Last Updated on February 22, 2025 by Ruby And The Wolf
Buying your wedding dress too early can lead to regret!
Wedding dress shopping is exciting. For many brides, saying out loud a “YES” to the dress is one of the biggest moments in wedding planning. But rushing into it too soon might not be the best idea.
Lately, long engagements have become more common, and many brides are eager to start planning.
But buying too early also means storing the dress for a long time, which can make wedding dress preservation more challenging.
Proper storage is essential to keep your gown in perfect condition before the big day.
But the real question is: When is the right time to start shopping for your wedding dress? Let’s find out!
What Could Happen?
You might fall in love with a dress even when you weren’t planning to! It happens with many brides who start shopping too early—sometimes 18-24 months before the wedding—just to get style ideas.
But then, they find “the one,” say yes on impulse and leave feeling overjoyed.
Later, though—days, months, or even a year later—that little voice pops up:
“Did I say yes too soon?”
Cue wedding dress regret.
On the other hand, some brides wait too long to say yes.
They fall in love with a dress, but instead of buying it, they hold off—only to call back a year later and find out it’s discontinued or sold out. Even newer styles can disappear without warning.
If your wedding is more than a year away, think about how you’d handle either situation. Would you regret buying too soon or waiting too long?
Saying Yes Too Soon
You still have over a year before your wedding, but you get excited to go dress shopping just to take a look. We get it!
Trying on wedding dresses is fun, but it can also be overwhelming.
Let’s say you say “yes” to a dress, but the next day, you realize you acted on impulse. You got caught up in the moment and now feel like you made a mistake.
Or… you love your dress but start seeing new designs pop up on social media. Brides in wedding groups are posting stunning gowns you never tried on, and now you can’t stop wondering,
“Did I choose too soon? Did I miss out on something better?”
Or… your body changes over time, and suddenly, the dress doesn’t fit the way it did when you bought it. Or maybe your dress is getting yellow with time.
So, what do you do now?
Try Your Dress Again
The first thing you should do is try on your dress again to see if you still love it.
Most brides who feel dress regret haven’t actually put their gown back on since buying it. You might have forgotten all the little details that made you fall in love with it—things that may not have shown up in photos.
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Tip: Try on your dress with accessories like your veil, jewelry, and wedding shoes. Seeing the full bridal look can help bring back the excitement you felt when you first said “yes” to the dress! |
You Still Love It, But…
Great! If you love your dress but wish it had a few changes, a seamstress can help! Many talented seamstresses can customize your gown to give it that special touch. Even small tweaks can make a huge difference!
Possible Alterations:
✔️ Adding sleeves or straps
✔️ Adjusting the neckline
✔️ Adding lace or beading
✔️ Changing the silhouette
If your body has changed, talk to your seamstress about alteration options. Some changes may require extra fabric or adjustments that could affect the final cost.
This Isn’t My Dress
If you try it on and realize this just isn’t the one, it may be time to find a new dress.
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Keep in Mind: Buying another gown will increase your budget, and your options may be limited depending on how much time you have left. |
Alternatives to Consider:
✔️ Off-the-rack dresses – These are ready-made gowns, often more affordable, but may require more alterations if they don’t fit perfectly.
✔️ Quick-ship gowns – These can be ordered in your size and color but may come with rush fees.
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Important: We’re not telling you not to get a new dress! What matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident on your wedding day. But it’s also important to understand the costs and time constraints that can come with shopping too early. |
At the end of the day, you deserve to walk down the aisle in a dress that makes you feel beautiful, happy, and completely YOU!
When To Buy?
Planning your wedding is an exciting experience, but it can feel overwhelming. As we’ve seen, shopping for your dress too early can bring both joy and stress.
Every bride is different, so there’s no right or wrong time to start shopping. However, based on our experience, the best time to start is 9-12 months before your wedding, once you’ve chosen your venue and set the date.
This way, you’ll have a clear vision of your wedding style and enough time to find the perfect dress without feeling rushed!