Need advise on shopping for my gown!

Ok so here's the deal...I am getting married in about 9 1/2 months and I haven't been dress shopping at all! I would like to include my mom in the experience but she lives about 12 hrs away from me. The next time I would see her is over Labor Day weekend (like sept. 1-3rd)...and she's not even 100% sure that she will be coming down during that time. So do you guys think I should go ahead and shop without her or wait even though she might not be able to make it? I would really like to go ahead and start looking, but I'm really worried that it'll hurt her feelings...What do you guys thinks I should do? How long does it take for alterations and for the dress to come in once it's ordered??

I just went and my wedding is in 3 1/2 months!! lol, so I think you have plenty of time!!

agreed...i was told 10-12 weeks for my dress to come in and then COULD do alterations w/in a week (but not preferable)... and some you can even buy off the rack (sample sale) and have altered immediately...i think you can wait.

Hmmm, I was going to say that you should start now and still go then. Even if you've found "the one" by then, your mom will get a chance to see it before you buy it. I thought you had to order pretty far in advance, but it looks like I am in the minority there...

Shelley - on another note, how is your dress shopping going

You could always just go looking in stores but not try anything on.. then once your mom is able to go with you, try on all the ones that you saw that you liked. But like Tlseege said above, waiting another month still gives you lots of time.

I will end up doing 3 shopping days just so everyone gets a chance to share in the experience. Will that work for you? Go by yourself then another time with her?

I actually think you should go now and try on lots and lots of dresses. Don't buy anything now - but if you find a place that has a few dresses that you like then make an appointment for when your mom will be coming down.

The reason I say this is I think the most important part of your mom being there is to help you make the final selection - to pick the perfect dress for you. If you wait until she can come down you may go with her and try on a ton of dresses but not find THE one... then you're stuck looking on your own with less time and without your mom to help you decide!

Also it's a good idea to at least see what style dresses look good on you - it may not be what you think!

i think if you also explain it this way to your mom then she won't be sad or hurt. Tell her that her opinion is SO important to you that you want to make sure she's there when you make the final purchase.

I agree with Kash, cuz it is "the dress" that your mom would want to participate with. Now, I luckily found my dream dress in the first store I looked at, but I know it isn't always that way. I would go out a few times before she comes.