Summer 2021 brides - dress shopping?

We've planning to get married in September 2021, and I already got my dress. It took me about a month or two, I went to 5 bridal salons in my town, I'd say start shopping sooner rather than later. Lady in one of the shops said that given the circumstances it may take 9-12 months to ship the dress vs normal 6-8!

I’m getting married August 1, 2021 and I’ve recently started shopping. I’m loving it and having no issues. I’m enjoying not having a ton of opinions and so far all the staff have been willing to step in if I do need another opinion. I have had no concerns with hygiene/cleanliness - they all have plans in place. The only thing I’ve struggled with is boutiques limiting the number of dresses you can try on. Most have been understanding and allowed me to momentarily take off my mask for a picture if needed.

I would start shopping as soon as you can! I had bought my dress back in January 2019 and ordered my size for my August 2020 wedding (we've now had to postpone until August 2021) The dress took almost 7 months for it to come in and I'll need another 2 months for alterations when the time comes next year

I would say start the dress hunt sooner rather than later, as you never know where we could be in a couple of months. My wedding is June 2021, and I ended up getting my dress early June of this year once places started opening up again! That being said, I had been looking into dresses for quite a long time before going, and was very hopeful that the boutique I went to would have something I loved - and it did! I took my MOH with me, and we FaceTimed everyone that I wish I could’ve brought along. I was lucky, and got one that was part of a sample sale. But you should also be mindful of if you have to order a dress, what the wait time might be and how COVID could affect it!

My hesitation with any "wait and see" plan is that if we get a major second wave where another lockdown happens, it can really mess with your timeline. In addition to stores closing, production lines can slow drastically and shipping is also slowed.

I would take advantage of the fact that shops are open so you can physically touch a dress and maybe try things on. That being said, make sure they're following proper safety protocols. I've heard of some retail shops where they just stick items people try on or return back on the floor rack the same day without quarantining items. Most bridal boutiques should be okay since they're usually by appointment only.