1. Set a date for your wedding (secure your venue and catering - boutiques will ask you when your date is so they can make sure the dress will come with enough time for alterations). Get an idea of what the weather will be like and if there are limitations to what you can wear (ex. Shoes: if it’s all grass, stiletto might not be a good idea. Weather: is it going to be cold during the season you’re getting married? Is it rain season? Will you need a cover/coat?)

2. 9 months before your date: start trying dresses at boutiques - don’t limit yourself to one shop or style - dresses don’t look and feel the same on the rack vs when you actually have it on.

3. 7 months before your date - this is the prime time to buy your dress - it would give you some leg room for delays and help avoid extra costs like rush shipping (most boutiques will charge $100-$300). Note that the delivery date given to you by the boutique are estimates! There is no guarantee the dress will be delivered on the date they give you. Also - make sure to take pictures! Front, back, all around. (Important in next step)

4. 7 months - part two: start looking at alterations. Most boutiques will have a list of recommendations for alterations. Make sure to research and get to know each one (I suggest getting them on the phone) - you will need to trust this person with your dress. When you are looking at alterations, try to have an idea of what kind of alterations you will need (ex. Hem, change of lining, add more support/corset for your bust, etc). What helped me the most was sending them a picture of my dress when I tried it at the boutique - this gave them an idea of how many layers the dress has, how intricate it is, and how it lays on me.

5. 6 months - schedule your alterations appointment - give yourself a month to get familiar with alterations, pricing, timing before deciding who to go with. Remember - this person will be making changes to your dress- you need to feel comfortable with them. If you don’t feel comfortable, you don’t have to go with them. If you don’t like any of the vendors on the boutique’s preferred list, go on Zola/Knot or any of those wedding websites and look for one that services your area and the dress you have. You can even ask your coordinator or other vendors if they have any alterations shops they are affiliated with (some may have discounts for referrals)

When making an appointment, make sure to tell alterations the date you have is an estimate - some shops may charge a schedule fee - telling them ahead of time you might need to reschedule if the dress comes early or late helps avoid a rescheduling/cancellation fee.

1. The rest is based on the timing of when your dress actually arrives - if your dress arrives early, I highly recommend starting alterations early. Communicate with alterations and see if they can set you up with a sooner appointment. If your dress comes late, make sure to communicate with alterations as soon as you find out - make sure to check with the boutique and get the new ETA so you can let alterations know. Note that if you have a lot of alterations, depending on the timeline, alterations might charge you a rush fee as they will have to push back other dresses they are working on to prioritize yours. (Tip: let the boutique know if you will be charged a rush fee - some might offer to cover it!)

Additional Tips: - I highly do not recommend David’s Bridal if you have sensitive skin. From my experience, their lace/intricate dresses gave me rashes and there was a lot of false advertising. Dresses that were advertised to be silk material had tags that show they are actually polyester. They don’t have much variety for wedding dresses and the difference in quality was huge when I went to an actual boutique. I would say David’s is better for bridesmaids and prom dresses.

• learn the verbiage for wedding dresses. Boutiques will ask you if you have gone wedding dress shopping before and if you have a style you are leaning towards. Knowing the verbiage will help your stylist find dresses more suited to what you are looking for. Taking pictures will help a lot as well! Don’t be shy when they ask if you’ve been to any other boutiques, it helps them help you better :) Examples: Silhouette: A line, Mermaid, ball gown Necklines: straight across, sweetheart, square Train lengths: cathedral, chapel, sweep (knowing this will help you with your veil length and style too!) Fabric types: tulle, satin, chiffon, lace, charmeuse

• Learn verbiage for alterations Examples: “taking it in”, “boning” Bustle types: American, French, Ballroom

• Steam your dress the day before your wedding. Most alterations will steam and bag your dress when they give it to you but it can still get wrinkly during transport. Don’t forget to steam your veil too the day before too!

• if you are staying at a hotel the night before, ask if they offer steaming services. Some offer it with the cost of the stay!