When to Buy Your Wedding Dress

Wondering when you should start looking for your wedding dress? Pop in your wedding month below and we'll tell you when to come and see us, so you have time to find the one and secure your alterations with our in house team.

How the timing works

  1. 12 months before

    Find your dress

    Come and try on gowns at our Ulverston studio. Ordering 10 months or more ahead gives you the pick of every designer we stock.

  2. When you order

    Book your alterations

    Our in house alterations book up around 12 months ahead on a first come, first served basis, so book yours when you order your dress.

  3. 2 to 3 months before

    Your dress arrives

    Your made to order gown arrives at the studio, ready for your first fitting.

  4. The final 8 to 12 weeks

    Alterations

    Our in house alterations team make sure your dress fits you perfectly on the day.

Inside the Belle Lueur Bridal studio in Ulverston, where brides come to try on wedding dresses

Work out when to visit

Good to know: finding your dress is rarely the problem, it's getting a space with our alterations team. We book up around 12 months in advance on a first come, first served basis, and February to August is our busiest time. If you'd like us to alter your dress, plan to visit us around 12 months before your wedding.

Your wedding month

Choose your wedding month and year to see when you should plan to visit us.

This is a guide only. Lead times vary by designer, and alterations are subject to availability on a first come, first served basis. Your dress needs to be paid in full before your alterations begin, so take a look at our payment plans to spread the cost.

Why our alterations are worth booking early

We're one of very few bridal boutiques in the UK to offer true, full in house alterations, carried out by our own specialist team. That's exactly why our diary fills up so quickly.

  • Truly in house

    Our own specialist team handle every fitting, right here at our Ulverston studio.

  • Definitive costs

    No vague estimates or surprises later on. We give you definitive costs for your alterations and any customisations.

  • Peace of mind

    One team looking after you from your first appointment to your final fitting, for a completely seamless process.
Lace wedding dress at the sewing machine during in house bridal alterations at Belle Lueur Bridal

Wedding coming up sooner?

Rush orders

On selected designers we can rush your dress, with lead times of 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 4 months or 6 months depending on the designer you choose. Rush fees range from £100 to £400.

Alterations

We need a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks for alterations on your wedding dress. If our in house team are fully booked for your date, we can recommend a few seamstresses we work alongside and personally trust.

  • Every designerOrdering 10 months or more ahead gives you the full choice.
  • Alterations securedBook early to get a space with our in house team.
  • All under one roofYour dress and fittings in one place.
  • Spread the costThe earlier you order, the longer you have to pay.

Your questions answered

When should I start shopping for my wedding dress?

We recommend visiting us around 12 months before your wedding. That gives you plenty of choice of designers and, most importantly, time to book your alterations with our in house team before they fill up.

How long does a wedding dress take to arrive?

Made to order wedding dresses can take up to 10 months to arrive, depending on the designer. Ordering 10 months or more ahead means you can choose from every designer we stock.

When should I book my bridal alterations?

As early as you can, ideally when you order your dress. Our in house alterations book up around 12 months in advance on a first come, first served basis, and February to August is our busiest time. Fittings take place over the final 8 to 12 weeks before your wedding.

Is it too late to buy my wedding dress?

Not at all. On selected designers we can rush your order, with lead times from as little as 4 weeks depending on the designer, for a rush fee of £100 to £400. Our sample sale and designer outlet dresses can also be taken home straight away. Get in touch and we'll help you find the right option.

Can I rush my wedding dress order?

Yes, on selected designers. Rush lead times are 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, 4 months or 6 months, depending on the designer you choose, and rush fees range from £100 to £400.

Do you do bridal alterations in house?

Yes. We're one of very few bridal boutiques in the UK to offer true, full in house alterations, carried out by our own specialist team. We give you definitive costs for your alterations and any customisations, so you know exactly where you stand.

What if your alterations are fully booked?

We need a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks for alterations on your wedding dress. If our in house team are fully booked for your date, we can recommend a few seamstresses we work alongside and personally trust.

Not sure? Just ask

If your wedding is coming up sooner, don't worry. Get in touch and we'll talk you through your options.

Get in touch