How to Buy Your Wedding Dress: Timeline, Tips & Expert Advice

Buying your dress is one of the most important (and fun!) parts of planning your wedding. This buying guide walks you through when to buy your wedding dress, how to set a budget, what happens at fittings and how to choose accessories, so you can take home your perfect dream dress with zero stress.

Key takeaways: buying your wedding dress at a glance

• Aim to choose your dress by 6 months before the wedding to allow time for accessories and alterations.
• Most brides start shopping 9–12 months out, but off-the-peg options mean you can still find a dress much closer to the day.
• Build your dress budget around the gown + alterations + accessories (and plan extra if you want a second look).
• Go in with a shortlist, but try at least one “wild card” style, it often surprises brides in the best way.
• Book alterations with enough lead time, in peak season a seamstress may need up to 10 weeks.
• Do a full outfit try-on around 1 month before and practise your bustle (if you’re having one).

Your Wedding Dress Timeline: when should you start buying your dress?

When you’re buying your dress, timing is everything. As a guide, most brides start shopping 9 to 12 months before the wedding, but wed2b can help even if you’ve left it late.

12-18 months: start browsing & mood board

Time to start browsing without too much time pressure. Build a mood board, save images and styles you love and share your faves using our online Discovery Tool.

9-12 months: Start trying on

Confirm your wedding date and venue, as well as your total wedding budget. Decide on your dress budget, including accessories. 

Start trying on styles you love, that match the vibe of your day. At wed2b you can drop in as many times as you like, no appointment needed, and there are new styles arriving every week. Order your bridesmaids dresses now, too.

6 months: aim to make your final choice

If you haven’t already, make your final choice, so you have enough time to choose accessories and get any alterations done. 

6-2 months: last-minute options

Still not decided or had a last minute change of heart? No problem! At wed2b you can take home your dress the very same day, so whatever the issue it’s never too late (as this real bride found out).

1 month to go: full outfit try on & bustle practice

Try on your full outfit, work out the buttons and check you’re happy with everything. If you’re having a bustle, nominate someone to help and practice with them.

1 day: Steam and prep

Hang your dress up and steam it to help any creases fall out.

Budgeting for your dress

When you’re budgeting for buying your dress, factor in the gown itself, alterations, accessories and any second-look outfits.

Setting a realistic budget

• The average price of a wedding dress is between £1,500 and £2,500, although you can easily spend much more than that. However, at wed2b, our dresses cost between £599 and £999. So, it’s possible to buy your whole look including accessories for less than £1,000. If you want to have a second dress or plan a whole wedding wardrobe, factor that into your budget too, but allocate the largest amount of your dress budget to your main, big day look.

What's included: alterations, accessories & extras

• The cost of alterations is normally extra, unless you’re buying a custom-made dress, and can cost anywhere from £100-£500 depending on how much you want done. Every wed2b has a list of local alterations specialists who can help. When it comes to accessories, a wed2b veil starts at £49.99, while our hair accessories cost from £29.99 and our belts from £24.99. So, you can spend as much or as little as you like!

Off-the-peg vs atelier-made wedding dress

• An atelier-made dress is custom-made and handcrafted to suit your exact specifications and can cost anywhere from £5,000 upwards. Off-the-peg dresses are made in limited quantities to standard sizes and can then be altered to fit (for a much lower cost). At wed2b we’re able to offer the quality and customer experience of a traditional bridal boutique but with lower price points. Read more about our unique approach.

3. Choosing your dress style & fit

Wedding dress silhouettes explained

• Wedding dresses come in a range of classic silhouettes, from A-line to ballgown or sheath. You might already know what shape you prefer but don’t worry if you don’t. Our instore experts can find you plenty of styles to try on and help you work out the best one for you. Check out our Guide to Wedding Dress Shapes too, before you visit.

Matching your dress to your body shape & wedding style

• Your wedding dress should make you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself. While everyone’s body shape is beautifully different, what matters most is how you feel in each dress. Our stylists use their expertise to help you explore silhouettes and details that celebrate your natural shape and reflect your personal style, whether your day is vintage, contemporary, classic, or something entirely your own. If it helps, think of a few keywords that describe your day and the look you’re imagining. From there, our team will guide you through options that enhance your confidence and bring your vision to life, ensuring you feel amazing from the moment you step into the dress.

Fabrics, necklines & sleeves

• The most popular wedding dress fabrics include chiffon, tulle, Mikado and crepe, alongside plenty of lace. Each one is suited to a different wedding dress style and also different seasons. For example, luxurious Mikado can be a great choice for cooler days while lightweight chiffon often features in summery, boho designs. Read our Guide to Wedding Dress Fabrics to learn more. And, as for necklines, the enduring sweetheart is as popular as ever, but there are also strapless, halter, illusion and many more to choose from. The same goes for sleeves, which range from full-length to cute, flattering cap sleeves. The best things is to try on as many as you can to find the look you love.

Read more: Our Guide to Wedding Dress Fabrics and Guide to Wedding Dress Shapes

On trend vs timeless

It’s the eternal question, should you go for timeless or bang on trend? If you love your fashion and you’re having a contemporary wedding then go for catwalk style all the way. The very best dresses will combine on trend details with a look that lasts. However, there are lots of gorgeous classic dresses that are truly timeless, try Anna Sorrano if this is more you. 

Read more: Check out all the different styles, shapes and necklines.

4. Store visit checklist: What to expect when buying your dress

Research & inspiration

Start your dress search online to save your favourites, then bring that inspiration in-store when you're buying your dress at wed2b. Then, when you visit, we want to hear all about your perfect wedding day, so our experts can pick out a range of dresses to match. Also, be open to trying on something totally different. You wouldn’t believe how many brides end up going home with the ‘Wild Card’ dress our expert chose!

What to wear and bring to your appointment

When it comes to your entourage, most brides bring a small group of family or friends, however, you’re welcome to bring as many people as you like. Also, think about what wedding underwear you'll wear and come to store in something similar. A well fitted, supportive bra, ideally strapless, will make it easier to try on different styles and necklines. We also have heel-height platforms to stand on that will help you see how the dress will fall in shoes.

How trying on works and taking your dress home the same day

It can be rather overwhelming looking at dresses, so your bridal consultant will initially pick out four dresses you might like, based on your discussion. Although, don't worry, you can try on as many you like during your visit. 
And, while an atelier-made dress might take up to 10 months to be ready, at wed2b you can take home your dress the very same day. No stress, no fuss and absolutely no waiting!  

Read more: Experts share their wedding dress shopping secrets 

Accessories, Alterations & Final Touches

Styling your full look (veil, belts, jackets, underskirts)

The dress is the star of the show but there’s so much more to your final big day look. There are underskirts for volume, stylish lace jackets  or faux fur boleros for coverage or to create a second look and glittering belts and hair accessories for a touch of sparkle. At wed2b your consultant will give you personalised bridal styling and tons of advice on what suits your style and your dress, so have fun and try things on. And don’t miss your one chance to wear a veil, too!

Alterations timeline (when to book)

Then when you’ve found ‘The One’ we can give you a list of local alterations specialists who can make any changes you need. During peak wedding season some seamstresses might need up to 10 weeks, so make sure you leave plenty of time.

Storing your dress safely

Once you’re ready to take your dress home you need take good care of it. At wed2b you can also purchase a breathable fabric dress bag to store your dress in perfect condition or a specialist box, which is also ideal for post-wedding storage or travelling abroad.

FAQs: buying your wedding dress

How far in advance should I buy my dress?

Aim to buy your dress around 9–6 months before the big day so you have time for accessories and alterations. If you’re short on time, you can still find a dress closer to the date with off-the-peg options at wed2b.

What if my size changes after buying my dress?

Don’t worry, most wedding dresses can be altered closer to your wedding date. Your local wed2b store can recommend trusted alterations specialists who can adjust the fit so your dress feels perfect on the day.

Can I take my wedding dress home the same day?

Yes. Every wed2b store has hundreds of dresses ready to take home the same day, in a wide range of sizes and styles.

Should my bridesmaids’ dresses follow the same timeline as buying my dress?

Bridesmaids’ dresses at wed2b are made to order and typically take around 14 weeks. Ordering them around 6 months before the wedding leaves time for delivery and any alterations.

Is it cheaper to buy your dress off the peg?

Off-the-peg dresses are usually more affordable than atelier-made gowns and can still be altered to fit beautifully. At wed2b, most gowns cost between £599 and £999, leaving room in your budget for accessories.

7. Why Choose wed2b for Your Dress Shopping

Now you’re ready to start your dress search, your first stop should be wed2b! With 59 stores across the UK and Europe, your nearest one won’t be far away.

You’ll love..

• No appointments: There’s no need to book, just come whenever you like and bring your friends, as there’s plenty of room in our spacious changing rooms.
• Hundreds of dresses in every size and style: Every wed2b store has hundreds of dresses in sizes 8 to 30 ready for you to try on, with new designs arriving every week. 
• Expert advice: What’s more, our consultants really are the experts when it comes to styling advice. They won’t only find you your dream dress, they can also suggest underskirts, jackets, veils and so much more to curate your entire look. Why not chat to them online today?
• Designer quality at affordable prices: Our gowns cost between £599 and £999, with budget-friendly accessories to match.
• No waiting: And, last but not least, what’s even better than finding your dream dress? Taking it home the very same day! If you're buying your dress at wed2b then you can take it home straight away. No stress, no fuss and no waiting.

So why not start your dress search now? Buying your dress really is one of the most exciting parts about planning a wedding, and the earlier you start the less pressure there is. To inspire you, here are some of our best-selling designs and here’s how to find your nearest wed2b store. You can also read more about what to expect when you visit. Have fun and we can’t wait to see you soon!

Buying your dress? Click here to check out all our bridal wedding dresses, then try on your favourites at your nearest wed2b store. Here’s what to expect when you visit, too. Lastly, for more inspiration, check out our Instagram, Facebook or TikTok accounts.