Talk to me Tuesday: Timeline

Yesterday I was asked "How long do I need to have my dress ready by my wedding?" I will answer: ideally no less than 6 months.

If you do a standard order on a dress it will take 18 weeks (four and a half months) to arrive. Plan for another month for alterations, a week for cleaning/pressing before your bridal pictures, and an additional week for cleaning/pressing after bridal pictures before your wedding day.

For many brides this timeline is unrealistic. But it needs to become realistic. Let your boyfriend soon to be fiance know that it takes a long time. He can't just give you the ring and expect you to have a wedding planned a month later. It's too stressful and takes the fun out of being engaged. If you know you'll be getting married start shopping before you have the ring on your finger.

Rush orders on gowns are available from some designers. A regular rush order is 10 weeks (two and a half months) and a super rush order is 8 weeks (two months). You will still need an additional month for alterations and pressing. With rush orders your engagement can be 3-5 months long.

As a last resort some gowns are available for purchase off the rack. You can buy your dress and take it home with you the same day. You still need a month and a half for alterations and for cleaning/pressing.

Don't limit yourself to a smaller selection of gowns by not giving yourself enough time. It's not fun to find the perfect dress only to to discover you don't have enough time to order it.