When Should You Start Wedding Dress Shopping?

Hey bride,

One of the most common questions we get is:
“When should I actually start shopping for my wedding dress?”

Let’s break it down - no pressure, no panic, just real talk.

The Sweet Spot: 9–12 Months Before Your Wedding If you’re dreaming of a made-to-order wedding gown, shopping 9–12 months before your wedding date is ideal. Why? Because made-to-order gowns are exactly what they sound like - once you say YES, the designer creates your dress just for you. That process takes time (and it’s worth it).

Made-to-Order vs. Off-the-Rack (The Real Difference)

Made-to-Order Gowns:
• Created in your size
• Available in the color you actually want
• Often allow for customizations (sleeves, lining, neckline tweaks, etc.)
• Take several months to produce because it’s not sitting on a rack somewhere

Off-the-Rack Gowns:
• Available as-is
• Limited to the size & color in-store
• Perfect for shorter timelines - but fewer options

Both are great - what matters is your timeline and vision.

Don’t Forget About Alterations Even the most perfect dress still needs tailoring. Plan for 2–3 months for alterations to make your gown fit like it was made for your body (because it basically was).

Alterations = the magic that takes a dress from pretty to wow.

About Rush Orders Yes, rush delivery is sometimes available - but: • It comes with extra costs • It’s not always guaranteed • Availability depends on the designer & season   Translation: rushing is an option, not a vibe. Giving yourself time = less stress, more fun.

The Takeaway

Starting early doesn’t mean committing early.
It means:
• More choices
• Less pressure
• Time to enjoy the experience (and the champagne)

Your dress journey should feel exciting, not rushed.
And when you’re ready? We’re here - cheering you on every step of the way.

With love,
The Bella Lily Bridal Team

P.S. If you’re not sure where you fall on the timeline, come chat with us - we’ll help you map it out without the overwhelm.