The First Purchases Brides Make After Getting Engaged (and how to do them like a pro)

When we launched TH&TH, it was because we couldn’t find bridesmaid dresses that felt elevated, flattering and genuinely re‑wearable, without couture price tags. 10 years on, we’ve dressed thousands of bridal parties across the UK and beyond, and we still get asked the same question every week:

“We just got engaged, what do we buy first?”

Below is our guide, built from years inside the bridal world. 

The very first buys in the first 2–4 weeks

1) Ring care & admin: insurance & safe place.

Let's start with The Ring, how to keep it clean, how to store it safely and insurance, because you’re wearing it every day. We recommend a “ring box/tray” as a day‑one purchase alongside ring insurance. Then handle must‑dos like resizing.

“Purchase ring insurance the same day you post the engagement selfie. It’s the unglamorous purchase that protects every glamorous one that follows.” Louie

2) A wedding planner or planning tool, and a first rough budget

Firstly celebrate, then align on vision, budget, guest count and a rough date, because these choices shape every purchase.

“A simple spreadsheet & one shared notes app beats 20 WhatsApp threads. You’ll thank yourselves when supplier quotes start flying in.” Kitty

Set up an account with one of the U.K's leading wedding planning apps.

The first fashion purchases you’ll actually click “buy” on

3) Fabric swatches for bridesmaid dresses (sooner than you think)

Swatches are the affordable, low‑commitment way to lock a palette early and avoid colour‑matching dramas later. 

• Order TH&TH fabric swatches (satin, satin twill, chiffon, crepe, tulle, velvet) 

“Grab two sets: one to give your florist and/or decor suppliers and one for your planning files so you can match shoes, groomsmen and flowergirls, no more ‘is this the same champagne?’ debates.” Louie

“Colour swatches are the cheapest stress‑reducer in wedding planning. They turn guesswork into decisions.” Kitty

4) A white mini or outfit for hen / engagement moments

Brides select “wardrobe for pre‑wedding events” among the first buys, because parties happen fast, long before your ceremony look arrives.

• Shop our UK‑designed hen minis & accessories: (think Aspen, Pearl, veils, bows, and ridiculously cute bags) 

 “Choose a dress you’ll happily wear again, city registry, rehearsal dinner, honeymoon nights. Our Pearl mini is a customer favourite for that.”  Kitty

5) Bridesmaid dresses: when research starts vs. when to order

• Wedding gown shopping typically starts 12-18 months before, with purchase no later than ~9 months out. (This matters because the bridal look sets the tone for your bridesmaids.) 
• Bridesmaid dresses: browse 8–10 months out; order 6–8 months before the wedding to allow for production (if items are sold out), shipping and alterations. (we do offer next day delivery for any last minute choices but we advise to shop early to avoid unnecessary stress) 

After venue and ceremony dress choices, swatches and bridesmaid orders follow quickly. 

• Start your mood‑board with our inclusive UK sizes 4–28, in satin, chiffon, tulle, crepe & velvet: 
  
• See newest drops and most‑loved styles (good for quick decisions):

“Order all bridesmaid dresses in one go to keep dye lots consistent" Louie

The next wave of smart buys (months 1–3)

6) Engagement‑to‑wedding wardrobe “capsule”

From editors’ lists to real‑bride diaries, brides stock up early on party‑ready skincare, photo‑friendly beauty, and outfits for showers, dinners and the after‑party. 

• Planning a second look? Our reception‑ready minis are built for dancing:

“If your main gown is dramatic, balance it with a sleek satin mini or twill shift for the reception. You’ll move better, and your photos get a fresh chapter.” Kitty

7) Timeline check: when to actually lock in attire

• Bridal gown: purchase ~9–18 months before; ready‑to‑wear or expedited options exist if you’re tighter on time. 
• Bridesmaid dresses: place orders 6–8 months before; first fittings 3–4 months before; alterations 2–8 weeks before. 

"Earlier venue decisions can radically change dress direction, so resist impulse buying until you’ve nailed date & place." Louie

What not to panic‑buy

• Décor and novelty: Forums & marketplaces are full of couples who bought signage, cake stands and favours before a venue, then had to re‑buy to suit the space. Venue first, aesthetic second, then shop smart. 
• A gown before the venue:  The venue and season can reshape the vision (garden vs. ballroom changes everything from fabric to train). 

Your quick‑start  shopping checklist

Week 1–2

• Insure & resize ring; buy a ring tray/box. 
• Start a shared planning doc; sketch budget/guest count.
• Book a mini celebration outfit (engagement dinner/hen ready):

Week 2–4

• Order swatches (2 sets): 
• Shortlist venues + date; start bridal gown research (12–18 months out ideal). 

Month 2–3

• Finalise bridesmaid palette via swatches; pick silhouettes from our size‑inclusive collection: 
• If you’re planning an outfit change, add a reception mini: 

6–8 months before the wedding

• Place bridesmaid dress order; schedule alteration windows now (you can move them later).

Why couples trust TH&TH for these first buys

We built TH&TH from our own bridesmaid pain points, and we still obsess over the details, inclusive UK sizing (4–28), mix‑and‑match fabrics, stretch options, quick swatch shipping, and silhouettes designed to be re‑worn. (If you fancy a bit more of our origin story, Louie recently chatted about it on a founder podcast.)

From our studio to your aisle, Congratulations.