When should you choose your wedding dress? The ideal timeline

A designer wedding dress is chosen, ordered and then fitted: it is best to start early to enjoy every step calmly. Here are the milestones to know to plan your search.

Why start early

A designer dress is not waiting on a rail in your size. Most of the time, it is ordered from the fashion house once you have made your choice, then made, delivered and fitted to your figure. Each step takes time, and lead times vary by designer and model: we give you precise timings during your appointment.

Starting early also gives you time to hesitate, to come back, and to complete your look without rushing.

12 to 9 months before: first fittings

This is the moment to gather your inspirations (Pinterest saves, photos, dresses spotted on our website) and to start your fittings. Think about your budget for the dress alone, excluding veil and accessories. Our online boutique lets you discover our gowns and note your favourites before your visit.

9 to 6 months before: choose and order

Make your choice during this period so the dress can be ordered from the designer in good time. If you are unsure about the cut, our advice on which wedding dress suits your body shape can help you see more clearly.

2 to 1 months before: alterations

The final weeks are devoted to adjustments, so the dress falls perfectly on the day. Bring the shoes and lingerie you will wear: the length and support depend on them.

Is your wedding less than six months away?

Do not panic. Simply give your wedding date in the appointment form, even an approximate one, with at least the month and year. We will look together at what is still possible within your timeframe.

Think about accessories too

Veil, gloves, jewellery and lingerie are best chosen once the dress is found, to create a harmonious look. Some dresses already come with them: Rita by Innocentia with a lace-trimmed cathedral veil, Cali with its matching veil, Dorofea by Rara Avis with a silk cape. Discover our veils and accessories and our Boudoir Collection 2027 too.

Book your appointment at the right time

Fill in the appointment form: our team will get back to you within 24 hours. If your days are busy, our White After Dark evenings welcome you on Mondays and Thursdays from 7pm to 9pm. To prepare for your visit, read our advice on how to prepare for your bridal fitting.

The dresses in this article

Liora lace couture wedding dress by YolanCris, 2027 Collection, Lyon

Liora

YolanCris / New Collection 2027

Calypso A-line wedding dress by YolanCris, New Collection, Lyon

Calypso

YolanCris / New Collection 2027

Cali wedding dress by Innocentia, all-over lace, long sleeves and cathedral veil

Cali

Innocentia / New Collection 2027

Rita floral lace wedding dress by Innocentia with long sleeves and a lace-edged veil

Rita

Innocentia / New Collection 2027

Dorofea A-line couture wedding dress in silk and lace by Rara Avis, 2027 Collection

Dorofea

Rara Avis / New Collection 2027

Back view of the Ernesta wedding dress by Katy Corso, sculptural floral sleeves and fitted bodice

Ernesta

Katy Corso / New Collection 2027

Would you like to try these dresses on? We welcome you by appointment in our Lyon boutique.

Read next

Wedding dress and body shape

A-line, mermaid or princess: what each cut flatters, with gowns to try on.

Wedding dress fabrics

Lace, tulle, satin, silk, mikado: the character of each material.

Preparing for your fitting

Inspirations, budget, what to wear: our advice before your appointment.