Brides-to-be have been told to order their wedding dresses as soon as they become engaged or to shop second hand as a result of supply chain problems.
Delays at UK ports could lead to late deliveries of dresses, veils and headpieces bought from manufacturers overseas, leaving brides-to-be without their outfits on their big day, retailers have warned.
Bernadette Chapman, of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners, said women who get engaged should start searching for their dress immediately, or at least a year before the wedding day.
Another option is to buy a second-hand outfit for a fraction of the price, on the spot, removing the stress of waiting for it to be delivered.
Chapman told The Telegraph: "I advise not leaving it too late to order your wedding dress – give yourself enough time for a buffer in case of delays in your dress arriving. If possible, start looking to purchase your dress nine to 12 months prior to your wedding, or as soon as you are engaged. Although this seems terribly far in advance, it allows time for the dress to be made, shipped and altered, and gives you that extra time in case of continual delays to deliveries.