This is a good question that most brides should be asking as soon as she gets engaged.
Why? Because for most part, the color and style of the dress she chooses will set the tone of the wedding color schemes and theme of the party and/or venue.
We have seen brides shop as early as a year in advance to get an idea of what style of dress they would look great in, especially if they do not have any clue yet as to what color and silhouette is best for them. Otherwise, for those who already knew that they are the marrying type they usually have a dress in mind and it becomes a quest to find that dream wedding gown of theirs. Either one should really get serious in purchasing their dress eight months prior to their wedding date, if time allows.
Why? Because if a bride needs to custom-make or special order her gown, depending on which manufacturer she orders it from, that gown might take three to six months to arrive. The seventh month will give her time to make any alterations if needed or allowance for any unforeseen incidents to make adjustments. For month of the wedding or at the latest, one week before her wedding day, her alterations should be done and should be set for the big day!
One thing we do not suggest a bride should do, is to purchase all the accessories and the wedding party’s outfits before her own wedding gown. This will be financially and/or emotionally devastating! Imagine, having done this and when you finally order or purchase your own dress, the dress is no longer available or could not be shipped in time for your wedding day. This is definitely, emotionally devastating!
I don’t know if this one is worse than the other, but to purchase a gown that is not your first choice and end up changing color schemes and theme of the wedding after the fact, is financially devastating!
Either way, give yourself enough time to look for that ideal dress and have a budget that is affordable and reasonable for the type of gown you are looking to purchase.