Quick answer: For a heavy bridal outfit, order around 3–4 months ahead. For made-to-order party and occasion wear, allow about 4–6 weeks plus delivery. In-stock pieces ship in around 10–12 days. On top of the making time, build in a buffer for shipping and a final local fitting. The simple rule: the heavier and more custom the outfit, the earlier you order — and ordering early is always safer than leaving it late.
One of the most common — and important — questions brides ask is "when do I need to order by?" Leave it too late and your options shrink. Here's a clear timeline for every type of outfit.
Heavy bridal: 3–4 months ahead
A heavily embroidered bridal lehenga or gharara involves hundreds of hours of handwork. To be safe — and to allow for shipping and a final fitting — order roughly 3–4 months before the event. If your wedding is in peak season, earlier is better still.
Made-to-order party & occasion wear: 4–6 weeks + buffer
Made-to-measure party wear, guest outfits and lighter bridal pieces typically take around 4–6 weeks to make. Add delivery time and a week or two for any local alterations, so aim to order at least 6–8 weeks ahead.
In-stock (ready-to-wear): ~10–12 days
If you're short on time, in-stock pieces ship in around 10–12 days. Still leave a little room for delivery and a quick fitting. (See ready-to-wear vs made-to-order.)
Quick reference
| Outfit type | Order this far ahead |
|---|---|
| Heavy bridal | 3–4 months |
| Made-to-order party/guest | 6–8 weeks |
| In-stock | ~2–3 weeks to be safe |
Why ordering early pays off
- More choice: popular designs and your exact custom colour stay available.
- No rush fees or stress as the date approaches.
- Time for alterations: the 3–5 inch alteration margin works best with a calm fitting window.
- Time to approve the video of your finished outfit before dispatch without pressure.
Planning multiple events?
If you need outfits for mehndi, nikah, baraat and walima, plan them together and order the heaviest pieces first. Wedding season (and your own timeline) affects how early to start. (See when is UK Pakistani wedding season.)
Browse bridal wear, learn how to take your measurements, or contact us to check timings for your date.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I order my bridal outfit?
Around 3–4 months ahead for a heavy bridal outfit, 6–8 weeks for made-to-order party or guest wear, and about 2–3 weeks for in-stock pieces — always with a buffer for delivery and alterations.
How long does a bridal outfit take to make?
Heavy bridal can take several months of handwork; made-to-order pieces take around 4–6 weeks; in-stock pieces ship in around 10–12 days.
What if my wedding is soon?
Choose an in-stock piece (ships in around 10–12 days) and leave a little time for delivery and a quick local fitting. Contact us to confirm what's achievable for your date.
Is it better to order early?
Yes — ordering early means more choice, no rush, and a calm window for the pre-dispatch video approval and a final fitting using the alteration margin.
AÏNN London makes outfits to measure (around 4–6 weeks, longer for heavy bridal) and ships in-stock pieces in about 10–12 days, each with a video before dispatch — duties included and free delivery over £500. Check timings for your date.
Last updated: June 2026
