The Ultimate Bridal Timeline: Exactly When to Book, Buy, and Accessorise Your Wedding Look

Planning your bridal look can feel like a huge task, but the secret is simple: timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to book your appointment, buy your dress, and choose your accessories will take the stress away and give you space to truly enjoy the journey.

At Wedding Belles Love, we’ve styled thousands of brides, so we know how the ideal bridal timeline should look. Here’s our step-by-step guide to making sure every detail of your look comes together seamlessly.

Following a clear bridal timeline ensures every step from saying yes to the dress to the final fitting feels stress-free and exciting 12–18 Months

• This is the perfect time to start trying on dresses. Most gowns are made-to-order, so they can take 6–9 months to arrive once you’ve placed your order.

• Booking early gives you the widest choice of styles, sizes, and designers without feeling rushed.

  
  

  💡 Stylist Tip: Bring no more than 2–3 trusted guests to your first appointment too many opinions can cloud your vision.

9–12 Months Before: Say “Yes” to the Dress 💖

• Once you’ve found the one, order it! This ensures your gown arrives with plenty of time for alterations.

• Brides who wait until the last minute often feel stressed or limited in choice. Giving yourself a cushion makes the experience more enjoyable.

  
  

  💡 Stylist Tip: Trust your first instincts. The dress that makes you light up in the mirror is usually the one.

6–9 Months Before: Choose Your Accessories ✨

• Veils, jewellery, headpieces, shoes, and overskirts should be chosen once your dress is secured.

• Accessories can completely change your look—romantic, modern, or classic. They’re best selected to enhance your gown rather than compete with it.

  
  

  💡 Stylist Tip: Bring your accessories to at least one dress fitting so you can see the whole look together.

  
  

3–6 Months Before: Hair & Makeup Trials 💄

• Book your trial styling sessions around this time, ideally with your chosen accessories.

• Having your hairpiece, veil, or statement earrings at the trial helps your stylist create the exact look for your big day.

2–3 Months Before: Alterations Begin ✂️

• Dresses are rarely a perfect fit straight from the hanger. Plan for at least two fitting sessions—sometimes three—to achieve a flawless fit.

• This is when your gown truly becomes yours.

  
  

  💡 Stylist Tip: Bring the shoes and underwear you’ll wear on the day to every fitting.

  
  

1–2 Weeks Before: Final Fitting & Collection 🎉

• Pick up your dress in pristine condition, ready for the big day.

• Do a final check with accessories and make sure everything feels comfortable.

  
  

The Day Before: Prep & Pamper 💆‍♀️

• Lay out your full look: gown, veil, jewellery, shoes, and emergency kit (yes, plasters and safety pins count!).

• Enjoy the calm before the magic.

Final Thoughts 💖

Your bridal look isn’t just about the dress it’s about the journey. By following this timeline, you’ll enjoy every step of the process without last-minute panic. From the moment you say yes in the boutique to your final fitting, you’ll know that every detail is under control.

At Wedding Belles Love, we pride ourselves on guiding brides through this journey with ease, excitement, and confidence because your wedding look deserves nothing less.