Question about dress timeline

Typically alterations are started around the 8 week mark (8 weeks being the first fitting). That gives plenty of time to have multiple fittings to ensure a proper fit; but not too much time where your weight may fluctuate significantly and require more alterations to the dress.

My wedding was January 30th of this year and I started alterations October 25th I believe... So about 3 months out. I had a total of four I believe, basically one in October, one in November, One early January and then the one where I picked up my dress the week before I left.

I think some of this depends on the seamstress - the one I brought my dress to requested to all their brides that wedding dress alterations start 4 months in advance of the wedding, with occasional fittings in between, and picking up the dress within a couple weeks before the wedding. It could also depend on what alterations are needed: any major alterations or if the dress is very complex (lots of beading/lace/etc) would take more time. But you also don't want to start alterations too early. I think 7 months ahead of time seems a little early for alterations, though maybe ask if they can schedule you for sometime in January or February?