I have covered this topic previously but still get the question often, "When should I order _______?" This could be a wedding gown, bridesmaid, tuxedo or any other item needed for the wedding.
In our fast-paced lives, we tend to do things at the last minute. But as we say in the bridal business, our gowns come on the slow boat from China! And the unrest in China manufacturing has created some changes for our business in the past 2 to 3 years. So here is my update for ordering wedding items.
Wedding Gowns
I would suggest ordering a wedding gown at least 8 months before the wedding. And it is NOT unreasonable to order 12 months before the wedding. When you order a gown from an independent bridal salon, you are placing an order to make a new gown especially for you. This is unlike most of the big box stores who simply call other stores to find a sample gown for you.
When you order 8 months before the wedding, the gown should arrive 4 months before the wear date. Alterations will be 4-6 weeks. Allowing you the last 2 months before the wedding to relax about your gowns and focus on the details that could not be handled in advance.
And we hate to say it, but sometimes accidents happen. Factories shut down, planes, trains and delivery trucks crash. So when we order plenty in advance, we can get replacements when accidents happen.
Bridesmaid Gowns
Generally, bridesmaids will not require as much time as bridal gowns. Therefore, I would suggest ordering no less than 4 months before the wedding. Again, 6 months is perfectly fine.
If you know you are ordering from a company with a quick ship program or short delivery time, you may wait until closer to the wear date. But remember that you are taking the risk, not your store.
Tuxedo Rentals
Because tuxedos are usually rentals, you are not waiting for a garment to be manufactured. They are already hanging in a warehouse and just need to be packaged and shipped to your retail store for pick up. This makes the order time much shorter for tuxes.
Tuxedo orders should be placed at least 6 weeks before the wedding. If you have an April, May or June wedding and will be competing with prom orders, place orders at least 8 weeks before the wedding. By placing orders, I mean that all the guys should have gone into the store, gotten measurements taken and paid a deposit for the tux.
Accessory Items
It is impossible to put a deadline on all the accessory items. Items that are engraved will require more time that those that are not.
Accessories for your wedding gown will not require lots of shipping time, but you will need to have them to do alterations. For example, I can get slips in 2 weeks. But if your alterations are being done 6 weeks before the wedding, the slip will need to be ordered 8-10 weeks before the wedding.
So here is a quick list of wedding items for reference. Items should be ordered at this time length before the wedding.
Wedding Gowns 8-12 months
Bridesmaids 4-6 months
Mothers 4-8 months
Flower girls 2-8 months
Invitations 6-7 months
Engraved Items 4-6 months
Tuxedo Rentals 2-3 months
Undergarments 2-4 months
Shoes 2-4 months
If you have a specific question, please leave a comment or give me a call at 866-920-3094. And if you don't have 8-12 months until the wedding, don't panic. See my previous post for quick weddings.
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