Continuing our Bridal Gown 101 Series: Let's talk ORDER TIMELINES
We highly recommend having your wedding gown secured 10-12 months ahead of your wear date. The average time it takes for a wedding gown to be constructed is right around six to eight months. Now, don’t panic -- sometimes we can secure a gown that is readily available in your specific size and color directly from the designer’s manufacturing headquarters, which will cut the transit time down significantly. However, you’ll want to plan ahead just in case your gown does need to be made to order and/or customized. Customizations can include adding design elements such as sleeves, additional lace and/or beadwork, etc. Many of our designers offer ready-to-order customizations, but our amazing seamstresses in alterations can also work some magic for your gown too if needed.
On that same note, you’ll want to order your dress in plenty of time to allow for alterations. Most brides will need to add a bustle for the train and have their hems and/or shoulders taken up just a bit right out of the gate, depending on their natural height and the heel height of their shoes. Some brides may also need a little tweaking in the shoulders and/or side seams as well.
No matter the extent of the alterations needed, we recommend setting your first fitting appointment to be no less than eight weeks prior to your “wear date” to account for any ancillary modifications that may need to be completed in time for your big day. If you are having portraits done in advance of your wedding date, just make sure to book your first fitting eight weeks prior to the date of that photo shoot.
For example: if your wedding date is November 7th and you’re not doing portraits before then, you’ll want your first fitting scheduled for September 3rd (eight weeks prior to your wedding date). Back out your “say yes to the dress” appointment date about eight months, and your bridal gown shopping should take place no later than February 5th. So, if you’re reading this, it's after April 9th and you’re one of our fabulous Fall brides who has yet to order her gown, NOW is the time to book your appointment to find and order your perfect dress! And try not to worry if you’re a little behind, we’ll do everything possible to get your dress delivered in time. For all of our brides with weddings further out, don't lose any beauty sleep worrying about delivery dates and simply book an appointment to find your dress 10-12 months in advance of your wear date! :)
As always, feel free to give us a shout at 910-471-4212, info@camilleswilmington.com or via Facebook and Instagram with any questions! To book your appointment, simply visit our website and we'll make sure that ordering your dress is the least of your worries!
XoXOxO,
Your #bridalbestie