Short answer first, then the full plan.Most brides should order 8–10 months before the wedding so there’s time for fittings and calm pickup.If you want custom size or custom details, start 10–12 months out to protect your buffer.

For a simple, in-stock gown, 4–6 months can still work with a focused alteration window.Below you’ll find a month-by-month timeline, production vs. alteration schedules, rush options, and checklists.Use these tables to lock a date and avoid last-minute stress.

Order your wedding dress 8–10 months before the big day for standard made-to-order.
Add time for custom size or design changes and plan 2–3 fittings over 6–10 weeks.

If you choose a “Ships Now” or in-stock option, 4–6 months is doable with a tight schedule.
Keep a final 2–4 week buffer before the wedding for steaming, storage, and emergencies.

Lock shoe height and undergarments before your first fitting.
This keeps alterations smooth and predictable.

Timeline at a Glance

This table shows when to order by gown path.
Use the upper end if your wedding is during peak season or you want extras.

Gown Path	When to Order Before Wedding	Fittings Planned	Who This Suits
Made-to-Order (standard size)	8–10 months	2–3	Most brides who want normal lead time
Custom Size (brand cuts to your measurements)	10–12 months	2–3	Petite, tall, or in-between sizes
Semi-Custom (sleeves, neckline, train tweaks)	10–12 months	2–3	Brides who want personalization without full couture
Fully Bespoke / From Sketch	12–14+ months	3–4	Original designs, couture structure, rare fabrics
In-Stock / Ships Now	4–6 months	2–3	Short timelines, simple silhouettes
Rush Path	As early as possible	2+	Tight dates; keep changes minimal

“Order” means deposit placed and size path chosen.
Always finish at least 2–4 weeks early for calm pickup and steaming.

Month-by-Month Planner You Can Copy

Use the left column as your wedding month.
Read across to find your latest safe ordering month and first fitting target.

Wedding Month	Order By (Safe)	First Fitting	Second Fitting	Final Fitting	Pickup & Steam
January	April–May prior	Early Nov	Late Nov	Early Dec	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
February	May–June prior	Early Dec	Late Dec	Mid Jan	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
March	June–July prior	Early Jan	Late Jan	Mid Feb	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
April	August–Sept prior	Early Feb	Late Feb	Mid Mar	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
May	Sept–Oct prior	Early Mar	Late Mar	Mid Apr	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
June	Oct–Nov prior	Early Apr	Late Apr	Mid May	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
July	Nov–Dec prior	Early May	Late May	Mid Jun	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
August	Dec–Jan prior	Early Jun	Late Jun	Mid Jul	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
September	Jan–Feb	Early Jul	Late Jul	Mid Aug	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
October	Feb–Mar	Early Aug	Late Aug	Mid Sep	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
November	March–April	Early Sep	Late Sep	Mid Oct	1–2 weeks pre-wedding
December	April–May	Early Oct	Late Oct	Mid Nov	1–2 weeks pre-wedding

This schedule backs into 2–3 fittings over 6–10 weeks.
Adjust one slot earlier if your gown has heavy handwork or sleeves.

What Happens Between “Order” and “Wear”

Two streams run in parallel: production and alterations.
Understanding both helps you pick the right order date.

Production Window

• Pattern allocation, fabric cutting, and assembly happen first.
• Embellishment, lace placement, and closures follow after base construction.
• Brands then perform QC, press, and prepare your gown to ship or pick up.
• This period varies by fabric, season, and customization level.

Alteration Window

• Starts after your gown arrives.
• You’ll usually book First → Second → Final fitting at 2–3 week intervals.
• Hem is set with your actual heel height.
• Bodice shaping, strap/sleeve comfort, and bustle plan are refined at each visit.

The Fitting Timeline (Simple and Predictable)

Plan your fittings around 6–10 total weeks.
Keep undergarments and shoes consistent to avoid rework.

Fitting	When	What You Do	What the Seamstress Does
First Fitting	8–10 weeks before	Wear wedding shoes and undergarments	Global fit check, pin bodice and hem, mark straps
Second Fitting	4–6 weeks before	Walk, sit, stairs test	Refine shaping, set hem, confirm bustle points
Final Fitting	1–2 weeks before	Comfort check, dance test	Steam/press plan, finishing stitches
Pickup	7–10 days before	Try once more at pickup	Pack in breathable garment bag

Add a buffer for heavy lace, 3D florals, or sleeve work.
Complex beading may add another short check.

Decision Framework: Which Path Are You On?

Answer these, then find your order month in the tables above.
The goal is to protect alterations time and your final buffer.

• Do you want custom size or semi-custom design changes.
• Is your wedding in peak months where schedules fill fast.
• Are you choosing a fits-close silhouette like mermaid or fit-and-flare.
• Do you need sleeves, a longer train, or detachable elements.

If you answered “yes” to two or more, add an extra month to your order date.
Time is your best tailoring tool.

Choosing a Timeline by Silhouette

Silhouette	Why Time Matters	Safer Order Window
A-line / Sheath	Fewer seam stress points; predictable hem	8–10 months
Ball Gown	Layered tulle, structure, or mikado shaping	9–11 months
Mermaid / Fit-and-Flare	Precise contouring through hips and knees	10–12 months
Mini / Tea-Length	Shorter hem work; quick movement checks	6–8 months (in-stock even faster)

Precision silhouettes benefit from earlier orders.
You get more time to perfect shaping and flare.

Season & Venue Effects on Ordering

• Spring and Fall weddings book up fittings quickly. Shift your order earlier to keep your ideal schedule.
• Beach or outdoor venues often prefer lighter fabrics.
  Give time to test the hem on grass or sand without last-minute cuts.
• Cathedral or ballroom settings favor trains and structure.
  Add weeks for bustle engineering, pressing, and transport planning.

If You Want Detachable Pieces or Two Looks

Modular details are high-impact and practical.
They do affect timing because they need secure attachment and testing.

Add-On	Timeline Impact	Notes
Detachable Sleeves	Low–Medium	Verify arm mobility; easy on/off
Overskirt	Medium	Check weight, clips, and bustle interaction
Cape / Bolero	Low	Fit at shoulder; avoid collar rub
Back Bow & Streamers	Low	Confirm placement for photos and comfort

Bring these to every fitting if they’re part of your plan.
Your seamstress will set fasteners to be durable and hidden.

What to Lock Before Fittings Start

This short list saves time and prevents rework.
It also keeps your alteration budget focused.

• Heel height (final shoes in hand).
• Undergarments or shapewear you’ll actually wear.
• Neckline coverage decisions finalized (no late redesigns).
• Train length and bustle preference chosen.

Small changes late in the process ripple into new work.
Batch decisions early and your schedule stays calm.

Sample Planning Templates (Plug In Your Dates)

Standard Made-to-Order, A-line

• Order: 8–10 months before.
• First fitting: 9–10 weeks before wedding.
• Second fitting: 5 weeks before.
• Final fitting: 2 weeks before.
• Pickup: 7–10 days before with steaming.
• Buffer: 2 weeks.

Mermaid with Sleeves, Custom Size

• Order: 10–12 months before.
• First fitting: 10 weeks before.
• Second fitting: 6 weeks before.
• Sleeve check: 4 weeks before.
• Final fitting: 2 weeks before.
• Pickup: 1 week before; practice stairs and car entry.

In-Stock / Ships Now, Simple Sheath

• Order: 4–6 months before.
• First fitting: 8 weeks before.
• Second fitting: 4 weeks before.
• Final fitting: 1–2 weeks before.
• Pickup: 1 week before; confirm bustle if needed.
• Note: Keep changes minimal and decisions tight.

Common Ordering Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting to buy shoes until after the first fitting.
  Hem math depends on heel height.
• Switching undergarments between fittings.
  Seam tension and drape will change.
• Ordering late and stacking fittings too close.
  You lose room for fine-tuning and steaming.
• Underestimating bustle practice.
  Bring a friend and record a quick how-to video.

Pickup, Steaming, and Storage

• Schedule steaming within a few days of the wedding if possible.
  Ask how to refresh small wrinkles at home.
• Use a breathable garment bag and hang the gown high.
  Avoid plastic that traps moisture.
• Transport across car seats or hang from a hook with room for the train.
  At the venue, remove the bag only when you’re in a safe dressing area.

International, Destination, and Travel Timelines

Destination weddings add logistics.
Give yourself extra checkpoints so nothing feels rushed.

• Add 1–2 weeks for customs, shipping, and travel wrinkles.
• Pack a small fabric care kit: lint roller, safety pins, mini steamer if allowed.
• Confirm a local seamstress backup near the destination.
• Keep your veil and detachable pieces in a separate carry-on.

Quick Reference Tables

A) Order Window by Customization Level

Customization	Order By	Why
None / Minimal	8–10 months	Standard production + calm fittings
Custom Size Only	10–12 months	Pattern cutting to your measurements
Semi-Custom	10–12 months	Sleeves, neckline, train; extra checks
Bespoke	12–14+ months	Toile/muslin, multiple design approvals
In-Stock	4–6 months	Shortest path; focus on alterations

B) Fitting Frequency by Silhouette

Silhouette	Fittings	Notes
A-line / Sheath	2–3	Predictable seams; easy hem
Ball Gown	2–3	Layers, train, bustle details
Mermaid / Fit-and-Flare	3+	Precision through hips and knees

C) Season Pressure Index

Season	Pressure	Advice
Spring	High	Order at upper range; book fittings early
Summer	Medium	Plan cooling fabrics; protect alteration slots
Fall	High	Add buffer; finalize add-ons early
Winter	Medium	Allow time for coats, sleeves, and steaming

 

Try-On Strategy (Two Visits That Solve Everything)

Visit 1: Explore silhouettes

• Try A-line, ball gown, mermaid, and sheath back-to-back.
• Move, sit, walk stairs, and take quick videos in two types of lighting.

Visit 2: Confirm fabric and details

• Re-try your top two in the right size range.
• Decide sleeves, veil length, and train so your order can lock.

This two-visit plan gets you to “Order” on schedule.
It also prevents late changes that compress fittings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the absolute latest I can order a dress.

If it’s in stock, 4–6 months can work with focused alterations.
If not, choose 8–10 months or add a rush path and keep changes minimal.

How far in advance should I book my first try-on.

Book try-ons 10–12 months out if possible.
That leaves room to think, order, and still protect fittings.

Does custom size mean I can skip alterations.

Not usually.
Custom size gets you closer, but on-body fine-tuning still needs 2–3 fittings.

I want detachable sleeves and an overskirt—does this change timing.

Yes, slightly.
Plan to order a month earlier and bring each piece to every fitting.

I plan to change weight before the wedding—when should I order.

Order on schedule but tell your stylist.
Keep your final fitting as close as 1–2 weeks before the date and avoid big changes after the first fitting.

When should I buy shoes and undergarments.

Before the first fitting.
Your hem, strap fit, and bodice shaping depend on them.

How big should my final buffer be.

Keep 2–4 weeks before the wedding free of major gown work.
Use it for steaming, transport, and peace of mind.

One-Page Checklist (Print & Use)

• Choose silhouette and fabric by 10–12 months out.
• Place your order 8–10 months before the wedding (earlier for custom).
• Book fittings at 9–10, 4–6, and 1–2 weeks pre-wedding.
• Lock shoes and undergarments before fitting #1.
• Decide train and bustle during the first fitting.
• Keep a 2–4 week buffer before the date for steaming and storage.
• Assign a bustle buddy and record a quick how-to video.
• Transport in a breathable garment bag and hang high on arrival.

Final Takeaway

Order your wedding dress months before your date for standard made-to-order.Go months if you want custom size or design changes and  months for full bespoke.If you choose in-stock,  months can still be calm with disciplined fittings.

Protect a  week final buffer, keep shoes and undergarments consistent, and bring any detachable pieces to every appointment.With a clear order month and a simple fitting plan, you’ll glide through the process and step into a gown that feels like it was made just for you.
That’s the goal—beautiful, comfortable, and right on time.