When should i go shopping? i might have to go by myself

One thing you should keep in mind is that there are nice wedding dress shops that have samples for trying the dress on, but your dress does not come into the shop for 4-6 months. And generally you want to try the dress on the the shop when it comes in to make sure everything is right. Then there are shops with a much shorter time to get the dress in. And then there are shops where you buy the dress that you try on right there.

One option could be to try dresses on now. You could just go and try on a bunch of very different dresses to see what you like with friends and family. You could try different shapes, materials, and colors. Then you could try dresses on when you visit in the future with the intent of actually buying a dress.
Of course you could make some great new friends in the place you move to to go dress shopping with. I lived about 1,000 miles from friends and family in my early 20s and the friends I made there were like my family.
Whatever you choose, best of luck and try to enjoy it!

I agree with the previous poster, it wouldn't hurt to go now and get a feel for what you like. If a specific dress sticks out to you, you could always take a picture of the tag/the designer name and info and keep it until it's time to order your dress. Once you move, you could look for stores that sell that designer and see if they also carry that dress.

Spring would be a great time to go looking. Chances are you won't be buying a dress off the rack and it will be ordered. Even if you lose 15 lbs by the time you get the dress in and start the alteration process you'll should still be okay. Just because you didn't ask anyone to be a bridesmaids yet they can still accompany you to the appointments if you wish. There are no rules!


I purchased my dress mid November for Mt October 2023 wedding and my dress is/was projected to come this month. I am in the process of losing more weight/fat and will start my alteration process around July.

Agree with Keri. It depends on what kind of shop you are going to go with. For my May 2022 wedding, I started dress shopping early July, and found and ordered my dress mid July. It look 5 months to come in (I picked it up 2 weeks before Christmas). I actually had a fit issue with it and had alterations done to it from about January through April. I do suggest leaving yourself enough time for shopping, decision-making, shipping, and alterations.

View Quoted Comment That’s kinda what I was going with. I just don’t know who to even invite to the first one. I don’t want to waste the stylist’s time, since I’m not even going to buy any. That’s one of my personal pet-peeves and don’t wish that upon anyone else. I have a constant feeling of “being rushed”, so I’ll always want to go as fast as I can.



And I’ve read that I could become “too attached” to a dress and might have the urge to just by it because I found “the one”. Personally, I kinda view finding “the one” a little BS, and I don’t see myself going into tears or anything. But I won’t rule out the possibility.

I haven’t really done much research into more intimate boutiques in my area. I just know of the David’s Bridal by the mall. I only have a few months to go and time always seems to fly.

View Quoted Comment I think that’s actually a really good idea! Im terrible at remembering to take pictures, so I’ll have to remember to ask anyone I bring to take pictures for me. I’m moving to a slightly larger city with more options, so that gives me a boost in confidence.

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I gotcha. Although they really don't mind if you try on dresses without intending to buy one. When I bought my dress I told my sales associate I never imagined actually buying one. She laughed and said if she got a dollar every time someone said that. I do get that though.

You could strictly try cheap consignment boutiques though. That way at least if you become attached, you're saving money.
I guess my only other real advise is that trying on wedding dresses does not have to look like it does on TV. Any friend or family member would probably be nice to have. But you don't need every friend and relative you know. Don't stress. Try to enjoy.

I went by myself and had mixed feelings. It wasn’t bad

View Quoted Comment You’re not wasting anyone’s time. Their job is to put you in dresses, your job is to try them on— as long as that gets accomplished, all good. My first dress try on appointment, when the consultant heard it was my first time shopping (BHLDN), specifically said “don’t commit to anything today!” And really encouraged me just getting a feel for styles. Most people shop more than once, at more than one place, etc, so plenty of appointments don’t end in a sale, and that is totally fine.

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As for to who invite, definitely don’t feel like there’s certain people you are “obligated” to invite. Those big groups consisting of all the brides’ friends and every female family member she is in touch with on the show Yes To The Dress does not really represent what most brides do. I only wanted my mom and sister accompanying me. That was it. I’m an ambivert that leans a bit more toward introvert and don’t do well with large groups. Also this new “trend” of inviting your future MIL is not something every bride should feel obligated to do. If you don’t regard her as someone you are close with, don’t feel obligated to invite her. Dress shopping is a personal experience for everyone.

I went by myself and did not regret the decision. Too many people have too many opinions.
The Associate at the store will take pics of you in dresses.

View Quoted Comment I don’t really have any close female friends or family members. I am the only daughter and have no female cousins. My sister in law “low key” doesn’t like me and didn’t invite me to anything of hers. I have my one friend, but she’ll probably have to work, unless she can get the day off. This is why I have considered about being my FMIL. I want to include her in stuff, and my future sister in-laws, but I’m super awkward about asking people and they are roughly 8 years older than me and have their own lives and kids. They always seem super busy. They only other person I have considered is my aunt and maybe my dad if he gets the day off. I don’t plan on buying the dress before I move, just a look around. I am leaning towards buying it in my new state in the fall or winter. I feel like I’ll end up just going alone when I buy it.