When to Start Wedding Dress Shopping: A Bridal Timeline from Our Temple, TX Boutique

August 1, 2025

At Sloane Bridal, we know that saying “yes to the dress” is one of the most exciting and meaningful moments in your wedding planning journey. As a premier bridal boutique centrally located in Temple, Texas — close to Austin, Waco, and Killeen — we’re here to guide you through the timeline of finding the perfect gown with ease, joy, and confidence.



Whether you're newly engaged or just starting to plan, here’s a helpful breakdown of when to begin your wedding dress shopping experience so you can find your dream dress right on time.

12–18 Months Before Your Wedding: Start Your Dress Search

This is the ideal window to start dreaming big and gathering inspiration. Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, and real bride photos will help you start defining your style. Once you have a general idea of the look you love, it’s time to schedule your first bridal appointment.


Pro Tip: Designer gowns often take 6–8 months to arrive once ordered—plus you’ll want to leave time for alterations!


Tip: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest for real bride inspo and sneak peeks of what’s in store!

10–12 Months Out: Book Your Bridal Appointment

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to schedule your first bridal appointment. At Sloane Bridal, we recommend booking 10 to 12 months before your big day. This gives you plenty of time to shop, say yes to the dress, and allow for designer ordering and alterations.



Book your appointment early — especially during peak wedding seasons!

8–9 Months Before: Say Yes to the Dress!

This is the sweet spot for placing your order. Most wedding gowns take 6-8 months to arrive once ordered, especially if you're choosing a made-to-order dress from one of our exclusive designers. After your dress arrives, you’ll need time for alterations.



If your timeline is shorter — don’t worry! We offer off-the-rack options and rush order possibilities, depending on availability.

6–8 Weeks Before the Wedding: Start Alterations

Your gown will likely need a few custom tweaks to fit like a dream. We recommend starting alterations around 6 to 8 weeks before the big day. This gives your seamstress time to make sure everything is perfect — from hem length to bust support.



 We work closely with trusted seamstresses in the area and are happy to make recommendations during your appointment!  .

2 Weeks Out: Final Try-On

With your gown fully altered and ready to go, your final fitting should be scheduled about two weeks before your wedding. Bring your shoes and undergarments to ensure everything fits exactly as it should. Cue the happy tears!

Why Brides Choose Sloane Bridal

Located in the heart of Bell County, Sloane Bridal is easily accessible for brides coming from Austin, Waco, Killeen, and the surrounding Central Texas area. We offer a curated collection of timeless and modern gowns, expert styling, and an unforgettable experience that feels personal and fun. When you shop with us, you’re not just finding a dress — you’re becoming part of the Sloane Bridal family.

FAQ: Wedding Dress Shopping in Central Texas

How early should I start wedding dress shopping?

We recommend starting 10 to 12 months before your wedding. This allows time for shopping, ordering, and alterations without stress.

Can I find a wedding dress quickly if I’m short on time?

Absolutely! We offer off-the-rack gowns and can explore rush options from certain designers to help you find your perfect dress on a tighter timeline.

What bridal designers do you carry?

We carry top wedding gown designers known for style, fit, and quality. Visit our Designers page or schedule a visit to see them in person!

Where is Sloane Bridal located?

We’re located in Temple, Texas — centrally between Austin, Waco, and Killeen — making us an easy destination for brides all over Texas.

How do I book an appointment?

Head over to our Appointments page or give us a call! We’d love to help you start your bridal journey.

By Bianca Morrow December 13, 2025
Let’s be honest: wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts of being a bride… but it can also feel like a lot. There are so many styles, designers, fabrics, and opinions coming from every direction that it’s hard to know where to even start. That’s exactly why we created this guide. As one of the go-to bridal boutiques in Temple, TX, we’ve helped hundreds of Central Texas brides walk in nervous and walk out glowing. And now we’re sharing the insider advice we give our best friends. If you’re ready to feel confident, prepared, and excited for your appointment, keep reading. 1. Start With Your Vision… Even If It’s A Mess You do not need to show up with a perfectly curated Pinterest board. Seriously, no one has that figured out. Just think about the basics: What’s the vibe of your wedding? Are there certain fabrics or silhouettes you naturally gravitate toward? How do you want to feel in your dress? Save pictures you love, even if they look nothing alike. Your stylist will help you connect the dots. 2. Know Your Budget Before You Shop I promise this makes the experience so much smoother. Knowing your comfort zone helps your stylist pull gowns that match your vision without tempting you toward something you don’t actually want to spend. At Sloane Bridal, we’re super transparent about pricing. No surprises, no awkward moments, no pressure. 3. Trust Your Stylist (Seriously, They Know Their Stuff) Think of your stylist as the best friend who magically knows what looks good on you. They’ve worked with every body type, every style request, and every “I have no idea what I’m doing” moment. Some of the best yes moments happen when a bride tries on a dress she never expected to love. Keep an open mind. Let yourself be surprised. 4. Bring the Right People This one is huge. Bring the people who hype you up, listen to you, and make you feel beautiful. Too many opinions can turn a fun day into a stressful one, so keep your group small and positive. This moment is about you, not the committee! 5. Don’t Overthink the Yes Moment There is no rule that says you must visit five stores or try on 47 gowns. If you find the dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself, it’s okay to say yes right then and there. Sometimes you just know. And when you do, it’s the best feeling. Why Central Texas Brides Love Sloane Bridal Brides visit us from all over Temple, Belton, Killeen, Waco, Georgetown, and more because they’re looking for a relaxed, supportive, and genuinely fun wedding-dress experience! Here’s what you can expect at Sloane Bridal: A curated collection of gowns for modern, stylish brides Private, personalized appointments A welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere Inclusive sizes and styles A celebratory yes moment you’ll remember forever If you’re searching for a bridal boutique in Temple, TX or wedding dresses in Central Texas, you’re in the right place. Ready to Find Your Dress? If you’re newly engaged, halfway through planning, or just ready to have that unforgettable yes moment, we’d love to help you find the gown that feels like you.  Book your appointment at Sloane Bridal and let the fun begin!
By Bianca Morrow October 24, 2025
When you start shopping for your wedding dress, it’s natural to have a vision in mind - maybe you’ve always pictured yourself in a romantic ballgown or a sleek fit and flare. But one of the most important (and fun!) parts of your bridal experience is discovering how each silhouette makes you feel. At Sloane Bridal in Temple, Texas , we encourage every bride to try on a variety of gown styles. Sometimes, the one you least expect becomes the one! Our curated collection features designs for every body shape, every style, and every love story - because your dress should make you feel confident, beautiful, and completely yourself.