Q. I have seven months until my wedding, and I plan to lose 15 pounds beforehand. My mom keeps saying I need to get a dress now, but I want to lose the weight first. What’s my absolute deadline for dress shopping?
A. It’s ideal to start shopping about nine months before the wedding so you have plenty of time for fittings. Since you’re at the seven-month mark, I’d say listen to your mom and hit the stores. Why? Most gowns are custom-made and require several alterations. Besides, even if you do lose weight, your actual shape won’t change so dramatically that you’ll need a completely different dress.
To address a larger concern, though, making your wedding date the deadline to lose a certain number of pounds just puts extra pressure on you during the already stressful planning period. Eat healthy and exercise, but remember that the man you’re marrying loves you for you.