A Guide to Saying Yes at Hinterland

Your left ring finger is feeling a little heavier, and suddenly all eyes are on you. Let's talk wedding dresses. We get it – it’s not just a dress, it’s THE dress. It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and let’s be honest, it can feel like a wild ride at times. But don't stress, we’re here to break down the whole process for you, timeline included- we got you!

Step 1: The Engagement Glow-Up (When to Start)

So, you’re newly engaged and riding high- now’s the perfect time to start your dress journey! Most brides begin shopping about 9-12 months before the big day. Trust us, it sounds like a long time, but bridal timelines are a different beast. It takes months to order, tailor, and perfect your dress. So, once you’ve nailed down your venue (or at least the season), it's time to book your first appointment. Cue the bubbly!

Step 2: Finding the One 

Here’s the truth: finding your dress is like finding your person. You may think you have a great idea of what you’re looking for, pros and cons, all of that. But when it finds you, it finds you. That moment where your heart screams, “this is it!” Listen to that moment.

However, we know what happens next… Your brain kicks in, and suddenly you hear your mom’s voice in your head: “Are you sure? Maybe sleep on it?” And you start second-guessing. Don’t worry, it's normal, but here’s a little secret: saying yes in the moment feels magical, and we absolutely love celebrating that moment with you! Saying hell yeah in the dress, on the pedestal, with all your people hits a little different than just sending an email the next day to say “okay, that’s the one”. 

But hey, if you need a moment to mull it over, no pressure – we’ll still be here cheering you on when you’re ready to commit. After all, there’s no “wrong” way to find your dress, but don’t rob yourself of that giant moment!

Step 3: The Part Where Your Dress Gets Made

Once you’ve said yes, your dress gets brought into the world. Typically, your gown will take 6-8 months to arrive. Yep, you read that right. Wedding dresses aren’t off-the-rack, so they need to be made just for you, by a real person. If you’re thinking, “What if I’m a last-minute bride?” – don’t panic. We’ve got you. If you’re getting married sooner, we’ll help you find the perfect solution, even if it means a rush order or exploring some dreamy off-the-rack options.

Step 4: Alterations Time

The dress is here! Woohoo! Now it’s time for some final touches. Usually, you’ll need about 2-3 fittings to get that perfect fit. Give yourself 3-4 months before the wedding for this. Your tailor is basically a fairy godmother with needles, making sure every seam hugs your curves in all the right places. 

And don’t forget this is your time to play around with accessories, veils, and shoes. Channel your inner minimal Carolyn Bessette Kennedy vibe, or go full glam – whatever makes you feel like the best version of you. 

Step 5: Dress Delivery and the Big Day

Finally, it’s time to pick up your gown and hang it somewhere special. The big day is around the corner, and now all you have to do is walk down that aisle looking like a literal goddess. Take a deep breath, soak in every moment, and give your dress one final twirl in front of the mirror. 

Now it’s time to celebrate! No matter how or when you find your dream dress, remember that it’s all about you, your person and how you want to feel on your wedding day. The journey should be as fun as it is meaningful, and we’re here to help every step of the way –so let yourself feel the joy, because babe, you deserve it.