Wedding Fashion Turnaround in 2025
Are you waiting on an order you placed over 8 months ago? Have you heard rumblings that gowns and suits are slow to ship and now you’re not sure how to shop? We’re sharing what we learned from some industry experts on what is normal and what is not.
Floral by Evanov Events | Photo by Mayah Lee | Fashion by Grace + Ivory | Beauty by Windy City Glam | Venue Twenty Six Chicago
1. Communication Frequency: It’s normal for you to be excited about your order! It’s also normal for salons and designers not to communicate much until just before your order arrives for pick up and fittings.
A timeline of 8 months from ordering to in-hand is standard. Don’t forget to budget time for 1-3 follow up appointments into your planning with the last one being 2-3 weeks out from your wedding.
Some salons offer more service-forward support but most are focused on retail. Most salons and designers do NOT offer refunds or guarantees for delivery dates - check your order contracts!
This is not meant to be exploitative, it is to ensure a business has a committed buyer for each custom commissioned item.
In the meantime, if you’re nervous, it doesn’t hurt to reach out and ask for clarification on the salon’s communication and update process.
2. International Fabric Sourcing: Fabric production has slowed and this is creating a shortage in high-demand and luxury fabrics.
3. Tarrifs: International shipping on materials and completed product is incurring extra costs and a lot of confusion. This means your fashion might be state-side but it’s sitting in a container because no one is quite sure what the extra fees are and who is liable. Your salon might be just as clueless as you.
Advice: Shop local for domestic custom or off-the-rack inventory. We love:
Grace + Ivory - contributed to this blog post
Advice: Consider working with a wedding stylist who may be able to provide more detailed expertise and support. We love:
Alysia Cole - contributed to this blog post
4. Small Label Growth: Some smaller label designers are growing exponentially when a photo or video goes viral. Suddenly a small operation is rushed to produce the “IT” dress of the wedding season in mass quantities and it takes time to scale up to meet demands.
Advice: Check reviews of buyers to see what their feedback is on turnaround time and thoroughly read the sale terms before signing.
Floral by Evanov Events | Photo by Mayah Lee | Fashion by Grace + Ivory | Beauty by Windy City Glam | Venue Twenty Six Chicago
As you navigate the complexities of wedding planning, including factors like potential tariffs, remember that the heart of this journey is your commitment to each other. Take some time as a couple to identify and define your priorities and vision. Reach out if you're seeking guidance in crafting an intentional and meaningful wedding plan that aligns with your values and budget.
Cover photo by Joshua Harrison Photography | Fashion by Honey Bridal | Floral by Ordinary Seed | Venue Room 1520
