Wedding Dress Timeline: When to Buy, Alter, and Preserve
Wedding dress timing can feel surprisingly high-stakes—especially once you factor in ordering lead times, alterations, and the reality of “life happening” in between. Use this timeline to plan confidently, stay ahead of stress, and make sure your dress is ready for the day (and cared for afterward).
At a Glance
- Most brides: start shopping 10–12 months before the wedding.
- Alterations: typically begin 8–12 weeks before the wedding.
- After the wedding: clean and store your dress as soon as possible—especially if you plan to preserve or resell it.
Wedding Dress Timeline: When to Buy, Alter, and Preserve
- 12–14 months out: Start browsing and save what you love. Begin collecting inspiration, noting silhouettes you’re drawn to, and getting realistic about budget. This is also a great time to learn how fabric and structure affect comfort, movement, and how a dress photographs.
- 10–12 months out: Book appointments and start trying on styles. Give yourself room to explore without pressure. Trying on early helps you narrow down shape, neckline, and fabrics—so your final decision feels clear, not rushed.
- 9–12 months out: Buy if you’re ordering new (especially designer). Many designer dresses require production time, shipping, and sometimes extra time for customizations. Ordering early protects you from delays and gives you more flexibility with fitting.
- 8–10 months out: Buy if you’re shopping off-the-rack or pre-owned. Buying pre-owned can be a huge advantage: you often skip production lead times, and you’ll have more breathing room to schedule alterations. If you’re shopping pre-owned, prioritize overall fit through the bodice—length and minor shaping are easier than major reconstruction.
- 7–9 months out: Schedule your first fitting consult and get a ballpark quote. Even if you won’t start alterations yet, a consult gives you a realistic cost range and helps you understand what changes are possible. It’s also a good time to decide shoes and undergarments, since those affect the hem and support.
- 6–8 months out: Finalize key accessories that impact fit. Shoes, shapewear, straps, and support details can change how the dress sits. If you plan to add sleeves, change the neckline, or alter the back, confirm those decisions now so you’re not scrambling later.
- 4–6 months out: Do a full try-on at home for movement and comfort. Try sitting, walking, lifting your arms, and doing a few “dance test” steps. If anything feels restrictive or fragile, note it now so your tailor can address it when alterations begin.
- 10–12 weeks out: Begin alterations (most common starting window). This is when most brides start serious tailoring. You’ll typically do 2–3 fittings, depending on complexity. Bring your shoes, undergarments, and any accessories that affect the neckline or back.
- 8–10 weeks out: Second fitting and detail refinements. Expect the dress to look “close” now—this is where fine-tuning happens (bust, waist, straps, bustle placement). If you’re adding a bustle, practice it with a trusted person who can help on the wedding day.
- 6–8 weeks out: Confirm the bustle and practice moving in it. Bustles can feel different once you’re walking and dancing. Make sure it’s secure, comfortable, and practical for your venue. Take photos or video of the bustle process so whoever helps you day-of has a reference.
- 4–6 weeks out: Final fitting (fit + hem + final comfort check). This is the “make it perfect” appointment. Walk, sit, and move like it’s the wedding day. If anything pinches, slips, or twists, speak up—small fixes now prevent big distractions later.
- 2–3 weeks out: Pick up the dress and store it correctly. Hang it in a breathable garment bag and keep it away from humidity, direct sunlight, pets, and cooking smells. If the dress is heavy, ask your tailor about the best way to support it while hanging.
- 1 week out: Do a full “wedding-day dress rehearsal” at home. Put on everything: shoes, undergarments, jewelry, veil, and any straps or tape you’ll use. Confirm you can walk comfortably and that nothing shows or shifts unexpectedly. This is also a great time to pack a small emergency kit.
- Wedding day: Protect the dress before, during, and after. Avoid makeup transfer by slipping the dress on carefully (or wearing a clean button-down while prepping). Keep stain remover wipes handy, and have someone assigned to fluff the train and manage the bustle.
- Within 24–72 hours after: Prioritize cleaning (even if it looks “fine”). Invisible stains (champagne, sugar, sweat) can darken over time. The sooner you clean, the better your chances of preserving color and fabric integrity—especially important if you plan to resell.
- After cleaning: Decide—preserve, repurpose, or sell. If you’re preserving, store it properly (cool, dry, away from light). If you’re selling, gather details now while everything is fresh: designer, size, alterations, and clear photos.
- Bonus tip: Build buffer time into everything. The calmest wedding planning happens when you plan for delays: shipping, busy tailor schedules, last-minute tweaks, and life. If your timeline feels tight, prioritize comfort and fit first—everything else can be simplified.
Common Timing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Waiting too long to start alterations: Book early—tailors fill up quickly during peak season.
- Changing shoes late: Even a small heel difference can affect the hem.
- Skipping a movement test: If you can’t sit comfortably, you won’t enjoy your day.
- Delaying cleaning: The longer you wait, the harder stains are to remove.
A Timeline That Keeps You Calm
The goal isn’t to micromanage every detail—it’s to give yourself enough time for the parts that truly matter: choosing a dress you love, tailoring it to fit beautifully, and caring for it afterward. If you plan ahead and build in buffer time, you’ll feel prepared from the first appointment to the final photo.
