You go to a dressmaker, or designer, and actually have the dress designed and made from scratch. Second is the custom order dress. Once you have made up your mind, the order is placed and the dress is cut in your size. Some of the work is done by hand, some by machine. Several fittings are required.
Dresses are available to take home immediately, if no alterations are required.
Ideally, you should buy your dress six to nine months before the wedding. After placing the order, it can take four to five months for the dress to arrive in the store, and then you might need alterations on it. Not to worry if you're the type who might say yes to a marriage proposal on Friday, and then plan to marry in Las Vegas the next weekend. Minor alterations might be needed, but you won't have to wait weeks. For a great bargain, look at discontinued dress styles on the sale rack.