The normal time to buy your wedding dress.

The traditional timeline for a regular wedding dress is a very long time, like the time it takes a person to make a human. They recommend buying your wedding dress 9 months ahead of your wedding date. Then it can take about 6 months for them to make the dress because you just tried on the sample one, so your dress doesn’t exist just yet! So your dress arrives three months before your wedding and then you have three fittings before your dress is ready for your day! That’s the normal timeline for wedding dresses to fit like a glove. Nine month to a year if you want more wiggle room.

Let’s be real! There are so many reasons why you might need a last minute wedding dress, or should we say we gotta rush the 9 months! One might need a last minute dress because plans pivoted because of unforeseen circumstances, hello covid. There are so many curve balls that life offers up to us and we gotta just roll with it! It’s not that you’re rushing into anything, it’s just that when you know, you know! Sometimes you just want to get married as soon as you can and there’s a date open on y’alls calendar, and wham that’s when y’all are going to tie the knot!

Well, if you can find a dress in time! And I’m sure you can, cause I’m gonna give you all the tips to find a wedding dress so you can get married!

6 Tips for Finding a Wedding Dress Last Minute for your Elopement

Be Flexible

I know you can find a dress you’ll feel comfortable in and ready to hike and dance in! But you might not get that dress that is your very top pick on a quick turnaround. So be a little flexible on your vision and go with the flow when hunting for your dress. Whatever you pick is going to be perfect for you wedding day!

Know Your Measurements

The best way to buy a dress last minute and know your size right now. So go ahead and measure yourself. You will need your bust, natural waist and hips. Make sure to get the fullest part of each one and make sure you don’t measure it with your sweater on. Wedding dresses are sized all funky and are not your typical sizing so knowing your measurements is key to finding a dress last minute that fits. Just to warn you… when I say bridal sizes are funky I mean they are labeled for the runway in europe. So you are going to be 2-4 sizes up from your normal size. It’s super silly and I wish all sizes were actual measurements like it is for guys pants, I mean how easy do they get it, length and waist measurement. We need that! So for now, I know the label will be funky but it doesn’t mean anything, just order the size from your measurements!

Little to No Alterations

Sometimes alterations can take forever for wedding dresses cause they are a billion layers and it’s like altering 12 dresses not one, so that’s why it takes soooo long. So the closer the measurements are to your body the more likely you are to not have to get alterations. If you think that you might need alterations make sure to contact a tailor that’s able and ready to turn around quickly.

Sample Sales

When you are looking for a last minute wedding dress, check out sample sales. A great place to check out is your local bridal shop’s sample sales or racks. These dresses are discounted right off the rack because they are the samples that everyone tries on. This is a great way to snag a dress without shipping delays because you can take it home right off the rack.

Pro Tip - They usually come a little dirty so make sure you have time to get it cleaned. Sometimes it’s the same cost as the dress just to let you know!

Online Retailers

This is super perfect for finding last minute dresses cause it’s a brand new dress and they can let you know exactly when it will arrive before you order it. It’s awesome cause you can see it on models and sometimes there’s detailed reviews for you to find someone with your body shape. Also make sure to check out their “ready to ship,” “instock” & “last minute” selections – those are the ones ready to go! Also remember some are further away from you than others so shipping time will be different depending on location.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite wedding dress shops online:

Rent it

Renting a wedding dress is perfect cause they usually give you more than one dress in more than one size because they really want you to love your dress and have it fit right. It’s perfect for light vow adventures but you might not want to rent a dress if you are planning on jumping in the ocean or rock climbing. Those kind of activities might give the dress a real, worn-in look that might not be suitable for returning the rental. So know your level of activity before you decide to rent your wedding dress.

Here’s my favorite wedding dress rentals:

Tips For Outdoor Adventurous Wedding Dresses

The most important thing about an adventure wedding dress is that you feel confident, and it’s comfortable allowing you to move freely. I love a beautiful flowy dress that blows in the wind! There is a style for everyone! And it can be any color you can dream of or have a fun concealed color under that reveals itself if you spin! I know white is traditional but you have the freedom to wear whatever you want - permission granted!

Train or No Train?

Depending on your adventure might determine the length of your dress. If you’re hiking and frolicking around any dress, any length that you can pick up in your hands can work! Sometimes it’s even easier if it’s longer because you can drap it around your arm. If you're skiing, I’d advise you not to have a train cause it could trip you up going down hill or getting off the lift.

Dress Fabrics

Dresses can weigh what feels like a ton! So make sure you take that into consideration if you’re hiking with your dress. Some fabrics are super light weight and flowy! Oh and I love that layered tulle dresses but sometimes they can catch bugs, leaves or sticks. So tulle dresses might be best for open spaces vs tight trails in the trees.

Accessories

Accessories are great ways to add fun and variety to your wedding attire. They also can help you on chilly days to keep you warm but look good. Here are some ideas below.

There’s some great ones for fun:

Sunglasses
Watches
Hairpiece
Cape
Vail

Some great ones for warmth:

Shaw
Blanket
Nude leggings (hidden accessory but important)
Jackets
Hand Muff
Ear Muffs

I hope you find your dream wedding dress no matter what your timeline for your wedding! I know you’ll look fanatic but more importantly feel fantastic!

If you’re looking for your elopement photographer, I’d be happy to chat with you about your wedding day. I love adventure elopement days in the mountains with couples who love the great outdoors and spinning in their wedding dresses! Please contact me to see if I’m still available!