One of the best parts of any wedding? The fashion of course! Consider this your ultimate wedding fashion timeline to break down everything you need to do (and when) for all things style.
14 Months before your wedding:
Start shopping for your gown.
“I like to suggest that brides begin dress/wedding garment shopping as soon as the venue is booked! Once the venue is secured, you will have a much clearer vision and sense of what your wedding day will look like, and what your setting will be. When you try garments on, hopefully having the venue in your mind will better allow you to envision yourself in that setting. This shopping process should ideally begin 14 months to a year before your wedding date.” - Marteal Mayer, Owner & Designer, Loulette Bride
Hire a stylist.
"My favorite part of wedding fashion is referring my clients to a stylist who specializes in wedding days and wedding-adjacent events. Imagine not having to think about a THING, but having specific lookbooks sent to you inclusive of exactly what to buy or utilize from your own closet. Ask your planner for recommendations on stylists as soon as you contract and take the guesswork out completely!" - Ashley Lachney, Owner, Alston Mayger Events
12 Months before your wedding:
Purchase your gown.
“Most bridal stores and designers prefer you to buy your bridal garment a year out from your wedding date. This gives everyone (your designers, your bridal shop, and YOU) a comfortable and stress-free lead time. Earlier than a year is fine too, if you have a clear idea of what you are looking for. If you are under a year, ask which designers can accommodate a shorter timeline, and there are always sample sale/off-the-rack options for immediate purchase!” - Marteal Mayer, Owner & Designer, Loulette Bride
8-10 Months before your wedding:
Hire an attire concierge.
“If you’re looking to hire an attire concierge, do this 8-10 months before the wedding. An attire concierge team steams your wedding gown and veil, preps the complete wedding party’s attire, fixes tears, sews buttons, ensures your attire looks great in photos and takes care of all fashion emergencies for you and your guests. Trust us, these happen at every wedding! These vendors typically handle just one wedding per day, and can book up quickly.” - Carrie Negri, Emily Coyne Events
Make sure your bridesmaids order their attire.
“Bridesmaids should order their dresses at least 9 months in advance if sourcing from a bridal boutique. If your wedding party is free to choose what they want to wear, the timeline will vary on where they individually source from. And most importantly, if your bridesmaids are going to be wearing the same gown, order all at once so they come from the same dye lot!” - Elizabeth Lutz, Elizabeth Lutz Events & Design
Choose your veil.
“If you didn’t decide on a veil (if that’s your thing!) while wedding dress shopping, you’ll want to make that decision around the 8-6 month out mark from your wedding day. You’ll want your veil secured before your hair and makeup trial so your hairstylist can come up with a game plan. Also, so you can see the vision start to come together!” - Tina Wong, Founder & Creative Director, Grace + Ivory
Determine if you’re borrowing anything for your wedding day look.
“It’s also a good idea to check with family to see if there’s anything borrowed for the big day. Some brides wear their mother’s veil or a piece of jewelry from their grandmother. You’ll want to have these items ready, so you know what else you need to buy to coordinate the final look.” - Tina Wong, Founder & Creative Director, Grace + Ivory
3-6 Months before your wedding:
Start on your alterations.
“Alterations can be a tricky process, which is why at Loulette we do the alterations ourselves! But, if your bridal shop requires you to get your alterations done by an outside tailor, I would make sure to secure yourself a bridal alterations appointment 3-4 months before your wedding date to make sure your tailor of choice can accommodate you.” - Marteal Mayer, Owner & Designer, Loulette Bride
Finalize any other accessories you’ll wear.
“Around this time, finalize shopping for your accessories such as a veil, any jewelry, or a belt.” - Michelle Yom, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Poémia
Start honeymoon attire shopping.
“To avoid a rush right before the wedding, we recommend starting your honeymoon shopping 3 months prior to the wedding.” - Carrie Negri, Emily Coyne Events
Find your wedding day shoes.
“Finding your wedding day shoes before any alteration appointments begin is an absolute must! And since you may be ordering a few pairs before making your final selection, you’ll want to give yourself enough time to make any size exchanges. Your seamstress won’t be able to hem your dress without them.” - Tina Wong, Founder & Creative Director, Grace + Ivory
Start considering your other looks.
“This is also a great time to start thinking about your rehearsal dinner outfit and any second-look options. Whether it’s a rehearsal jumpsuit, a train-less gown for reception, or an after-party mini dress, it can take time to find the right fit. You’ll also want to work any outfit changes into your wedding timeline.” - Tina Wong, Founder & Creative Director, Grace + Ivory
2-3 Months before your wedding:
Make sure your guest dress code is settled.
“For destination weddings or themed celebrations, inform your guests about any dress code requirements.” - Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
Find your rehearsal dinner attire.
“Shop for attire for the rehearsal dinner, which is typically more relaxed than the wedding day.” - Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
12 Weeks before your wedding:
Handle the menswear.
"It's time to handle the menswear! At 12 weeks out from your wedding, you should ensure the groom, groomsmen, and any other wedding members (i.e. father of the bride, ring bearers, etc.) have their outfits taken care of. With Generation Tux, it's not just about fashion—it's about seamless coordination. We offer easy-to-use color swatches, a straightforward home try-on process, and a tracking system to easily organize and style everyone in your party for you. Combined with our fit algorithm, you can rest easy knowing that every guy will be fully prepared to look their absolute best on the big day!” - Jason Jackson, President & COO, Generation Tux
6-8 Weeks before your wedding:
Take care of any personalized items.
“Make sure to leave extra time for anything that needs personalizing! Check with the individual maker, but I would recommend ordering at least 6-8 weeks before your wedding day so you do not incur extra rush fees.” - Colleen, The Handkerchief Shop
Figure out your undergarments.
“This is a great time to secure what you’ll be wearing under the dress. Especially if your dress has cut-outs or a low-back, you will not want to wait to try on undergarments with your dress the morning of your wedding.” - Tina Wong, Founder & Creative Director, Grace + Ivory
3 Weeks before your wedding:
Order your preservation kit.
“Don’t wait until after your wedding is over to address the inevitable stains that will occur on your wedding day. By ordering your Wedding Gown Preservation Kit™ at least three weeks before your wedding, you’re ensuring your Kit will arrive before your wedding day so you can send in your dress prior to setting off on your honeymoon. Doing so will prevent stains from having a chance to set in which results in less processing of the delicate fabrics of your dress.” - Leah R. McCoy, President, Wedding Gown Preservation Kit
Make sure you’ve done any alterations for second looks.
“Make sure all second-look outfits are in and being adjusted with a tailor, if needed. You also may want to think about a second shoe option, mainly a flat or sneakers, for when the party gets going and the heels inevitably come off.” - Tina Wong, Founder & Creative Director, Grace + Ivory
2 Weeks before your wedding:
Have your third fitting appointment.
“We recommend having your dress pressed prior to this appointment, to account for any changes to the fit of your dress.” - Carrie Negri, Emily Coyne Events
Start breaking in your shoes!
"Choose comfortable wedding shoes and start breaking them in to prevent any discomfort on the big day.” - Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
Assemble your emergency kit.
"Assemble a wedding fashion emergency kit. It should contain essentials like safety pins, a sewing kit, stain remover, and extra buttons.” - Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
1 Week before your wedding:
Have a dress rehearsal.
“Do a dress rehearsal to ensure everything fits perfectly. Practice putting on any complicated accessories.” - Misty Damico, CEO & Founder, Luxe Productions
Start packing!
“Begin packing your wedding outfits and accessories, ensuring nothing is left behind.” - Anastasia Shevchenko, Sheff Production Photography & Videography
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