You found the one! Maybe there were happy tears, a few hugs, and a moment you will remember forever. Saying yes to your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. But once the excitement settles, you might find yourself wondering, What happens next?
Do you order your dress? How long will it take to arrive? When do alterations begin? When should you start looking for a veil and accessories?
If you are newly engaged or have recently said yes to your wedding gown, we are here to walk you through what comes next!
At Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique in Watertown, Wisconsin, we believe finding your wedding dress is just the beginning of your bridal journey. From placing your gown order to preparing for your final fitting, we want you to feel comfortable, informed, and excited every step of the way.
Here is what you can expect after saying yes to your wedding dress!
1. Review Your Wedding Dress Order
Once you have found the dress you love, the next step is completing your wedding gown order.
Before placing your order, your bridal stylist will review the important details with you. This typically includes:
Your measurements and selected dress size
Your chosen gown color
Any special design details or customization
Your wedding date
Your estimated delivery time frame
Most designer wedding dresses are made to order. This means your gown is ordered specifically for you rather than being pulled from a warehouse or taken directly off the rack.
At Sandra D’s, we take the time to go through your order details so you understand exactly what you are purchasing. We want you to leave your appointment feeling confident and excited about your decision!
2. Understand Your Wedding Dress Delivery Timeline
One of the most common questions brides ask after ordering their wedding dress is, "When will my dress arrive?"
For most designer wedding gowns, the production and delivery process takes approximately 5 to 6 months. This timeline can vary depending on the designer, style, and any special customization requests.
Once your dress arrives at Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique, we carefully inspect it before contacting you.
We know how exciting that phone call is! After months of waiting, you finally get to see your wedding dress again.
A helpful tip: We recommend beginning your wedding dress shopping approximately 9 to 12 months before your wedding. This allows time for ordering, delivery, and alterations without feeling rushed.
If your wedding is coming up sooner, do not worry! We also have wedding dresses available for brides who need a shorter timeline, including select gowns that can be purchased off the rack.
3. Start Thinking About Your Bridal Accessories
Now that your wedding dress is ordered, it is time to start thinking about the finishing touches!
Your accessories help bring your entire bridal look together. While you certainly do not need to have everything figured out immediately, this is a great time to start gathering inspiration.
Some accessories to consider include:
Wedding Veil: Do you envision a traditional cathedral veil, a fingertip veil, or something simple and understated? Your veil can completely change the overall look of your wedding gown.
Jewelry: Consider earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or other pieces that complement your dress without taking away from its details.
Wedding Shoes: Think about the height, style, and comfort of your shoes. Remember, you will want to have your wedding shoes ready before your alterations begin.
Hair Accessories: From delicate hair pins to statement pieces, the right accessory can add a beautiful finishing touch.
At Sandra D’s, we love helping brides explore accessories and see how everything works together. You can also schedule a first look appointment after your gown arrives to try on your dress again and explore veils and accessories.
4. Schedule Your First Look Appointment When Your Dress Arrives
When your wedding dress arrives at the boutique and has been inspected, we will contact you!
This is an exciting milestone because you finally get to see your gown again.
At Sandra D’s, we offer what we call a first look appointment. This gives you the opportunity to come back into the boutique, try on your wedding dress, and enjoy that feeling all over again.
It is also a wonderful opportunity to:
Try on veils and bridal accessories.
Start envisioning your complete wedding day look.
Ask any questions you may have about your gown.
Discuss the next steps for alterations.
Think of this appointment as another special moment in your bridal journey. You have found your dress, and now you get to start picturing the complete look!
5. Prepare for Wedding Dress Alterations
Here is something every bride should know: even when your wedding dress is ordered in the size closest to your measurements, it will most likely need alterations.
Wedding gowns are manufactured in standard sizes, not custom made to fit every individual body perfectly. That is where professional bridal alterations come in!
Alterations help customize your gown so it fits your body comfortably and beautifully.
Depending on your dress, alterations may include:
Hemming the length of your gown.
Taking in or adjusting the bodice.
Adjusting straps or sleeves.
Adding or adjusting a bustle.
Making other changes to improve the fit and comfort.
At Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique, alterations have been part of our story since the boutique first opened in 1989. Owner Sandra has provided alterations throughout the history of the store and enjoys working with brides to make sure their gowns fit just right.
When should you start wedding dress alterations?
At Sandra D’s, we recommend scheduling your first alteration fitting approximately 2 months before your wedding date. This allows time for multiple fittings and adjustments before your big day.
Alterations are a separate fee from the price of your wedding gown. The cost depends on the work your individual dress requires, including its fabric, construction, and the adjustments needed.
If you have questions about alterations, we are always happy to walk you through the process!
6. Attend Your Bridal Fittings
Once alterations begin, you will typically have several fitting appointments as your wedding day approaches.
Every dress is different, so the number of fittings and the work needed will depend on your gown.
During your fittings, your seamstress will assess the fit, make adjustments, and check the details to ensure your dress looks and feels the way you want it to.
Some things you will work on during your fittings include:
Making sure the bodice fits comfortably and securely.
Checking the length of your gown with your wedding shoes.
Adjusting straps, sleeves, or other details.
Determining the placement of your bustle.
Practicing how to move comfortably in your dress.
You should be able to walk, sit, dance, and enjoy your wedding day without constantly worrying about your gown.
One of our favorite parts of the process is helping brides feel comfortable and confident in their dresses. It is not just about how beautiful your gown looks. It is about how you feel wearing it!
7. Finalize Your Wedding Dress Details and Get Ready for the Big Day!
The wedding day is getting closer, and your dress is almost ready!
By this point, your alterations should be nearing completion, your accessories are coming together, and you are getting closer to wearing your gown down the aisle.
During your final fitting, your seamstress will make sure everything is fitting properly and show you how to use your bustle if your gown has one.
You will also want to make sure you know:
How to put on and secure your wedding dress.
How your bustle works.
What undergarments you will be wearing.
How to safely transport and store your gown.
Who will help you get dressed on your wedding morning.
Once everything is finished, you will be ready to take your gown home and prepare for one of the most memorable days of your life!
A Few Things to Remember After Saying Yes to Your Dress
The time between saying yes to your wedding dress and walking down the aisle can feel like a long wait, but there is no need to rush through the process.
Here are a few reminders to keep your bridal journey on track:
Keep your order information handy. Save your order details and estimated arrival information so you can reference them when needed.
Plan ahead for your accessories. You do not need everything right away, but give yourself time to find the pieces you love.
Remember to budget for alterations. Alterations are a separate expense and an important part of getting your gown ready.
Schedule your first fitting early enough. At Sandra D’s, we recommend beginning alterations approximately 2 months before your wedding.
Enjoy the process! There is so much excitement leading up to your wedding day. Take time to enjoy each milestone.
What Happens After You Say Yes to the Dress? Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a wedding dress to arrive after ordering?
Most designer wedding gowns take approximately 5 to 6 months to arrive. Delivery times vary by designer and gown style. Your bridal boutique should provide an estimated arrival time frame when you place your order.
When should I start wedding dress alterations?
At Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique, we recommend scheduling your first wedding dress alteration fitting approximately 2 months before your wedding date. This allows time for multiple fittings and any necessary adjustments.
Do all wedding dresses need alterations?
Most wedding dresses require at least some alterations. Even when a gown is ordered in the size closest to your measurements, adjustments may be needed to achieve the proper fit. Common alterations include hemming, adjusting straps, taking in the bodice, and adding a bustle.
How many fittings will I need for my wedding dress?
The number of fittings depends on your gown and the alterations required. Many brides have approximately three fittings, although additional appointments may be necessary depending on the work involved.
Should I buy my wedding accessories before my dress arrives?
You can certainly start looking for accessories after ordering your gown! However, trying on your dress again when it arrives is a great opportunity to see how different veils, jewelry, and other accessories look with your complete bridal style.
What should I bring to my wedding dress alteration appointment?
Bring your wedding shoes and the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. These items help your seamstress determine the proper length and fit of your gown.
Does Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique offer wedding dress alterations?
Yes! Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique offers in house wedding dress alterations for gowns purchased at our boutique. Owner Sandra has been providing alterations since the store opened in 1989. Alterations are a separate fee from the wedding gown.
Your Bridal Journey Does Not End When You Say Yes!
At Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique, we know finding your wedding dress is about so much more than choosing a beautiful gown. It is about feeling confident, comfortable, and completely yourself on one of the most important days of your life.
Since 1989, we have been helping brides throughout Watertown and Southeast Wisconsin find their wedding dresses and prepare for their walk down the aisle.
From your first bridal appointment to your alterations and final fitting, we believe in providing personal attention, helpful guidance, and a welcoming boutique experience.
So, if you have recently said yes to your dress, take a breath, celebrate, and enjoy what comes next. We are here to help you every step of the way!
Still searching for your wedding dress?
We would love to welcome you to Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique in downtown Watertown, Wisconsin. Our curated collection includes styles ranging from classic and romantic to simple and modern, with wedding gowns under $2,000.
Schedule your bridal appointment and let us help you find the dress that feels like YOU!
Photo taken by Rivka Photography
