Where does my wedding gown come from? Why does it take months for it to arrive?

Where does my wedding gown come from? Well, this sweet delivery most certainly doesn't come from a stork! That's for certain.

We have many of our brides ask this question and we are happy to answer.

Today, most wedding gowns are produced in China. Typically, a designer will sketch her creation and send over the sketch to China with instructions. China will review the sketch and reconfirm with the designer her ideas. China will then make a mock of the sketched drawing and when ready invite the designer to come to China to pick or modify design, materials to be used and construction. Each design gets scrutinized extensively as they are looking to create a design that is a winner. Once a gown goes through the modifying process and the designer is happy with the final look and functionality the gown is then marketed to retailers like our store, A. Bridal Co. & Formal, through bridal shows. The designer is hopeful that her designs are appealing to stores and the more stores that buy, the better chances are that the dress will be reordered.

So let's say the store was so intrigued with the design that felt that it would sell in their demographic that they placed an order for that design. The gown is now ready to be reordered. A bride will place her order with the store and will have to await delivery. Delivery times differ from one Chinese manufacturer to another but typically it will take anywhere from 24 to 26 weeks (6 to 6 1/2 months) for arrival.

Here is the breakdown of the process:

Order is placed by the store;

Vendor reviews the order before sending the work order to China;

China receives in from other countries all the materials (IE laces, boning, horsehair, overlays) needed to create the gown;

Gown now goes into production;

Gown is inspected and packed ready to ship;

Shipping documentation is prepared and gown is loaded into a truck headed towards the dock;

Documents are reviewed and gown is then brought to loading dock;

Gown is crated and loaded into a hauling container;

The hauling container is then loaded onto a shipping tanker;

The shipping tanker travels 30 days overseas to its destination;

Each hauling container is inspected for cargo and it can take up to two weeks to clear customs;

Once cleared the vendor delivers it order to the warehouse;

Each gown order is sorted and packed for shipping to the retailer;

Shipping documents are prepared and a local shipper like UPS or Federal Express;

The gown travels to the store and is received in;

The store inspects the gown, steams and presses and when complete calls the client about receipt of their special delivery.

The process above is what the factory, the vendor and the store hope happens smoothly.

There are times when there are delays. It could be that the factory is awaiting trim from India or other components needed to complete a dress that come from other countries. Other times the factory is shut down for a whole month because of Chinese New Year (February)! If there are delays it will trickle down to delays in receiving the dress.  

In the bridal industry we rely heavily on China and other countries that contribute to making a dress. Weather conditions can affect delivery of a gown as well. But because vendors and their designers try to keep costs as low as possible we are subjected to longer wait times.

So be smart and order early to allow yourself ample amount of time to get the gown of your dreams.