Dress Shopping 101

You’re newly engaged! Congratulations! Amidst all of the excitement, you’re probably ready to go dress shopping. While your wedding date (if you’ve even set one) may seem like it’s ages away, an important, early-action planning task is to buy your wedding dress.

Aside from the fact that it may take you some time to find the one, you’ll need to perfectly time your dress fittings allowing for alterations (and possibly even some buffer time, so you can rest extra easy). This itinerary is hardly set in stone, but here is the timeline we recommend:

After You Get Engaged

If you don’t already have a vision of your ideal gown, now is the time to do your homework. (Don’t worry, it’s the fun kind!) Start by ripping pages out of bridal magazines and scrolling Pinterest or Instagram. Whatever the aesthetic, hold onto it and bring visuals for your first bridal appointment.

Stay on track by booking bridal appointments well in advance since bridal salon’s availability is often limited and tend to fill up quickly.

After You Pick The Venue

We advise shopping for your wedding dress only after you’ve chosen your wedding venue, especially if you’re set on wearing something that aligns with your venue’s aesthetic or the season. At this time, it’s really important to start thinking about your gown and saying “yes!” at least 9-12 months prior to your wedding.

Do your best to cap your shopping crew to 3 close, supportive, and enthusiastic friends, family, or loved ones whose opinions you value most.

Do your research! It’s okay if you’re unsure of bridal fabrics, designers, or exactly what you want to wear. A great place to start is by considering your personal style, the overall aesthetic you want to exude, as well as how you want to look and feel on your wedding day. Look into each salon or designer’s selection, price points, and trunk show calendar. Your personal bridal stylist will guide you through the rest!

Ultimately, keep an open mind. You may fall in love with something that was never on your radar. That’s okay! Trust your bridal stylist, and most importantly, trust your gut.

9 Months

Narrow down your final dress choice at a bridal salon and say “yes!” Pinpoint any customizations you may want or need, pay the deposit, and account for 6-9 months for the gown to arrive.

5 Months

While you wait for your wedding dress to come in, cross a few things off your checklist.

Luckily for you, Kleinfeld has an entire in-house alterations department. Our brides don’t have to worry about scheduling alterations until their gown arrives which is typically about 2-3 months prior to the wedding. Our team will prompt you to schedule your first fitting, so you don’t have to set another reminder for yourself!

If you plan on completing alterations elsewhere, we recommend researching alterations specialists in the area most convenient to you, getting a quote, and scheduling your fittings with the seamstress who is best for you. In this case, sooner is always better! That way, your seamstress has plenty of time to prepare and account for your gown within their schedule.

Next, consider your accessories. As a rule of thumb, this is the time to solidify your veil, jewelry, shoes, and any other accessories you’ll wear on your wedding day. Explore our vast and thoughtfully-curated selection of bridal accessories located within our showroom’s lower level or during an accessories trunk show.

This is also a great time for any hair or makeup trials now that you have a specific gown and complete vision in mind.

3 Months

Guess what! Your dress is ready! Kleinfeld will contact you via phone and email to prompt you to pick your gown up or confirm shipping information. You will also confirm whether or not you’re completing alterations with Kleinfeld. If you are doing so, you will schedule your first Kleinfeld fitting then.

6-8 Weeks

It’s time for your first fitting! Please make sure to bring the shoes you’ll be wearing on your wedding day as your seamstress will begin the hem. Your fitter will also pin your dress in all of the right places. This is when the process of molding and sculpting it to your individual shape begins!

4 Weeks

At this time, you’ll have your second fitting. We recommend bringing a bridesmaid or loved one who will be present on the big day, so your fitter can demonstrate how to bustle your train.

Ensure that all accessories, including your headpiece and veil, as well as any undergarments are finalized and ready to go!

2 Weeks

Some gowns only require 2 fittings, but sometimes 3 fittings are necessary. During or after your final fitting, we suggest trying on your full ensemble from head to toe.

1 Week Before Your Wedding

At this point, you’ll be prompted to pick up your flawlessly-altered gown and pay outstanding balances including any additional alterations fees. The dress will be carefully and conveniently packaged for you. We’ll send you home with a protective, breathable, cloth garment bag to keep your precious cargo safely stored until the big day. Don’t worry! The garment bag is opaque, so no one (including your fiancé) will be able to see through it.

Before walking gown the aisle, we recommend unpacking your gown, hanging it up to air out, and gently steaming any creases or wrinkles.

If you’re hesitant to handle your dress yourself on the wedding day, please inquire about day-of bridal styling services.

On A Time Crunch?

Not all brides have this much leeway. In fact, given the circumstances, some may need their gowns in as quickly as a week. If you’re hoping to be a Kleinfeld bride, but the given timeline doesn’t apply to you, please contact our team at info@kleinfeldbridal.com. We’re here to help and happy to guide you through your options! Before doing so, we suggest educating yourself on our rush order options found within our FAQ page.

Ready to say “yes!” to your dress wedding dress? Schedule your appointment here.

Need bridal advice? We’re here to help! Read our blog here.