At Marrime, we believe the journey to finding the dress should feel as effortless as it looks. But one of the most common questions we hear from brides is:
“When should I start wedding dress shopping?”
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Whether you’re newly engaged or ready to dive headfirst into fittings and fabrics, this guide will help you understand the ideal timeline, what to expect, and how to plan ahead — so your bridal journey is as seamless as it is unforgettable.
The Short Answer: 9–12 Months Before the Wedding
In a perfect world, you’ll begin your wedding dress search 9–12 months before your wedding day. This gives you enough time to:
- Secure an appointment at your chosen boutique (we recommend booking yours at Marrime as early as possible!)
- Find your dream gown without pressure.
- Allow enough time for designer lead times and alterations.
- Enjoy fittings, final tweaks, and styling decisions with ease
It’s all about giving yourself breathing room — emotionally and logistically.
Need Your Gown Sooner?
You’re not alone — and you’re not out of options.
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Many of our designers offer rush cuts and priority orders, which can significantly reduce production time to between 8 and 16 weeks. Please note that rush fees apply, and options vary by designer, so our team will help guide you through the best fast-track solution for your date and vision.
What If You Don’t Have 9–12 Months?
Don’t worry — you haven’t missed your moment.
If you’re shopping on a tighter timeline, we offer:
- Rush order options on selected gowns (fees apply)
- A thoughtfully curated collection of ready-to-wear gowns available to take home the same day
- Experienced stylists who specialise in quick turnarounds without compromising on style
Explore our ready-to-wear edit and sale →
Your Personal Bridal Timeline: What to Expect
Here’s the bridal timeline we recommend for our Marrime brides:
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- 12–18 months out: Start researching and gathering inspiration
- 12–14 months out: Book your appointment and begin trying on dresses
- 10–12 months out: Finalise your gown and place your order
- 12 weeks out: First fitting and alterations begin
- 4–8 weeks out: Intermediate fittings
- 2 weeks out: Final fitting and gown collection
Don’t Forget: Styling Appointments & Accessories
Your wedding look doesn’t end with the dress — and just like your gown, many of our most-loved bridal accessories are made to order too.
We recommend booking your styling appointment around 6 months before your wedding date to allow plenty of time to curate your full bridal look. This includes:
- Veils
- Hair accessories
- Jewellery
- Shoes
- Additional bridal looks or reception styling pieces
Veils and bridal minis in particular can take 12–16 weeks to arrive if not in stock, and popular styles may sell out quickly — so the earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have.
Your stylist will help you build a cohesive, fashion-forward bridal wardrobe that reflects your style and vision — from aisle to afterparty.
Explore our bridal accessories edit →
Our Final Word?
Start when you feel ready, but don’t wait too long.
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At Marrime, we make every moment of your bridal journey feel exciting, editorial, and completely yours. If your engagement is freshly announced, now is the perfect time to start dreaming (and trying) in style.
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Ready to find your dress?
Book your bridal appointment at Marrime →
When Should I Start Wedding Dress Shopping?
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