Most brides begin shopping for a wedding dress at least eight months before their wedding… but that isn’t always the case! This is true now more than ever before. Because of COVID-19, many brides were forced to postpone wedding dress shopping leaving their timeline a bit tighter than originally expected. So how do you go about finding a last-minute wedding dress?
FINDING YOUR LAST-MINUTE WEDDING DRESS
It is 100 percent possible to find a last-minute wedding dress. It just may take a bit more research, patience, and flexibility! Here are our tips to finding a wedding dress on a shorter-than-usual timeline.
Call local bridal boutiques
If you’re hoping to shop in-person, then your local bridal shop may be able to assist you! While many states around the country are starting to re-open, bridal shops may be included in that. Call a few local salons to see what they have to offer. Be sure to ask how long it will take for a gown to come in. They may be able to get a gown in quicker than you think with rush fees. Click here to contact us and find out what we have to offer you!
Look for sample sales or purchase off the rack
A lot of times, bridal shops will have a “ready-to-wear” section. These are dresses that you can buy directly off the rack and take it home with you that day! The only thing that you may need to worry about is alterations. If you have a bit of extra time, search around for upcoming sample sales at local bridal boutiques! These are dresses that you can purchase directly off the rack at a steep discount.
Shop online
If you’re looking for a gown very last minute, then shopping online might be one of your only options! Thankfully, there are a lot of websites that specialize in bridal wear nowadays. Many of these websites ship relatively quickly if you are truly out of in-person options.
Shop secondhand
Don’t forget that there’s always the option to purchase a secondhand dress! Many brides re-sell their wedding dresses that are in very good condition… and you may even be able to find one that hasn’t been worn at all! Just remember that a pre-worn wedding dress was (most likely) altered to specifically fit someone else. If you’re choosing a secondhand dress, try to make sure that you leave some time for alterations.
Don’t forget the accessories
Wanting a dress with full glitz and glam, but you just don’t have the time to order one? There are plenty of ways to add some glamour to your simple dress, using accessories! This could be an intricately beaded belt or a gorgeous veil.
Be willing to compromise
Try to remain calm while you’re trying to find a last-minute wedding dress. It can be stressful to try and find the dress of your dreams on a short timeline, but you will find one! However, you will need to be flexible in terms of the designer, style, design, etc. You’ll be a gorgeous bride no matter what dress you wear!
Don’t rush
Although it’s important to be flexible and keep an open mind… do not rush! This is likely going to be your only wedding dress, so you want it to be special. Don’t settle for a dress that you don’t love just because you don’t have much time left. Do your research, and find a gown that you’re in love with!