One of the most common mistakes brides make is leaving the dress too late. The second most common mistake is the opposite: panicking and ordering far too early, which creates its own complications. This guide gives you the honest wedding dress timeline, with specific numbers, so you can order with confidence.
The Lace & Love Wedding Dress Timeline
Here is exactly how long a custom Lace & Love gown takes, from your order to your door.
- Production time: 6–8 weeks for wedding gowns. This is the time from when we receive your measurements to when your finished gown leaves our studio.
- Shipping time: 3–7 business days via DHL or UPS Express to most destinations, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe.
- Our recommendation: Order at least 10–12 weeks before your wedding date. This allows comfortable production time, plus shipping, plus a small buffer for any minor adjustments.
Every gown is made to your exact measurements and shipped DDP, so there are no surprise customs fees on arrival.
The Full Timeline: Working Backwards From Your Wedding Date
The clearest way to plan is to count backwards from your wedding day. Here is how the key milestones line up.
12 weeks before: the ideal order date
You have time to communicate with Shany about measurements, discuss any customizations, and still keep a comfortable buffer for the unexpected.
10 weeks before: a comfortable order date
This is the standard timeline with no rush required.
8 weeks before: still very doable
Contact us before ordering to confirm current production capacity, and you should be in good shape.
7 weeks or less: rush-order territory
Contact us immediately. Rush production may be available for an additional fee, depending on current order volume.
Ready to start? Browse all of our wedding dresses or explore our made-to-measure collection.
When Should You Take Your Measurements?
Take your measurements as close to your order date as possible, not months in advance. Bodies change, and we want your dress to fit the you who will be standing at the altar, not the you from six months earlier.
If your wedding is more than six months away, we recommend waiting until about three months before the date to place your order and submit measurements. Shany reviews every set of measurements personally before any fabric is cut.
What If My Body Changes After I Order?
Small changes, within one to two inches, can usually be accommodated up to four weeks before production ends. Contact us as soon as you notice a change. We would much rather know early and adjust than have you receive a dress that does not fit perfectly. Because every gown is made to your measurements, these adjustments are part of the process.
Rush Orders
If your wedding is less than eight weeks away, please contact us before placing your order. Rush production is sometimes available depending on our current capacity, and we will give you an honest answer about whether we can meet your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I order my wedding dress?
We recommend ordering 10–12 weeks before your wedding. That covers our 6–8 week production time, express shipping, and a small buffer for any minor adjustments.
How long does production and shipping take?
Production takes 6–8 weeks from when we receive your measurements, and express DHL or UPS shipping reaches most destinations in 3–7 business days. We ship DDP, so there are no surprise customs fees.
When should I take my measurements?
As close to your order date as possible. If your wedding is more than six months out, wait until about three months before to submit measurements so the fit reflects your body on the day.
Can you accommodate a rush order?
Often, yes. If your wedding is under eight weeks away, contact us first and we will confirm whether rush production fits your timeline.
Ready to begin? Browse all of our wedding dresses and order in plenty of time for your big day.
