Wedding Invitations

If you purchase your gown from a retailer, order it at least six months prior to your wedding date to allow for errors in size, style, or shipping.

Alterations can be time consuming and, during peak wedding seasons, difficult to schedule. Be sure you understand the policies and alteration schedule of your gown maker or distributor before committing to buying your dress from them.

Read all of the fine print in your dress contract—especially regarding your deposit, arrival dates, alteration policies, and damage to the dress. Get everything in writing.

Inquire about return policies or deposit refunds in case your wedding is delayed or, heaven forbid, canceled altogether. You never know, and it is best to be prepared.