Wedding Planning Checklist
A Timeline For Your Wedding Attire
Congratulations! You’re newly engaged and excited to plan the wedding of your dreams. We know that the wedding planning process is a lot of fun, but can also feel a little overwhelming. Twirl is here to help! Our goal is to make sure you have an amazing experience shopping for your wedding dress, but we also want to help you after you say “yes” to your dream gown.
That’s why we’ve created this wedding planning checklist that focuses solely on wedding attire. Follow these steps to help make sure you, your groom, and your wedding party are dressed to the nines for your big day.
THE DRESS
Your wedding gown is more than a dress — it’s an expression of your love! We’re here to make sure your experience finding your dream dress is personalized and special. Follow this timeline to make the wedding dress shopping experience smooth and streamlined:
Step One: Research Wedding Dress Styles
Timeline: Right After Engagement
Are you the girl who has been dreaming of your wedding dress since childhood? You may already know exactly the style and silhouette you want! However, if that’s not the case, it’s fun to do some research before you start shopping. Take a look at magazines, Pinterest, and bridal sites to familiarize yourself with popular styles. You’ll be able to consider which styles match the vibe of your wedding, and which silhouettes will flatter your body. You can also check out Twirl Bride’s Instagram and Facebook for a little inspiration — we regularly post photos of our gorgeous gowns!
Step Two: Get Ready To Say Yes
Timeline: 10-12 Months Out From Wedding Day
There are so many exquisite wedding dresses to choose from — how do you know when to say yes to a dress? It helps to know your preferred dress style (see Step One), your price range, and your wedding timeline. If you can communicate this information to your bridal stylist, they’ll be able to guide you to the right dresses!
Keep in mind that if a bridal shop doesn’t have the exact dress in stock, it can take 4-6 months for your dress to arrive after they order it for you. When you factor in time needed for alterations, it’s best to choose your dress 10-12 months before your wedding. That said, we know some brides have a much shorter engagement timeline, and that’s okay! We have gorgeous off the rack options available that can go home with you the day you shop.
Step Three: Dress Shopping!
Timeline: 10-12 Months Out From Wedding Day
It’s time to find your dream dress! Your dress shopping experience should be personalized, relaxed, and fun. At Twirl, we’re excited to celebrate with you and your nearest and dearest as you find the perfect gown. Your bridal stylist will start with a consultation so you can share the silhouettes, styles, and designers you’re most interested in. Then, we’ll pull dresses that fit your price range, and set you up in a fitting area.
As you try on dresses, your stylist will be nearby to help you with whatever you need. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and your crew once you find the perfect dress!
Step Four: Wedding Dress Alterations
Timeline: 3-4 Months Out From Wedding Day
Are you ready to have your dream dress perfectly tailored? It’s smart to book your alterations appointment when you purchase your dress to ensure you have a place on the schedule. That way, you won’t have to worry about finding a time slot later down the line.
Helpful Tip: Bring your wedding shoes, undergarments and/or shapewear, and any other accessories you’ll be wearing on your wedding day to your alterations appointment. This will help your alterations specialist create the perfect fit!
Bonus: Wedding Dress Preservation
Timeline: After Your Honeymoon
Your gown is a special part of your wedding, and preserving it is a wonderful way to keep the memories of your wedding day intact. Wedding dress preservation kits make this process easy for you!
When you send your wedding gown to be preserved, it will be treated, cleaned, and repaired by experts. They’ll return your gown in a beautiful box that will allow you to admire it through the years while keeping it in pristine condition. This wedding dress preservation process is often less expensive than drycleaning, and ensures your dress is available for a daughter or granddaughter to someday walk down the aisle in!
Twirl offers this service to our brides for the exclusive price of $199 — simply drop off your dress with us, and we’ll take care of the rest!
BRIDESMAIDS
It’s time to celebrate your wedding with your best girls! You’ve asked your nearest and dearest to stand up with you on your big day — now comes the fun of choosing what they’ll wear! Follow this timeline to help make sure your bridesmaids are ready to shine alongside you on your wedding day:
Step One: Deciding Color and Style
Timeline: 8-10 Months Out From Wedding Day
It’s time to decide on the color and style of your bridesmaids dresses! There are so many styles to choose from, but most brides select a color and style that will coordinate with your wedding’s color palette and theme. You can choose the exact dress you want your bridesmaids to wear, or you can give them basic guidelines and allow them to find their own dresses.
Step Two: Group or Individual Fittings
Timeline: 6-8 Months Out From Wedding Day
If all your girls live nearby and are purchasing their dresses from the same shop, a group fitting can be a lot of fun! However, if your bridesmaids live in different locations, encourage them to have their initial fitting well in advance of the wedding in case they need alterations.
We have a beautiful selection of bridesmaids dresses at Twirl, with special incentives for Twirl brides. We’re happy to help your bridesmaids find their dresses!
Step Three: Alterations
Timeline: 2-4 Months Out From Wedding Day
Don’t forget the finishing touches to create the perfect fit for your bridesmaids’ dresses! If your girls are having alterations done, remind them to wear the undergarments and shoes they plan to wear on the big day when they have their alterations done (this ensures the correct fit).
Bonus: Add An Accessories Appointment
Timeline: Whenever You Can Get Everyone Together
Even if your bridesmaids aren’t getting their dresses from the same place, you can still have fun choosing accessories together. Matching jewelry is always a popular option!
GROOM AND GROOMSMEN
Don’t forget the guys! Your groom and groomsmen need to look their best on the big day, so it’s important they leave enough time to find the perfect suit or tux! Here are a few things they need to consider:
Step One: To Rent Or To Buy?
Timeline: 10-12 Months Out From Wedding Day
Deciding whether your groom and groomsmen will buy or rent a tuxedo or suit is a big decision. Your wedding is a great opportunity for your groom to invest in a classic custom suit or tuxedo that he can also wear for future occasions. However, this is usually more expensive than renting. A suit or tux rental is typically more cost effective, and also may be a better choice if your wedding has a unique style or theme.
For groomsmen, renting a tuxedo or suit is often the best option, especially if you want all the groomsmen dressed in the same style. At Twirl, we’re happy to help all the guys in your wedding party find the right suit or tux!
Step Two: Tailoring
Timeline: 3-6 Months Out From Wedding Day
If the guys in your wedding party decide to purchase their suits or tuxes, make sure they go through the tailoring process several months in advance so that they’ll be ready to go on the big day.
If they decide to rent a suit or tuxedo, let them know to take their measurements first, or give them a list of shops that will help with measurements and fittings!
CONCLUSION
We hope this wedding planning checklist will help you keep an organized timeline for all things wedding attire! Just know, this timeline is a suggestion, so please adjust and adapt it to fit your unique wedding needs. If you’re planning your wedding in the Ohio area and are looking for the best bridal shop in Ohio, the Twirl team is here to help you find your dream wedding dress. Book an appointment to become a Twirl Bride today!
