Written by Helen-Louise Dudney

So, you're on a mission to discover THE dress that embodies your bridal dreams? The one that promises to elevate you to cloud nine as you walk down the aisle? That sounds great! However, the reality of wedding dress shopping can sometimes be a rollercoaster of sentiments.

When asked about your desired style, you may confidently articulate, "I want a blend of classic elegance and allure, sprinkled with a touch of bohemian charm, perhaps a hint of shimmer... though not excessively." Or you might not be sure what look you want for your big day! As you start trying on dresses, you may quickly realise that what looks amazing on Pinterest doesn't always translate to real life. That slinky mermaid gown? Yeah, not so easy to walk in. And that ball gown with the mile-long train? Turns out you can't even fit through the dressing room door.

We want to help you say yes to dress! Wait, actually we don’t. What we do want to do is give you some breathing space to find THE outfit that is perfect for YOU!

While we love breaking with tradition at The Un-Wedding, having an outfit for your special day is a must!  And, when it comes to choosing what you are going to wear, it’s important to find something that truly reflects who you are. 

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Choosing your wedding outfit is a crucial decision worth pondering over! The timing of when to find the one largely depends on your personal preferences and wedding planning timeline. It's vital to pick attire that screams YOU and makes you feel like the radiant superstar you are on your special day. Whether you're into jumpsuits, feathered short dresses, separates with a veil, or even a meringue ensemble with your favourite converse, the world is your oyster. Dive into different styles, experiment with designs, and enjoy the journey of discovering that perfect wedding outfit that will make you shine like the star you are on your big day.

Sometimes knowing what you want is only the first bit, but knowing where to get it from and in what time frame….AHHHHHHH 😩

We know it can all feel a bit overwhelming, but breathe…. that’s where we come in. So whether you’re getting married in 18 months or 18 days, don’t worry, we got you!

Let’s break down some options for you….

12 months or more.

If you want a bespoke journey, then it’s going to take time. You need to allow time to find a bridal designer that you would love to work with, and who’s style resonates with you. Do you want modern or vintage? A current design you can customise, or a design from scratch made especially for you? And then you have to think about fabrics! With embellishments or without?

When it comes to finding your perfect dress, Book Of Love babe and founder of Story Of My Dress, Cara suggests beginning your search around 12 months before your big day, aiming to make your selection 8-12 months prior. So if your wedding is set for spring/summer 2025, NOW is the perfect time to find your designer or visit a bridal boutique.

When it comes to designing your dream wedding outfit there is almost nothing the talents of our Book Of Love designers can’t do. However, as the gorgeous Book Of Love Kate Beaumont says, sometimes some things, like lead times on fabrics, is out of their hands. So ultimately, the more time you have, the more you can be specific about exactly what you want, without the stress!

Less than 6 months.

There is still time to find your dress or separates and get them tailored. At Story Of My Dress their Love in the City collection can be tailored in 8-12 weeks. 

I need my wedding outfit now!

There is nothing wrong with going into a bridal shop and finding the perfect outfit that works for you. Don’t forget there are also preloved and ex-sample gowns that might fit you just as they are. Then you can have just as much fun with accessories…. but that’s for another time!

So in short, when should you factor in looking for your wedding outfit? Ok, so unfortunately, it’s a bit like saying how long's a piece of string? It all depends, and sometimes it's just down to what time frame you have! Allowing yourself that bit of extra time will elevate the stress, but know that if time is not on your side you still have options. Our advice? Dive into our Book Of Love directory, where you'll discover a treasure trove of Bridal Designers and Bridal Boutiques waiting to help you on your quest for the perfect outfit. Trust us, it's out there. The outfit that will induce spontaneous twirls in front of the mirror and a rush of euphoria….that or a big sigh of relief knowing that THIS outfit feels EXACTLY like you, and what you want to be wearing on your wedding day. With so many gorgeous options to choose from, deciding on what you want to wear may not be easy, but it should be fun! So what are you waiting for? Start your search today and get ready to rock that aisle with style!