Ask the Expert: My Wedding’s in a Few Months. Can I Still Get Any Dress I Want If I Rush It?

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Question: My boyfriend and I just got engaged and were actually considering trying to pull this off in a few months—but first, I’m trying to see what the various challenges would be. I was wondering: How restricted would I be with dress shopping? Can I get a dress very quickly if I pay for rush? How much do rush fees tend to be?

Answer: While shorter timelines do make dress shopping a bit more challenging, it is possible to find a beautiful gown as long as you know what to expect going into the process, says Ivy Kaplin, owner of Old City’s Lovely Bride.

Some designers, she says, will just not be able to get a gown in quickly enough, so you’ll want to know which ones to rule out before you try on. But, she says, “Others, such as Theia and Nicole Miller, have gowns in stock and can get them delivered in a few weeks.”

Often your other option, of course, is to have your order rushed, which many designers offer at an additional cost: “Depending on the designer and the time frame, fees can run anywhere from $100-$1,000, in addition to the price of the gown,” Kaplin says. (Plus, don’t forget about alterations.)

If you’ve done your research and have certain designers or dresses in mind, Kaplin suggests calling the boutique that carries them and asking about their rush options before going shopping, so you know what you can or can’t swing before you even try something on and fall in love.

For more helpful Ask the Expert questions, go here. 

RELATED: Local Bridal Guide: Find Your Wedding Dress at One of These 20 Amazing Philly-Area Bridal Salons 

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