How long before a wedding should you look for your dress?

We have wedding dresses and accessories in every store, with brand new designs arriving every week. Then, once you've found The One, you can take your dream dress home the very same day! So, whether you have three years, three months or just three days before the big day, you’ll be able to walk down that aisle in a dress you absolutely adore.

Buying a wedding dress

According to our most recent WED2B Wedding Survey the majority of brides shop for their wedding dress between nine and 18 months before their wedding day. So, about a year before the big day is the perfect time to start having some dress shopping fun…

12 months to go

Now is the time to get inspired! Start by creating a ‘Buying a Wedding Dress’ inspiration board, using magazine cuttings, Pinterest, wedding websites and more. Think about the style or theme for your day too. Will the dress you want fit in with the overall feel? Also, don’t be afraid to consider shapes and designs that are different from your usual look. Lots of brides end up choosing a totally different style to the one they planned, so be brave!

11 to 9 months to go

About 11 to 9 months before the big day is the perfect time to hit the shops, and this is where we come in. There is currently no need for an appointment at WED2B stores in England (check here for the latest updates on all locations), so feel free to visit whenever you like. Each of our stores has a huge variety of dresses in all shapes and sizes for you to try on, in your own time. There are also large comfortable changing rooms for you and four of your besties to hang out in. Plus, you’ll be able to share your experience via our in-store selfie stations too. These allow you to virtually invite more of your loved ones to join you when you’re buying a wedding dress.

Advice from the experts…

Make sure you read our top 10 wedding dress shopping tips before you go, to get the most out of your visit. Our expert bridal consultants will be right there with you too, lending a hand and offering advice on accessories and bridal shapewear, so your final look is just perfect in every way. Our staff can also give you a list of local seamstresses, should you need any alterations. Finally, when you do find ‘The One’ you can take it home with you the very same day!

Don’t forget your maids

Once your dress is sorted it’s time to think about your maids, too. About six months before the wedding is roughly the right time to start shopping for your maids' outfits and we have a huge range of bridesmaids’ dresses in a selection of beautiful colours for just £79.99 / €89.99 each. Each dress is made to order and will be ready to collect in up to 12 weeks. Remember to take a peek at our super cute flower girls' outfits too, they’re just adorable!

Short on time?

Taking a whole year to create mood boards and try on dresses is fabulous, but not everyone has that luxury. If you’re having a short engagement or there’s been a last minute hiccup with another dress, then we can help. At WED2B you can leave with an absolutely stunning dream dress - and all the essential accessories - the very same day. So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch!

More essential planning tips…

For more wedding dress timeline advice, make sure you take a look at our essential wedding planning checklist too, which has everything you need to think about, right up until the moment when you say, ‘I do’. It's a step-by-step guide to the whole process, broken down in to manageable, stress-free chunks. So, when you finally get to walk down that aisle, you’ll be feeling cool, calm and absolutely gorgeous!

Ready to think about buying a wedding dress? Then click here to start the search! Try on your favourites and get expert advice at your nearest WED2B store (you’ll find the latest safety information here) or, for more inspiration, head over to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter