2026 Brides: When Should You Order Your Wedding Dress?

When Should I Order My Wedding Dress?

One of the most common questions we hear at Epiphany Bridal is, “How early do I really need to order my dress?” Lately, we’ve been meeting a lot of 2026 brides who feel like they have plenty of time. The truth is, it’s always earlier than you think. Wedding gowns aren’t like shopping off the rack at a department store. They’re made-to-order pieces of couture that take time to design, produce, and fit perfectly for your big day.

Most designers require 6–9 months for production and shipping alone. Add another 2–3 months for alterations, and suddenly that “extra time” you thought you had disappears quickly. Ordering too late can mean fewer choices, added stress, or in some cases, rush fees.

The Ideal Timeline for Ordering Your Dress

The sweet spot for ordering your gown is 12–18 months before your wedding. That might sound early, but it gives you:

• Time to browse collections without pressure.

• A stress-free ordering window, since many designers experience seasonal backlogs.

• Plenty of room for your 2–3 rounds of alterations.

• Peace of mind knowing your gown will arrive with time to spare.

From our experience at Epiphany Bridal, brides who order in this window almost always enjoy a more relaxed planning process. Instead of counting down shipping days, you’ll be able to focus on shoes, accessories, and all the fun details.

Why Waiting Can Backfire

We often hear brides say, “I’ll wait for the next new collection to arrive.” While it’s tempting to hold out for the latest styles, this can actually work against you. Here’s why:

• Collections take months to ship to boutiques. Even after a designer debuts new gowns, it can be 4–6 months before stores receive them.

• Your options may narrow. By waiting, you could miss out on current designs that may not be available later.

• Alterations can get tricky. Leaving yourself only a few months before the wedding means less time to perfect your fit.

What If I Don’t Have 12–18 Months?

Don’t panic. You still have great options. Not every bride has a long timeline, and we help brides every week who are getting married in just a few months. Here are some ways to make it work:

• In stock gowns: Purchasing a gown directly from our boutique floor means you can take it home right away.

• Rush orders: Many designers offer expedited production, though fees may apply.

• Alterations support: Our team is skilled at tailoring timelines and making sure your gown looks flawless, even if your wedding is right around the corner.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a 2026 bride, start shopping now and aim to order your gown at least a year before your wedding day if you can. This timeline ensures your dress arrives on time, you have space for alterations, and most importantly, you will feel calm and confident throughout the process.

But if you’re on a shorter timeline, take heart. With in stock gowns, designer rush options, and expert alterations, there is always a way to find a beautiful gown that makes you feel amazing. At Epiphany Bridal, we love helping brides no matter where they are in their journey.

Your gown is the centerpiece of your wedding look. Give yourself the gift of time when possible, but remember that no matter your timeline, you can still find the dress you will love walking down the aisle in.

Ready to find YOUR dream dress: Book your appointment directly online at our Carmel by the Sea or San Luis Obispo boutiques. We can’t wait to see you!