How do you choose a wedding dress? Set your budget and timeline first, then let your venue, season and the feel of your wedding narrow the silhouette and fabric. Try on a few different shapes, including one you would never pick on a hanger, and choose the dress you can picture yourself moving, sitting and dancing in all day. This step-by-step guide walks you through the whole process, from when to start shopping to what to wear to your appointment.
How to Choose a Wedding Dress in 7 Steps
1. Set Your Budget
Decide on a number before your first appointment and include alterations, a veil or hairpiece, shoes and undergarments in the total. Alterations alone can add a noticeable amount, so leave room for them. Knowing your range keeps you from falling for a gown that does not fit the plan.
2. Start Shopping at the Right Time
Most brides start shopping about 9 to 12 months before the wedding, especially for made-to-order gowns. Plan to order by about 6 to 8 months out, and leave 2 to 3 months for alterations. Ready-to-wear and in-stock styles can work on a shorter timeline, which is helpful for courthouse ceremonies, elopements and second dresses.
3. Let Your Venue and Season Guide You
- Ballroom or black tie: structured satin, mikado or lace, often with a train.
- Garden or vineyard: soft tulle, chiffon or floral lace that moves easily outdoors.
- Beach or destination: lightweight fabrics, minimal train and a silhouette you can walk in on sand.
- City or courthouse: clean columns, sleek satin or a chic tea-length or mini.
- Fall and winter: long sleeves, heavier satin or a lace bolero.
4. Choose a Silhouette
The silhouette is the overall shape of the dress: A-line, ball gown, mermaid, trumpet, sheath or empire waist. Each moves differently and feels more or less formal. If you are not sure where to start, our guide to wedding dress styles explains every silhouette and neckline in detail.
5. Pick a Fabric
- Satin: smooth and structured with a soft sheen.
- Lace: romantic and textured.
- Tulle: light and airy, perfect for volume.
- Chiffon: flowing and breathable for warm weather.
- Mikado and crepe: crisp, modern and minimal.
6. Prioritize Fit and Comfort
Pay attention to bust support, how the waist sits, the length with your shoes, and how the dress feels when you sit, walk and lift your arms. A good alteration can fix hem length and straps, but you should feel comfortable in the dress from the start.
7. Trust How You Feel
Narrow to two or three favorites, take photos from every angle and revisit them a day later. The right dress is the one you keep thinking about and that feels like you.
When Should You Go Wedding Dress Shopping?
Start about 9 to 12 months before your wedding if you want a made-to-order gown, and no later than about 6 months if you can. Here is a simple timeline:
- 9 to 12 months before: research styles and book appointments.
- 6 to 8 months before: choose and order your dress.
- 2 to 3 months before: first fitting and alterations.
- 2 to 4 weeks before: final fitting with your shoes and undergarments.
Shopping on a shorter timeline? Look at in-stock styles you can take home right away, such as the Selma Gown in off-white, a luxe satin bustier A-line, or the Nicolette Gown in off-white, a strapless luxe satin dress with a scarf.
What to Wear and Bring Wedding Dress Shopping
Wear something easy to change in and bring the basics that help you see each gown as it will look on the day.
- Undergarments: a seamless nude strapless bra or bralette and seamless underwear.
- Shoes: heels close to the height you plan to wear.
- Hair and makeup: roughly how you plan to wear them, or at least hair ties and pins.
- Inspiration: a few saved photos of dresses you love and your venue.
- A small group: one to three people whose opinion you trust.
How Many Wedding Dresses Should You Try On?
Most brides find that trying on about 5 to 10 dresses across two or three appointments is enough to compare styles without feeling overwhelmed. Include at least one A-line, one fitted style and one fuller gown so you can feel the difference.
What Is a Wedding Dress Fitting?
A wedding dress fitting is an appointment with a seamstress to tailor your gown. The first fitting usually happens 2 to 3 months before the wedding, with one or two follow-ups. Common alterations include hemming, taking in the sides, adjusting straps, adding a bustle and adding cups. Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments to every fitting.
Popular Wedding Dress Options at Lady Black Tie
- Jillian Gown: off-white soft satin A-line with an off-the-shoulder neckline.
- Lottie Gown: a clean off-white satin A-line.
- WL018 Lace Appliqued Wedding Ball Gown: a classic lace ball gown from Andrea and Leo.
- Aurelia Gown: an off-white mermaid with crystal and pearl embellishment.
- Talullah Midi Dress: an off-white mikado tea-length style for courthouse weddings or receptions.
Planning a second look for the party? Read our guide to choosing a wedding reception dress.
FAQ
How do I choose the right wedding dress for me?
Start with your budget, timeline and venue, then try several silhouettes. Choose the dress that is comfortable, suits the setting and feels most like you.
When should I buy my wedding dress?
Ideally order your gown 6 to 8 months before the wedding, after starting to shop around 9 to 12 months out. In-stock dresses can work on a shorter timeline.
How long does it take to get a wedding dress?
Made-to-order gowns often take several months to arrive, plus 2 to 3 months for alterations. In-stock and ready-to-wear dresses can be taken home much sooner.
What should I wear to go wedding dress shopping?
Wear easy-on clothes, a seamless nude strapless bra and seamless underwear, and bring shoes at the heel height you plan to wear.
How long do wedding dress alterations take?
Plan on about 2 to 3 months with two or three fittings, depending on how much work the dress needs.
Start Your Wedding Dress Search
Browse our wedding dresses and bridal gowns, the bridal dresses collection and white cocktail dresses for shorter styles. When you are ready to choose a wedding dress, shop online or book a visit to the Lady Black Tie boutique in Hudson, MA, and try on your favorites in person.