Three women sitting on a cushioned bench, smiling and holding wine glasses, while a fourth person pours a drink, in a cozy room with a modern clock on the wall.

Why you should start your wedding dress search 12–18 months before the big day!

If you're newly engaged and wondering when to start shopping for your wedding dress, the answer might surprise you! 12 to 18 months before your wedding day is the ideal time to begin.

While it may seem early, there’s a very good reason behind it and we’re here to break it down for you. From designer timelines to fittings and alterations, finding the one is more of a journey than most brides realise. That’s why we always recommend starting early and why we’ve created a full breakdown of what to expect in The Dotty Dress Journey.

The image shows the exterior of the Dotty bridal boutique. The building is a charming, two-story structure with a white facade. The boutique's name, "Dotty," is prominently displayed in elegant black lettering on the upper portion of the building and above the entrance. There are two large windows on the upper floor, with one of them featuring a small, decorated window box. The ground floor has large display windows on either side of a central entrance door, showcasing bridal gowns and accessories. The boutique's door on the right side has a decorative wreath hanging on it, adding a welcoming touch. The overall appearance of the boutique is stylish and inviting, with a modern yet classic design.

Firstly, Designer lead times.

At Dotty Bridal, we work with incredible designers who produce each gown to order. Once you've said “yes” to your dress, it typically takes 6–9 months for it to be made and shipped. This is couture craftsmanship and each and every detail of your gown takes time! 

Secondly, delivery & buffer time. We build in a buffer to account for any international shipping delays, custom adjustments or designer backlogs. This ensures your dress arrives stress-free, giving you breathing room before your final fittings.

Thirdly, alterations take time. Once your dress arrives, you’ll likely need 2-3 fittings over a few months to ensure your gown fits like a dream.

Finally, Avoid the rush fee. Ordering late often means paying rush fees, limiting your choices, or sacrificing the gown you really want. Shopping early keeps your options wide open and your budget intact.

Woman in a black polka dot dress assisting a bride with her intricate lace gown, in a bright room with light curtains and a champagne glass in the bride's hand.

We believe the experience should feel just as magical as the dress itself. That’s why we walk you through every step in our guide, The Dotty Dress Journey. You’ll find everything you need to know, from the first appointment to the final fitting and how to prepare at each stage.

What if I have less than 12 months? Don’t panic! While we recommend 12–18 months, we do offer off the peg options at our Peggy Bridal store and select gowns at Dotty with quicker turnaround times. The best thing to do? Book an appointment with our team and we will help you find your dream dress, no matter your timeline!

Your wedding dress isn’t just another item to tick off the list, it’s the centrepiece of your day, the one thing you’ll remember in every photo and every moment. Giving yourself time means you’ll enjoy the process, fall in love with your dress, and avoid last-minute stress.

So, if you’re wondering when to start your search, here’s your answer, today! Let Dotty Bridal guide you every step of the way.

BOOK YOUR PERSONALISED BRIDAL APPOINTMENT TODAY

Love from

Team Dotty

xxx

 


 

OPENING 11TH AUGUST

The News You’ve Been Waiting For…

We are SO excited to finally announce that bookings for our brand new Dotty shop in Wakefield are officially OPEN! 🥳🥳

Read more