Wedding dress timeline

For Summer Brides, It's Crunch Time

Shareen Mitchell, owner of Shareen Bridal, says that January isn't just the best time—for brides getting married in the summer, it's critical time.

"If you're getting married in June, July, or August, you need to make a lot of decisions in January," says Mitchell. "If you’re ordering your dress in January, that gives you four months to have your gown and shoes chosen. You also need to see a seamstress once a month for fitting.

It's becoming the most important month in terms of timeline."

According to Mitchell, most independent bridal retailers require about 5-6 months to create and alter gowns.

Can you get a wedding dress in 6 months

So, with so many brides still opting for summer weddings, January means it's time to get down to business in terms of dress shopping. But, more and more brides seem to be favoring spring, fall, and even winter weddings nowadays.

"If you’re getting married in the fall, January's the right time to start looking," Mitchell added. However, Mitchell estimates that commercial wedding dress stores nee

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