When Should You Start Shopping for a Bespoke Wedding Dress?
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life — and your dress is at the heart of it. If you’ve decided on a bespoke wedding dress, you’re choosing a garment that is custom-designed to fit your style, your body, and your vision perfectly. But with such a personalised process, timing is everything.
So, when should you start shopping for a bespoke wedding dress?
Start 9–12 Months Before Your Wedding
For a fully bespoke gown, the ideal time to start is at least 9–12 months before your wedding day. This allows your designer to work with you through every stage from inspiration sketches and fabric sourcing to fittings and final adjustments.
Here’s why this timeframe works best:
Design development – Crafting a one-of-a-kind gown takes time to explore ideas, create sketches, and refine the concept.
Fabric sourcing – Luxury materials are often ordered from specialist suppliers, and some may have long lead times.
Multiple fittings – Bespoke dresses usually involve at least three fittings to achieve a flawless fit.
Peace of mind – Starting early means less stress, allowing you to enjoy the process.
What If You Have Less Time?
Not every bride has a year to plan, and that’s okay — but you should still start as early as possible. Many designers can create a bespoke gown in 6 months or less, but this may limit certain design or fabric options. Rush orders are sometimes possible, but they often come with additional costs.
The Bespoke Process: What to Expect
If you’ve never had a dress made for you before, here’s a quick overview of what happens once you book your consultation:
Initial Consultation – Discuss your ideas, inspiration, and wedding plans.
Design Proposal – Your designer creates sketches and fabric suggestions tailored to you.
Measurements & Pattern Making – A unique pattern is created for your exact body shape.
Fittings – Usually 2–4 fittings, starting with a toile (mock-up) before the real dress is made.
Final Adjustments – Ensuring every detail is perfect before your big day.
Why Starting Early Is Worth It
Your bespoke wedding dress is more than a garment — it’s an heirloom, an expression of your personal style, and a reflection of your love story. Allowing enough time means:
You won’t feel rushed or pressured into quick decisions.
You’ll have more choices for fabrics, details, and embellishments.
Your designer can perfect every element for a truly couture finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve set your heart on a bespoke bridal gown, the earlier you begin your journey, the better. A 9–12 month lead time ensures you have the space to dream, create, and bring your vision to life without compromise.
Ready to begin? Book your consultation today and start designing the wedding dress you’ve always imagined.