You're not too early, You're Right on Time

Myth: You're Wedding Dress Shopping "Too Early"

Truth: You’re Exactly Where You Should Be

Let's be real. Shopping for a wedding dress a year in advance is nerve racking. Our feeds are constantly flooded by wedding dress trends and the "new" gowns arriving at every boutique we follow, how are we expected NOT to worry?

One of the most common things we hear from newly engaged Brides/Nearlyweds is “I know I have to start dress shopping… but I’m worried it’s too early. and I'll change my mind”

Let us gently (and confidently) bust that myth.

If you’re recently engaged and thinking about your wedding dress, you are not early. You’re actually right on time — and starting now can make your entire wedding planning experience calmer, more flexible, and far more enjoyable.

Why This Myth Exists

The idea that you should “wait a bit” before wedding dress shopping usually comes from a misunderstanding of how the Bridal industry works. Many people assume dresses are ready-made and can be picked up quickly, like a regular clothing purchase.

From the moment you say yes to a dress, there’s a production timeline for Indie designers, shipping time, and then alterations  all before your wedding day even arrives. When Brides/Nearlyweds wait too long to start, things can suddenly feel rushed, stressful, and yes; limited.

That’s exactly what we aim to avoid at Always.

The Real Wedding Dress Timeline (What Brides Aren’t Told)

Most wedding gowns take 6–12 months to arrive once ordered. That timeline depends on the designer, level of customization, and the time of year you’re ordering.

For our Always brides, we typically begin alterations about three months before the wedding day. This ensures there’s enough time to perfect the fit without panic, rushed decisions, or unnecessary stress.

When you work backwards, that means the ideal time to start dress shopping is often 9–14 months before your wedding.

Not early. Thoughtful.

“What If I Find Something I Love More Later?”

One of the biggest fears brides have is that starting early means committing too soon.

What if I say yes now… and then see something I love more later? Or, what if my taste changes? Or even, what if the people I bring don’t love it as much as I do?

You’re not locking yourself into pressure, you’re giving yourself choice.

When you shop with time on your side, you’re making a decision from a calm, informed place, not a rushed one. You’ve had space to try on different silhouettes, understand what feels good on your body, and learn what truly matters to you.

 At Always, we guide you through that discovery process intentionally, so when you say yes, it’s because the dress feels right and not because the clock is ticking.

And if your vision evolves? That’s where customization comes in. Small design tweaks, styling changes, or accessories can completely refresh a gown without starting from scratch.

As for outside opinions: the most important reaction is yours. Trends will change, Pinterest will keep scrolling, and everyone will have thoughts, but confidence comes from choosing a dress that feels like you, not from waiting for the “perfect” moment.

At Always, we believe wedding dress shopping should feel intentional, supportive, and unrushed. When you start early, your appointment becomes about discovery and excitement instead of urgency.

Customization Takes Time — and It’s Worth It

One of the things we’re most proud of at Always is our ability to offer customizations on all of our dresses.

That might look like adjusting necklines or sleeves, modifying bodice structures, adding sleeves, or changing skirt shapes. These details are what turn a beautiful dress into your dress. A dress that feels and looks like you. 

But customization requires planning. Designers need time to execute changes properly, thoughtfully, and with the craftsmanship they’re known for. Starting early allows you to explore these options fully instead of settling for what’s fastest.

What If You Don’t Have 12 Months?

Here’s another myth we love to bust:
“If you don’t have a year, you’re out of luck.”

Not true.

Working with Canadian designers gives us added flexibility when it comes to timelines. Shorter shipping distances, direct communication, and local production often mean we can accommodate tighter timelines more easily than international brands.

If your wedding is coming up sooner than expected, we’ll walk you through realistic options and whether that’s expedited production, select gowns with faster turnaround times, or smart customization choices that won’t compromise quality.

Just Engaged and Not Sure What’s Next?

If you’re newly engaged and feeling overwhelmed by what you should be doing right now, let us simplify it for you:

Booking your wedding dress appointment is a perfect first step.

You don’t need a venue, a locked-in wedding date (a season works), a perfectly curated Pinterest vision, or a certain body type.

What do you need? An open mind. Our job is to meet you exactly where you are and guide you forward with clarity, care, and expertise.

At Always, we’re not here to rush you or pressure you into decisions. We’re here to offer inclusive sizing, create a luxury calm experience, share our years of Bridal and wedding expertise, but most importantly to be with you long after you say yes.

Whether your wedding is next year or sooner than you expected, starting the conversation now sets everything else up for success.

You’re not early.
You’re not behind.
You’re not doing it wrong.

If you’ve just gotten engaged and your dress is already on your mind, that's your sign.

Book your appointment at Always and let’s help you find the one, with time, intention, and a whole lot of ease 🤍.