Wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding! But knowing when to start and what to expect along the way can help make the process smooth and stress-free. At White Wisteria Bridal Boutique, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Follow our expert-approved bridal shopping timeline to ensure your dream dress is ready for your big day!

12+ Months: Research & Book your Appointment

Start by gathering inspiration - Pinterest and Instagram are great places to begin, along with our website where you can curate your very own wishlist! Consider different silhouettes, fabrics, and designers to get a feel for what you love.

Once you’re ready, book your bridal appointment at White Wisteria Bridal Boutique to begin trying on dresses in person!

10-12 Months: Say Yes to the Dress!

It’s time for the magic moment! By now, you’ll have tried on dresses and found the one that makes you feel incredible. Once you say yes to your dress, we’ll take care of placing your order. Designer gowns typically take 6-8 months to arrive, so ordering early is key.

Pro Tip: Bring your closest friends or family members for support, but keep your group small for a more focused and enjoyable experience.

8-10 Months: Finalize your Accessories!

If you didn’t find your accessories at the time of finding your dress, it’s time to complete your bridal look. Choose your veil, gloves, jewelry, and any other accessories that enhance your wedding day vision. This is also a great time to pick out your shoes, as you’ll need them for alterations later on!

Pro Tip: Veils can take just as long as wedding dresses to come in, so picking it out early on is key!

6-8 Months: Order Bridesmaid Dresses

Your bridal party deserves to look and feel amazing too! Start shopping for bridesmaid dresses and allow time for ordering and any necessary alterations. Coordinating colors and styles early will help everything come together beautifully. At White Wisteria Bridal Boutique, your girls can get a discount on their dresses if you bought your wedding dress with us!

3-4 Months: Wedding Gown Alterations Begin

Your gown has arrived—yay! Now it's time for alterations to ensure a flawless fit. Most brides require at least two to three fittings, so schedule your appointments accordingly. Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments to get the most accurate fit.

 Pro Tip: If you plan to do a first dance or lots of movement, practice walking and sitting in your dress during fittings.

1-2 Months: Bridesmaid Alterations Begin

With the big day approaching, your bridesmaids should also have their dresses fitted to perfection. Their dresses don’t take quite as long as your wedding dress to alter, but final alterations ensure everyone looks their best and feels comfortable with time to fix anything if needed.    Pro Tip: Have your bridesmaids bring their shoes and undergarments to fittings for a proper fit.

Wedding Day!

The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here! Walk down the aisle in confidence, knowing your dream dress fits perfectly. Enjoy every magical moment and celebrate your love!

After the Wedding: Preserve Your Gown

Your wedding dress is a cherished keepsake, and preserving it ensures it stays beautiful for years to come. At White Wisteria Bridal Boutique, we offer professional gown preservation services to keep your dress in pristine condition. Whether you want to save it for future generations or simply as a memory of your special day, we’ve got you covered!

Pro Tip: Don’t wait too long to get your gown preserved—stains and dirt can set in over time!

Planning ahead makes wedding dress shopping an enjoyable and seamless experience. No matter where you are in your bridal journey, we’re here to make the process special and stress-free.

Ready to start shopping? Schedule your bridal appointment at White Wisteria Bridal Boutique today!