Shopping for your wedding gown is one of the most magical (and let’s be honest– sometimes overwhelming) parts of planning your big day! At Fiancée Bridal Boutique, we want every bride to have the best wedding dress shopping experience possible. We’re here to be your guide and your cheerleader. We want you to feel excited, prepared, and totally confident as you begin dress shopping. So here are a few things to know that will help you walk through our doors ready to say “YES” to your dress!
Sizing Works Differently (and That’s Ok!)
One of the biggest surprises for brides is that wedding gown sizing is very different from regular clothing. A wedding dress size may run two to three sizes higher than your usual jean or dress size. Remember, the number on the tag doesn’t matter—it’s about how the gown makes you look and feel the moment you put it on. It’s just a different size chart than you’re used to!
Choose Your Crew Wisely
Your dress shopping day is all about YOU. Of course, you want to share this special moment with the people closest to you—but when it comes to how many to bring, less is often more. Too many opinions can cloud your vision, and the last thing you need is to feel pulled in every direction. Instead, invite one to four trusted voices who know your style, lift you up, and celebrate you every step of the way. With the right crew, you’ll stay focused on your vision—and the vibes will be nothing short of amazing.
Timing is Everything
If you’re wondering when to start wedding dress shop, you should know that the sweet spot is about a year before your wedding. Having a year gives you the best selection, stress-free ordering time, and plenty of breathing room for alterations. But don’t worry—whether you’ve got 12 months or 12 weeks, we’ve got you covered.
Ordering vs. Off the Rack
One of the most common questions brides ask is: “How long does it take to order a wedding dress?”
Here’s the scoop: most gowns take about 4-6 months to be made and arrive at our boutique. After that, we recommend allowing an additional 2-3 months for alterations… a necessary step to ensure that your gown fits you flawlessly. Altogether, the full process usually takes around 7-9 months from start to finish.
Now, if you’re working with a shorter timeline, don’t worry! You still have great options. Our boutique carries off-the-rack gowns that are available to take home the very same day. These include discontinued designer styles (often at a discount) and carefully loved boutique samples. The bonus? You can move straight into alterations and feel that “I have my dress!” excitement without the wait.
Alterations Make the Dress Yours
Think of alterations as the finishing touch that transforms a beautiful gown into your gown. Whether you order new or buy off-the-rack, tailoring is what gives you that flawless, one-of-a-kind fit. Trust us—this step is where the dress truly becomes tailored to you.
At our boutique (and many others), we refer all alterations to outside professionals. But don’t worry—we’ll provide you with a list of our most trusted seamstresses at the time of purchase, so you’ll know exactly who to call! We often get questions about alteration costs and timelines, but the truth is that they can vary quite a bit. Choosing someone reputable with strong reviews is the best way to feel confident that pricing will be fair and the quality of work will meet your expectations. In general, the more alterations you need, the more you can expect to spend. And if your timeline is tight, rush fees may also come into play. That said, every seamstress is different, so experiences may vary!
Trust Your Heart
When it comes to choosing your wedding gown, the answer is simple: trust how you feel in it. Your gown will make you feel like the most radiant version of yourself. When you slip into the right one, you’ll notice it—you’ll light up, and something inside will just click.
If you’re torn between two styles, ask yourself: Which one feels the most like me? Your dress should reflect your essence and personality, allowing you to feel both comfortable and extraordinary. You should feel confident, beautiful, and true to who you are when wearing your gown. At the end of the day, when you can envision yourself walking down the aisle in it—that’s how you know you’ve found the one!
At Fiancée Bridal Boutique, we are here to guide you every step of the way and create the best dress shopping experience for you. Whether you’re ordering a gown or saying “YES” to an off-the-rack dress, we can’t wait to celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime moment with you!
