get a sense of what you like and don’t like. You can also check out the websites of the bridal salons you want to visit and see what brands and styles they carry.

• Be open-minded: Even if you have a clear vision of your dream dress, don’t be afraid to try on different styles and silhouettes. You might be surprised by what looks good on you and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

• Trust your gut: Ultimately, the only opinion that matters is yours. Don’t let anyone pressure you into buying a dress that you don’t love or that doesn’t fit your budget. When you find the one, you’ll know it.

Hope this helps you find your perfect wedding dress. Happy shopping!

Is it Worth Buying a Wedding Gown? A Comparative Look at Renting vs. Buying

Renting or buying a bridal gown is a major decision for many brides-to-be. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your personal preferences, budget, and wedding vision. 

Renting a Bridal Gown

Renting a bridal gown is a convenient and affordable option for brides who want to save money, time, and space. Here are some of the benefits of renting a bridal gown:

• You can wear a designer gown for a fraction of the cost. Renting a bridal gown can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars, compared to buying a new one. You can also access a wider range of styles and sizes within your budget.

• You don’t have to worry about storage, cleaning, or preservation. After your wedding, you can simply return the gown to the rental service. You also don’t have to worry about finding space for it in your closet or attic.

• You can be more flexible and adventurous with your style. Renting a bridal gown gives you the opportunity to experiment. You can also change your mind easily, if you find a better option later. You can also rent accessories, such as veils, jewelry, and shoes, to complete your look.

However, renting a bridal gown also has some drawbacks, such as:

• You may have limited options and availability. Depending on the rental service you choose, you may not find the exact gown you want, or it may not be available on your wedding date. You may also have to compromise on the quality, condition, or fit of the gown, as it may have been worn by other brides before you.

• You may not have the sentimental value or the heirloom potential. If you rent a bridal gown, you won’t be able to keep it as a souvenir or a memory of your special day. You also won’t be able to pass it on to your daughter or another family member in the future, if that’s something you value.

• You may have to pay extra fees or penalties. Renting a bridal gown may involve additional costs, such as shipping, insurance, damage, or late fees. You may also have to follow strict rules and policies regarding the return, alteration, or cancellation of the gown. You may also be liable for any stains, tears, or other damages that occur during your rental period.

Buying a Bridal Gown

Buying a bridal gown is a traditional and sentimental option for brides who want to have a unique and lasting experience. Here are some of the advantages of buying a bridal gown:

• You can have a custom-made and tailored gown. Buying a bridal gown allows you to choose the style, fabric, color, and details that suit your personality and taste. You can also have the gown altered to fit your body shape and size perfectly. You can also add your own touches, such as embroidery, lace, or beads, to make it more personal and special.

• You can have a memorable and emotional journey. Buying a bridal gown can be a fun and exciting process, as you get to shop with your friends, family, or wedding planner, and try on different dresses until you find the one. You can also have a meaningful and emotional moment, when you say yes to the dress, and feel like a bride for the first time.

• You can keep the gown as a keepsake or a legacy. Buying a bridal gown means that you get to own it forever, and cherish it as a reminder of your wedding day. You can also preserve it, and display it in your home, or store it in a safe place. You can also pass it on to your daughter or another loved one, and share your story and your love with them.

However, buying a bridal gown also has some disadvantages, such as:

• Buying a bridal gown will cost more than renting, as you may have to pay a high price for a new or a designer gown, and also for the alterations and preservation.

• You may have to face the risk of regret or disappointment. Buying a bridal gown means that you are stuck with it, even if you change your mind or find a better option later.

Conclusion

Renting or buying a bridal gown is a personal choice that depends on your preferences, budget, and wedding vision. Both options have their pros and cons. More importantly is your feelings, values, and goals, and choose the option that makes you happy and comfortable. After all, your bridal gown is not just a dress, but a symbol of your love and your celebration.

Traditional Wedding Dress Fabrics and Why They're Popular

Know the fabric terms when shopping for your dream wedding dress

Not all wedding dress fabrics are created equally. Some fabrics are better suited for structured designs, others are great for flowing, light looks, and others for larger-than-life ballgowns. Here we talk about the six fabrics most often used to create wedding dresses and why they work.

1. Satin

It's a common misconception, says Hall, but "satin" is not a fiber. It's a finish. You can have satin that's made of pure silk, all polyester, or a blend. The same is true for lace, tulle, taffeta—almost any fabric. In general, fabrics made from natural fibers breathe better, but they can also be more expensive or wrinkle more easily, thus the rise of blends and synthetics.

Satin is one of the most common, most versatile, and most durable wedding dress fabrics. Satin has a smooth finish with a lot of body, making it perfect for more structured gowns. It's a supportive fabric that works with every body type and is a good choice for ruched, draped, and ball gown styles. Most bridal satin tends to be 100 percent silk.

Because satin tends to be a thicker fabric, it's also a good choice for cooler weather weddings, particularly duchess satin.

2. Charmeuse

Charmeuse is a light, rich fabric with a lovely drape and a glossy sheen. It is usually made of silk, but can also be made from synthetic fibers. "Charmeuse has a gorgeous liquid effect that's slinky, but it's not so forgiving". Most often cut on the bias (diagonally across the grain to encourage it's drape) and used in column dresses, charmeuse is incredibly luxurious, but it does show every flaw.

3. Chiffon

Incredibly sheer and lightweight, chiffon is a light woven fabric. Because it's so sheer, it's often used in layers or as an overlay for a more substantial fabric. This delicate fabric has a floaty, weightless look, but it does fray and snag easily.

4. Organza

Organza is a sheer, lightweight woven fabric traditionally made from silk. Organza, however, is much stiffer than chiffon. Whereas chiffon drapes, organza is more structured, though still light and ethereal, making it perfect for warmer weather weddings. It, too, is a very delicate fabric, so watch out for snags and pulls.

5. Tulle

You know the light, net-like fabric that ballerina's tutus are made of? That's tulle. Tulle is sheer with on open weave that looks like netting. The fabric can incorporate lace designs, as well. According to Hall, a ball gown style made of tulle will have a diaphanous, airy feeling, but ruching it will give it more structure. Either way, it's an incredibly delicate fabric, easily snagged on jewelry.

6. Lace

Lace is one of the wedding dress materials that adds so much grace to any gown. Most often used as an overlay or detail, lace comes in a startling variety of styles. As with tulle, the open weave makes it susceptible to snags. Lace is typically named for the city where it was originally produced. Some of the more popular varieties of lace are:

• Chantilly: a very detailed, open lace with a defined border

• Alençon: a lace featuring bold motifs on the net, and trimmed with cord

• Venise: a heavier and more textured lace that is often used in winter weddings

Other Wedding Dress Fabric Types

While you can find other fabrics beyond satin, charmeuse, chiffon, organza, tulle and lace, these are the most traditional fabrics used for wedding dresses. Interest in certain types of silk (mikado, radzimir, and gazar) is on the rise. Notably, gazar is what Kate Middleton's wedding dress was made from. Other hot trends for wedding dress material types include creative and artistic tattoo and laser-cut laces, which nod to the traditional while still being fresh and modern.