For any bride, hunting for the ideal wedding dress is a pivotal moment in her wedding planning process. The prospect of finding a gown that fits both personality and style is an experience like no other. So, when should you start looking for your wedding dress in London? Below is an in-depth guide to shed some light on this essential question for brides in London.
When it comes to wedding dresses, London has a reputation for hosting some of the world’s premium bridal boutiques, making it a dream destination for brides to be. But timing is a critical factor. Though the answer varies somewhat depending on personal preference and custom gown elements, a general rule of thumb is to start looking for your dress 8-12 months before your wedding day.
Eight to twelve months provides ample time to choose, order, and tailor the perfect wedding dress. This runtime accommodates for potential delays and leaves enough room for fittings and alterations. If your bridal aspirations involve a high-end designer gown, it’s wise to start the search a year in advance, as made-to-order dresses have longer lead times.
Beginning the pursuit at this point allows you to shop during trunk shows that typically feature the latest designs which could spark some inspiration for your own gown. They are often the best times to select a dress as they grant access to exclusive designs and possibly, discounts. Also, keep in mind the beauty of seasonal shopping: purchasing out of season might grant more negotiation-power on the price tag!
While starting the search this early has its benefits, one of the potential downsides includes experiencing changing preferences in fashion and style. Few things are more frustrating than purchasing a dress months ahead, only to notice a shift in taste as the wedding day approaches. To avoid this scenario, arrive at a concrete decision about the style that complements your personality and wedding theme before setting out to buy a wedding dress.
For brides with a tight schedule or an unexpectedly short engagement, don’t fret! Stock dresses and off-the-rack options allow for a faster turnaround time. In Richmond, there are many boutiques and wedding dress stores offering an array of beautiful off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased several months before the wedding. Even with these faster options, starting at least 4-6 months ahead is advised to avoid running into issues with sizing and alterations.
When choosing the ideal wedding dress, remember to factor in the time it takes to accessorize the gown perfectly. Veils, jewellery, shoes, undergarments, and even the toss-away bouquet need to complement the dress. These small yet noteworthy complements can take time to gather.
Do you aspire to wear a family heirloom or restore a vintage gown? This process may need more time than estimated. Restoration might need ample time, and so does the process of modernizing an heirloom dress to fit your style. In such cases, it’s wise to begin this process up to a year in advance.
On concluding notes, remember that the search for the right wedding dress should be a joyous journey, not a nerve-wracking ordeal. Start early enough not to feel pressured to choose hastily but late enough that your choice will stay contemporary right up until your big day. Above all, savor the journey in London’s world-renowned bridal boutiques. Despite the time you might spend hunting for that perfect dress, the moment you walk down the aisle in gown of your dreams will be unforgettable.
