Finding your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day - but it can also feel a little overwhelming if you’re unsure when to begin. At All About Eve Bridalwear, we help thousands of brides every year, and one question we hear time and time again is:
“When should I start shopping for my wedding dress?”
The truth is: wedding dresses take time. From ordering to alterations, each gown is made with care, precision, and craftsmanship. To help you feel confident and prepared, here is your complete Wedding Dress Shopping Timeline - the one we use with our AAE brides to ensure everything runs smoothly.
12–18 Months Before the Wedding: Start Shopping
This is the ideal moment to begin your dress journey.
Designers work seasonally, and dresses aren’t sitting in a warehouse waiting to be shipped — they’re made to order, especially for you. Starting early means:
- The best selection of styles and designers
- Time to revisit boutiques if you need a second look
- Zero stress about delivery dates
If your wedding is sooner, don’t panic — we always have rush options and an incredible selection of off-the-peg gownsfor faster timelines.
9–12 Months Before: Say "Yes" to the Dress
Once you’ve found the gown you love, this is the perfect window to say YES.
Your order is placed with the designer, measurements are taken, and your dress begins its journey through skilled hands — pattern cutters, seamstresses, beaders, and finishers creating a gown just for you.
6–9 Months Before: Your Dress Arrives in Store
This is when the magic really begins.
Your gown arrives at AAE and our team contacts you straight away. You’ll come in for a try-on appointment so we can check fit, styling, accessories and discuss alterations.
This stage gives you plenty of time for:
- Shoes
- Veil or headpieces
- Jewellery
- Underwear and shapewear
Think of this as your dress “settling in” period.
2–3 Months Before: Alterations Begin
Your first fitting takes place with our expert seamstresses. Most brides will need 2–3 fittings to ensure their dress fits like it was made for them — because it was.
Alterations may include:
- Hem adjustments
- Bust support
- Waist shaping
- Strap changes
- Bustle additions
This part of the process is incredibly personal and is where your gown truly becomes yours.
2–3 Weeks Before: Final Fitting
This is your moment to see your full bridal vision come together.
You’ll try on your gown with all your accessories, practise walking, and final tweaks will be made if needed.
You leave knowing your dress is perfect and ready for your wedding day.
Wedding Week: Collection
Your dress is steamed, prepared, and beautifully packaged by our team.
We’ll walk through how to store it, transport it, and care for it on the morning of your wedding.
This is always one of our favourite moments - watching our brides leave with their dream dress and the biggest smiles.
In a Rush? Discover EVE’s Outlet
We know not every bride has 12 months to shop - and that’s okay!
At All About Eve, we offer an incredible Outlet Collection featuring beautiful boutique gowns available off the peg, ready to take home the very same day.
Our Outlet is perfect for brides who:
- Are getting married soon
- Want to avoid long ordering times
- Prefer a budget-friendly option, but a quality gown
- Still want the AAE experience and expert styling
You’ll still receive personal guidance, dressing room support, and the warm welcome our brides love - just with the added bonus of taking your dress home immediately.
The AAE Experience
At All About Eve Bridalwear, we pride ourselves on guiding you through every step with warmth, honesty, and expertise.
Whether you’re a bride who loves to plan ahead or one who’s working with a shorter timeline, we’re here to make your experience seamless, joyful, and unforgettable.
Ready to begin your dress journey? Book your appointment today
