How early did you buy your dress?

SaLoGo

I've only just got engaged, but we have started making firm plans already. We're viewing 5 venues at the weekend and hoping to have set a date by the end of next week. We're looking at summer 2013. We've said that we're just going to get the venue booked then start planing the rest in the new year as we've got loads on in next few months like my birthday weekend away, a holiday abroad and xmas etc (all in the space of 5 weeks!).

I (as I'm sure most brides have) have already been looking at dresses. I've got a good idea of what I want and the budget I have. I'm lucky that my weight is stable (although I know things do change!).

Is 18 months before the wedding too early to start looking and trying on? There's at least 3 shops I want to look at and after getting married in a dress I hated last time I want to take my time and pick my dream dress.

When did you start (physically, not just browsing websites) looking for a dress?

tfutcher

I got engaged in Feb 2011 and getting married July 2012. I got my dress in March 2011. I am like you and have a stable weight so was confident that my body would not change dramtically.

I think it depends on the individual when they want to go dress shopping. I knew what I wanted and so decided to look as soon as a date was set.

SaLoGo

Thanks for that, I just worry I'm getting too ahead of myself! I also worry about the dress being sat that long IYKWIM. I know I could steam out any creases and make sure it's stored properly.

I'm just glad I'm not planning any babies! My best friend had her wedding planned 2 years in advance and by the time she got married her youngest was only 11 weeks old! She didn't fit in her dress until 2 weeks before the wedding!

sharpee

We got engaged Christmas 2010, started looking at venues Feb 2011 for a Feb 2012 Wedding. Dress shopping March 2011 and bought my dress April 2011. I'm glad I didn't leave it longer as my dress was on a 5-6 month lead time:eek:

My dress came in in July and I tried it on in August but keep seeing loads of gorgeous dresses and worry they are nicer than mine:( So I am glad I didn't buy it too far in advance.

I guess its up to the individual

tfutcher

Funny you mentioned babies. I am now five months pregnant and will have roughly 4/2 months to lose any baby weight (of which I have gained a stone already). Am not to worried though.

I am glad I got my dress early though as have no worries about company going bust or anything like that.

Jewelleryfan

I bought my dress a few weeks ago and I'm not getting married until august 2013 :rotfl:
It was such a bargain and perfect dress for me I had to get it :j

emz118

I got engaged last August, and started looking at dresses in shops 3 weeks later!!!
I have been to about 10 shops in various places, tried on far too many dresses, had a complete panic that I would never ever find "the one" then in July I bought my dress for my April wedding.
A bought the sample as it was my size and LUSH and can be taken in if I do lose weight.
It is being stored at the shop (no cost) and will be steamed before I collect it (also no cost.)
I have nowhere to store it at home, so that worked for me.
Also, when I had a little wobble a few weeks back I was able to go and try it on again and settle my nerves and sleep soundly again!

SaLoGo

I'm dying to go try some on now, but am so busy for the next 8 weeks so will make myself wait til after xmas. At least I'll have something to look forward to instead of the usual post xmas blues I generally have lol

sugarwalsh

Congratulations! How exciting for you.

Personally I would wait until much closer to the time - about 8 months before! In July we decided to get married in March. So far I have bought 1 x second hand dress - not bridal, 1 x bnwt second hand short bridal and now I have decided on a massive 'real' wedding dress from the sample rail. (I also now have to sell the two other dresses to recoup some of the cost of the larger one!) They all differ in shape/style! The main reason for me changing my mind is not really knowing what I wanted and not knowing where the venue was. I would suggest choosing that first, it may change the 'feel' of the wedding you want.

Megan

lisajane8482

I bought my wedding dress last month and I'm not getting married until July 2013.

I ordered mine from China so I ordered it early incase it was not what I wanted. Luckily for me I love it and have saved a fortune, but not everyone has the same experience.

SaLoGo

sugarwalsh wrote: »

Congratulations! How exciting for you.

Personally I would wait until much closer to the time - about 8 months before! In July we decided to get married in March. So far I have bought 1 x second hand dress - not bridal, 1 x bnwt second hand short bridal and now I have decided on a massive 'real' wedding dress from the sample rail. (I also now have to sell the two other dresses to recoup some of the cost of the larger one!) They all differ in shape/style! The main reason for me changing my mind is not really knowing what I wanted and not knowing where the venue was. I would suggest choosing that first, it may change the 'feel' of the wedding you want.

Megan

We've got 6 venues to look at this weekend and I agree that the venue will have an impact on the dress... don't want a huge dress and train the there's not much space!

Hoping to have set the date by the end of next week