If you’re wondering how to get a wedding dress quickly, here’s an important heads-up for anyone planning to walk down the aisle soon: the recommended timeline for buying a gown at a salon, having it made and shipped, and then getting it altered to fit you is nine months. Wedding dresses are high-end pieces that take many hours to create because of their detailed layers, beading, embroidery, and bodice construction. Unfortunately, if you’re shopping with less than eight months to go, some bridal salons might turn you away.

But just because you want to marry the love of your life soon (or you waited a bit too long to start dress shopping) doesn’t mean finding a beautiful gown is impossible. You can find a dress and get it altered in a shorter time—you’ll just need to think outside the box.

Below, we share all the tips you need to find your dream wedding dress in record time.

Be Ready to Pay Rush Fees

If you’re working with a traditional bridal designer, you might be able to pay an extra fee to speed up the process. Whether a designer can do this really depends on the specific situation and the style you pick. Some gowns have beading or fabrics that come from other countries, so they need time for shipping and production. If designers have their workshops locally, they might be able to create something faster and work with your shorter deadline.

Also, think about how complex the design is. Intricate ballgowns that need hundreds of hours of sewing might be hard to rush, but a simpler, more minimal look could be easier to accommodate.

Consider Going Custom

Going bespoke is one way to get a wedding dress quickly. While the custom process is more involved and expensive, designers can often work on these projects on a shorter timeline too. The draping is done on a muslin fabric cut to your exact measurements, which cuts down on the extra alterations you’d need if you ordered a standard bridal size. If you’re interested in a custom gown, reach out to the designer as soon as possible to see if they can fit you into their schedule and if they have the fabric and team available to make your desired style. A custom look will cost more, and it will also take more of your time since you’ll need multiple fittings to bring the design to life.

Photo: Lensy Michelle

Shop Online for Ready-to-Wear Gowns

While you can find ready-to-wear bridal looks that are perfect for a reception or after-party, getting a proper wedding gown can be a bit trickier. If you’re not set on a made-to-measure style, you might be able to order a dress that ships to you fairly quickly.

“Many major online retailers like Net-A-Porter, MyTheresa, and Farfetch now have bridal sections where you can find gowns from designers like Danielle Frankel and Vivienne Westwood without the usual wait time,” says bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz. “You’ll be limited to what’s in stock in your size, but it’s a great way to get a traditional bridal gown on a short timeline.”

You can also find plenty of ready-to-ship gowns at slightly lower prices from sites like Anthropologie Weddings, Meshki, Grace Love Lace, and Jenny Yoo. If you don’t mind wearing a white dress from a non-bridal brand, consider looking at ivory styles from designers who make pieces with less traditional bridal construction.

Go Vintage or Secondhand

The biggest challenge with shopping on a short timeline is the time it takes to make a new gown. Shopping vintage can solve that problem. “Places like Happy Isles, Tab Vintage, Sara Nicole Vintage, Vionnette, Studio Dorothy, and Allegra Vintij are great options, with in-person appointments to try on vintage gowns you can buy the same day,” advises Hurwitz. Just keep in mind that vintage shopping can feel like a treasure hunt to find good-quality pieces, and it will almost certainly require a skilled seamstress to make adjustments.If you want your dress to feel more current, you can also look for recently worn gowns on the secondhand market. “For contemporary designers, Double Happiness Bridal in New York is a great resource, but also check online at StillWhite and Poshmark,” the bridal stylist says. “Just make sure you have your measurements ready to compare with the listings.”

Look for Sample Sales
If you’re short on time, that doesn’t mean you have to skip bridal salons altogether. If you’re close to the standard sample sizes, you might be able to take advantage of a sample sale. Just keep in mind that these dresses will show some wear from customers trying them on and may need extra cleaning. “You can also reach out to local bridal boutiques to see if they have any samples they’re willing to sell,” notes Hurwitz.

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs for a bride in a hurry based on the prompt

Frequently Asked Questions Finding a Wedding Dress Fast

1 Im getting married in a month Is it even possible to get a dress in time
Yes absolutely It just requires a different approach Youll need to skip the traditional madetoorder route and focus on offtherack dresses sample sales or online retailers that offer expedited shipping

2 What does offtherack mean
It means buying a dress that is already in the store in your size ready for you to take home that day No ordering no waiting You just buy it and walk out the door

3 Where is the best place to start looking
Start with bridal boutiques that advertise offtherack or sample sale options You should also check department stores like Nordstrom or Bloomingdales and dont forget to look at formal dress sections not just bridal sections Many white evening gowns look just like wedding dresses

4 What is a sample sale and why is it good for me
A sample sale is when a store sells the dresses they have on the floor for trying on These are usually sold at a discount and are available to take immediately Its perfect for a hurry since the inventory is in the store right now

5 Is it okay to buy a wedding dress online if Im in a hurry
Yes but be strategic Look for online brands that specialize in offtherack or readytoship dresses Make sure you check their return policy and shipping times carefully Ordering a size up is often safer as its easier to take a dress in than to let it out

6 What if the dress doesnt fit perfectly off the rack
Thats normal Plan for alterations The key is to find a dress that fits your largest measurement A good tailor can take it in shorten it and add straps Just be sure to budget time for at least one or two fitting appointments

7 How much time should I leave for alterations
For a quick timeline try to have at least 23