How Long Does a Wedding Dress Take to Come In?
How Long Does a Wedding Dress Take to Come In?
Planning a wedding comes with a lot of moving parts, and understanding your wedding dress timeline is one of the most important pieces to get right.
At Love Spell Design, we understand that timing is everything when it comes to wedding planning, and knowing how long to get a wedding dress can help ease a lot of stress.
From your first appointment to your final fitting, we guide our brides through every step of the process. Understanding how long it takes to get a wedding dress allows you to plan confidently and enjoy the journey.
So, let’s break down exactly how a wedding dress takes to come in at Love Spell, what affects delivery times, and when you should start shopping.
What’s the Average Time-line for a Wedding Dress to Come In?
Most wedding dresses at our London boutique are made-to-order, meaning your gown is created once your order is placed. This process ensures quality, craftsmanship, and the best possible fit.
Here are our typical timelines:
| Order Type | Production Time |
| *Standard Made-to-Order: | 6 – 8 months |
| *Rush Order: | 3 – 5 months |
| *Super Rush Order: | 2 – 3 months |
| *Off-the-Rack: | Immediate |
Your exact timeline may vary depending on the dress design, fabric availability, and any customisations.
Standard Made-to-Order Wedding Dresses
So, how long does it take to get a wedding dress when ordering?
On average, production takes 6 to 8 months for each made-to-order dress. This includes:
- Cutting and sourcing the fabrics
- Constructing the gown
- Adding those hand-finished details
- Quality checks
We advise ordering early, as this gives you access to the full collection without limitations or rush fees.
Rush & Super Rush Wedding Dress Orders:
If you’re wondering: “how long does it take to get a wedding dress”’, and worried you may be running out of time, don’t panic – rush options may be available.
Rush Orders (3 – 5 Months)
Rush orders move your gown ahead in the production schedule, allowing delivery in approximately 3 to 5 months. This is great for brides getting married in the same year as choosing their dress.
Super Rush Orders (2 – 3 Months)
Available for select styles, super rush orders can deliver your gown in as little as 2 to 3 months, (depending on the design complexity).
Please note: rush and super rush orders will include additional fees and can sometimes limit style availability. That being said, many of our brides have been happy to commit to rush and super-rush orders with us due to their shorter time lines and ended up absolutely loving their dress and the experience.
When Should You Buy Your Wedding Dress?
To avoid stress, we recommend shopping 10 to 12 months before your wedding date, – (this is the most ideal time line, not a rule).
This timeline allows:
- 6 – 8 months for production
2. 1 – 2 months for alterations
3. Time for shipping, fittings, and final adjustments
Starting early ensures the best selection and answers the question “how long does a wedding dress take?”, with complete confidence.
What Happens After Your Dress Arrives?
Once your gown arrives at the Love Spell showrooms after manufacturing, you will be invited for you collection appointment. At this point, you will have around thirty minutes to try on your dress (and any accessories you may have ordered), and go through any alterations that may be needed with our expert stylist). It’s important to bring your wedding shoes to the collection appointment so that we can gauge how much of your hem needs to be trimmed.
Once you are happy with the dress and the notes made, you will pay the remaining balance for your dress, and then take the dress with you (we do not have dress storage available at our showroom). You will then pass on any alteration notes made to our seamstress (or any seamstress of choice), and book in the rest of your appointments with her until your alterations are complete.
Alterations usually begin 1 to 2 months before your wedding, so if your dress happens to come in four months early- don’t rush, just wait for the 1-2 month window unless you require more complex adjustments. Most brides need multiple fittings to achieve the perfect fit, hem, and bustle.
This final stage ensures your gown feels truly made for you.
Final Thoughts from Love Spell Design
So, how long does it take to get a wedding dress?
For most brides, the answer is 6 to 8 months for a made-to-order gown, with rush options available when needed. Planning ahead allows for a calm, enjoyable experience, and the freedom to say yes to the dress you truly love.
If you’re still wondering after reading this, “how long does it take to get a wedding dress?”, our expert stylists are always here to guide and answer any questions you may have based on your wedding date, goals, and timeline at your appointment.
Share:


