Sooner than you think. Because most gowns are made to order, allow at least eight months between placing your order and having a fully altered dress — four to six months for production, plus around eight weeks for alterations with a seamstress we recommend. Starting your appointments twelve to eighteen months before the wedding gives you the most relaxed, enjoyable experience. And if your date is closer than that, do not panic; there are still strong options.
The short answer
Most wedding dresses are not sitting in a warehouse waiting to be shipped. When you choose a gown from one of our designer collections, it is made to order specifically for you, and that production typically takes four to six months depending on the designer and the season. Add alterations and you are looking at a minimum of eight months between order and a dress that is fully ready. That is why we always recommend ordering at least eight months out. Many of our brides order twelve, eighteen, or even twenty-four months ahead — not because they are anxious, but because they found a dress they loved and did not want to risk it no longer being available.
”But am I too early?”
Please do not feel embarrassed for thinking about your dress soon after getting engaged. There is no such thing as too early. The earlier you begin, the more options you have, the less pressure you feel, and the more time you have to enjoy it. If you have not yet fixed a date, it is still worth coming in — you can try dresses, discover what you love, and get a feel for styles without committing to anything. You are gathering information in a beautiful space with someone who genuinely wants to help.
”Am I too late?”
This question comes with more anxiety attached, and we understand why — but before you panic, let us tell you what is actually possible. If your wedding is in the next three to five months, a standard designer order may not be the right route, and that is where our Ready to Wear collection comes in. We hold hundreds of gowns in store, many available to take away with relatively short notice. They are not second choices or compromises; they are beautiful, full-quality designer dresses that happen to be available now. Tia Butler came to us with just three months to spare after cancelling a previous order, and with Gemma’s help found something she loved even more — with time to breathe.
The risk nobody warns you about
Here is something that does not get talked about enough: designer discontinuation. Bridal designers, like any business, can go into liquidation or discontinue specific styles without warning. Louise had her heart set on a particular dress, only to find the designer had gone into liquidation before she could order. Kerri stepped in immediately: “Kerri was totally amazing and straight away helped me find a dress that was even more beautiful.” The story ended happily, but the lesson is clear — a dress you have ordered is yours; a dress you are planning to order someday is vulnerable.
Wherever you are in your planning, we meet you exactly there — whether you have a folder full of inspiration and a date locked in, or you have just got engaged and have no idea where to begin. Our appointments are ninety minutes, free, and designed to feel like an afternoon with people who genuinely care. Call us on 01206 577756 or book your appointment. Browse the bridal collection.