When to Start Wedding Dress Shopping
You’re engaged—congratulations! Now comes the fun part: finding your dream bridal look. One of the most common questions we hear from brides at TEMPÊTE is: When should I start wedding dress shopping? Whether you’re planning a long engagement or eloping on short notice, timing matters—and we’re here to help you figure out what works best for you.
What Most Brides Follow—And Why
The Ideal Timeline: 6–12 Months Before Your Wedding
Most bridal guides recommend starting dress shopping about 6 to 12 months before your wedding day. This timeline gives you enough space to explore different styles, try on multiple options, and allow time for fittings, production, and any last-minute changes.
In comparison, at TEMPÊTE, our pieces are designed and made locally in our Vancouver studio within just 6 to 12 weeks, instead of months. Our modern, made-to-order approach means you don’t need to wait months to receive your look—but we still recommend starting early to give yourself room to enjoy the process, try on different combinations, and style your final outfit with veils, jewelry, and accessories.
Bridal shopping isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about enjoying the moment, discovering what feels like you, and making memories along the way.
Bridal Shopping Should Feel Good
Give Yourself Room to Enjoy the Process
We’ve seen brides come into our Vancouver showroom months ahead of their weddings, thinking they have it all figured out—and end up falling in love with something completely different. That’s part of the magic.
Once you find your dress or bridal separates, allow yourself extra time to choose the finishing touches. Veils, jewelry, accessories, and even shoes can take time to source and style thoughtfully. At TEMPÊTE, our accessories and veils are made to order in 2–4 weeks, and having that time buffer helps you complete your look with intention and ease. When you give yourself the time and space to explore, you’ll likely feel more confident in your final decision.
On the flip side, we’ve also helped last-minute brides pull together incredible looks with just days to go. Either way, we’re here to support you.
Why Every Bride’s Timeline Looks Different
What Can Impact Your Timeline
Everyone’s wedding planning process looks different, so your timeline might shift depending on a few key factors:
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
If you’re getting married abroad, you may need your outfit earlier to accommodate travel and packing logistics.
CUSTOM PIECES
Want to customize your bridal separates or add a veil or topper? Built-in production time matters.
ALTERATIONS
Even with a great fit, most bridal looks need small adjustments. Make space in your calendar for fittings.
EVENT SCHEDULES
Some brides shop early for a ceremony, but don’t realize they also need an outfit for a rehearsal dinner, after-party, or second look.
Being aware of these pieces helps you plan with confidence—and avoid last-minute stress.
What If You’re Shopping Last-Minute?
Short on time? Don’t panic. You still have great options:
Sample Sale Pieces: Many showrooms offer off-the-rack pieces from past collections—perfect for quick turnarounds. At TEMPÊTE, we also have a curated selection of samples and previous collection styles available to purchase right away. Explore now.
Rush Orders: You can always ask for a rush option, though it may come with a fee. At TEMPÊTE, our standard production is 6–12 weeks, but we offer rush options when possible. Just let us know your wedding date, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Simplified Styling: Lean into our specialty—bridal separates. With mix-and-match flexibility, you can create a full bridal look without relying on traditional lead times. It’s the perfect option for modern brides who need both style and speed.
Ready to Begin?
So, when should you start wedding dress shopping?
Ideally, give yourself 6–12 months. But even if you’re on a tighter timeline, there are still beautiful, bold, fashion-forward options available to you.
Whether you’re shopping for a full bridal look, a second outfit, or your dream veil—TEMPÊTE is ready to help.
Book your showroom appointment in Vancouver or explore our collection online. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way—from first try-on to final fitting.
Featured collection
Modern Wedding Wear
Made in Canada
Crafted in small batches
in Vancouver, BC.