OH MY GOSH!!! YOU SAID YES! *does happy dance*
Look at you with your “bride-to-be” self! Whew!
We know you are excited about beginning such a beautiful journey. Though marriage is the cake, your wedding day is the icing on the cake and who doesn’t like good icing?!?!
Now that you are ready to jump into the wedding planning process, one major step on your journey is finding your SPECIAL DRESS for your SPECIAL DAY! This is the dress they will remember you in forever….. the dress you will said “I do” in.
Now, there is quite a bit that needs to get done and we here at Kismet Bridal want to help to make your process a little bit easier! There are usually many moving parts in the wedding planning process and it can sometimes be hard to keep organized. This wedding dress timeline will guide you in your wedding dress process from start to finish.
By the way, if you are a bit shorter on time than this timeline allows for, don’t worry. Just jump in and get moving. Trust us, it will all come together… It always does! Let’s go!
12 Months
First things first, set your wedding dress budget.
Trust us, you don’t want to began this journey without an idea of how much you are willing to spend. Dress cost vary for quite a few reasons. Make sure you keep in mind a few things that aid in the total cost: dress, taxes, shipping, accessories- shoes, veil, jewelry, and undergarments. Also, make sure that when you are thinking through the average cost of your wedding dress, consider the market prices of your area. Here in Orlando, FL, the average wedding dress cost approximately $2000.00 before tax, alterations, and the like.
Determine the style you are looking for.
Consider your venue: is it a barn, ranch, church, the beach, indoors, outdoors? Why is this important, you ask? Imagine a beach wedding in Florida in July (think 91 degrees) in long sleeves… you get the picture.
When it comes to silhouettes, there are certain ones that may “flatter” a particular body shape better than others. However, here at Kismet Bridal, our goal is to help our brides balance between what compliments her body type and the overall look she desires. On a base level, the most common silhouettes for wedding dresses are ballgown, dropped waist, sheath, trumpet, empire, a-line, and mermaid. Keep an open mind. Why? Because sometimes what doesn’t look good on the hanger, looks great on you (and vice versa)! An experienced Kismet Bridal consultant can help you find the right dress for your budget and body type.
Choose your shopping mates.
We recommend limiting your entourage to two – five people to help keep down any confusion that may be caused by too may opinions. With that being said, Kismet Bridal caters to a plethora of “bride squad” sizes. Some brides prefer one-on-one and some brides want to make an entire event of their wedding dress search. Either way, our goal is to meet your specific needs with our one-of-a-kind Kismet Bridal VIP Experiences.
Start shopping.
Book your Kismet Bridal appointment early! Well, as early as you can. Your dress is one of the biggest “wedding day look” to-dos on your wedding planning list. Most dress purchases are not off the rack, can take months to create, and cam possibly have a series of alterations. If you are short on time, don’t worry. Let us know here at Kismet Bridal, and we will put a rush on it! Once you find your dress, it makes other decisions based on your wedding day look, that much easier. If you have pictures for inspiration, let your Kismet Bridal consultant know. That will aid us in making sure you find the dress of your dreams.
8 Months
Now is the most optimal time to purchase your dress.
If you missed the 12 to 9 month planning window, don’t worry, your Kismet Bridal representative can advise you on a few options to make sure your dress is ready for your wedding day.
When shopping for your wedding dress, many brides question if they are making the right choice.
“How will I know it is ‘the one’?’ There are 2 things that we tell most brides: One way to know, you don’t want take it off. Another way, when you dream (while sleeping or day dreaming), you can see yourself in that particular dress! At this point (if not before), stop shopping! You have found your dress!
Make sure you ask questions and read the fine print.
Need additional clarity about terms, conditions, and the overall order process? Now is the time to ask away because you will be entering into a contract when you place your order. Double check to make sure all of the order details are correct. Be prepared to put down a deposit, usually 25% – 50%, to start your dress order. Just in case your dress is ready for pick-up earlier than planned, prepared to pay your dress balance 10 weeks after your order. You know, just in-case.
5 Months
Don’t forget your undergarments!
Do you need a backless or strapless bra? a body shaper? a thong or panties with no panty lines? a petticoat? Etc.? Sometimes brides will forget these things until the last minute. At Kismet Bridal, we have essential undergarments to give your dress the extra fluff it needs. However, don’t wait to find your bra, body shaper, etc., because you will want to have them on during your alteration process. The best time to secure your undergarments is before your first fitting. This will allow for all pieces to be considered when working towards your finalized look.
Choose your hair accessories.
To veil or not to veil? That is the question! Traditionally, brides will purchase a veil to bring their entire bridal look together. Want to know more about veils? Check out this article: To Veil or Not To Veil? If you choose not to purchase a veil, no worries! It’s your day, you can do what you want (if it’s legal, lol!). If you want a different hair accessory look, consider tiaras, hair combs, hair jewels, bridal headbands, etc.
Select your shoes.
Make sure you consider a few things like your heel height and if your toes can handle it. You will be on your feet for most of the day, so keep that in mind when selecting your shoe. Oh, and don’t be afraid to trade in your heels for flats or even sneakers.
3 Months
Have your first fitting to get your dress altered to fit you perfectly.
Timing of alterations are important: Too early and you may gain or lose weight. Too late and you may not have enough time for all desired alterations. Budget between $300 – $800, depending on the alteration complexity. If you can help it, bring your undergarments and wedding day shoes (or a close match) to your fitting appointments. Remember, your dress should barley sweep the floor; you don’t want t risk tripping on fabric. Now, is also the time to consider adding sleeves, special jewels, a different neckline, etc..
7 Weeks
Want to stick with tradition?
Now is the time to find your “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue”.
This is also a good time to have your 2nd to last fitting.
Check your dress very well. Look for snags, pulls, etc. Check your wedding dress hem length with your shoes on. Now is the time to makes sure you are comfortable in your dress since you will have it on for 5 – 8 hours. Oh, and make sure your can sit without ripping a seam!
3 Weeks
Break in your shoes.
Practice walking around in them. Your wedding day is not the time to put on anything “brand new”.
If you have not already had your final fitting, do so.
If you are doing a bustle, consider bring a family member so that they can learn how to do it for you on your wedding day.
Pick up your wedding dress!
Make sure you have a place to store it where no one (except you) can take a sneak peek. If you can help it, steam your dress shortly after receiving it.
1 Day
Pack your wedding dress bag:
Undergarments (panties, bra, shaper, petticoat, etc.), safety pins, fashion tape, etc..
Pack your head piece and anything that may aid in your hairstyle should something go array. Think bobby pins, hairspray, shower cap (just in case it starts to rain), comb, etc..
Pack backup make up. Get lipstick/lip gloss close to what you will be wearing on your wedding day for touch ups.
Pack a steamer. If you prefer not to carry a steamer, you can try the bathroom shower steam trick. However, we must warn you not to let your dress touch the walls. Walls usually sweat with a room filled with steam.
Pack your shoes, jewelry and most importantly, pack your dress!
Your WEDDING DAY!
Whew! Finally, it is your big day!
Check your dress for wrinkles approx 5hrs before wear. Plan approx 30 mins for dressing, twirling, and emotional moments (because they will come!).
You did it!
Relax and enjoy your special dress for your special day!