how far in advance do you need to start looking for wedding dresses?

Unless you are buying off the peg then you should start looking up to a year I advance as some designers can take up to 10 months to make your dress. You will then need to consider time for alterations. You may also want to consider that you may not find 'the one' straight away.

I brought mine a year in advance as took 6 months to make xxx

Hi I would say start looking at styles then go with an open mind until you find the style that really suits you about a year before good luck :)

I'm going to start looking just over a year before...I'm assuming I won't find the one straight away and will need a couple of appointments, then 6-8 months for it to be made and come in, then another month or 2 for alterations that might need doing. Good luck :-)

The latest to look is usually about 10 months - unless you are a sample size (usually about a 10-12, which in bridalwear is a 14!), in which case you can buy off the peg fairly easily. Also sample sales become an option.

I'll probably start looking once the venue deposit is paid - as your venue may change the sort of dress you want due to size of aisle, style of setting etc.