Franklin Dean
The wedding dress is a crucial element of the big day, and many brides-to-be agonize over whether to share their chosen dress with their partner beforehand. Some brides are eager to show their fiancés the dress, especially if they are their best friend or they want their opinion on the style. Others prefer to keep it a surprise until the wedding day, hoping for a genuine reaction as their partner sees them walk down the aisle. Some brides opt for a compromise, sharing teaser pictures or showing their fiancé the dress on a mannequin or after alterations but not trying it on themselves. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wedding dress shopping | Done with the fiancé or without them |
| Wedding dress fittings | Generally, up to three fittings |
| Timing of fittings | Not too early or too late to avoid an improper fit |
| Showing the dress to the fiancé | A personal preference; some show, some don't |
| Seeing the dress before the wedding | Some want to maintain the surprise |
| Seeing the dress on the wedding day | Some want their partner to be excited and think they look beautiful |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress fittings and alterations
The first fitting will typically last one hour as the tailor begins to assess your dress and the alterations needed. This is also when the bride meets the artisan fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until her wedding day. Each subsequent fitting should take less time since the dress is getting closer to the perfect fit. It is recommended that brides have their first fitting consultation about 2–3 months before their wedding, with the final fitting taking place one to two weeks before the wedding.
During the first alterations appointment, the heavy lifting happens: adding sleeves, switching up the neckline, adjusting the hem, or requesting customizations like beading. The gown will start to take shape when the fitter starts pinning and tucking the fabric and sculpting it to the bride's body. The number of alterations depends on the individual, ranging from adjusting the bust and taking in the waist to ensuring the hem length is correct. Bridal boutiques will either have an in-house seamstress or will be able to recommend a trusted tailor.
While you're waiting for your dress to arrive, it's a good idea to shop for your wedding underwear, shoes, and accessories. You need to bring these to your alterations fitting to ensure a flawless fit. It's also important to bring the shoes you'll be wearing on your wedding day to all of your fittings to complete your hem.
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Keeping the dress a surprise
It's natural to want to share exciting news with your partner, and finding your dream wedding dress is certainly exciting! However, if you want to keep your wedding dress a surprise until the big day, there are a few things you can do.
Firstly, try to resist the temptation to show your partner the dress, even if they are your best friend and the person you usually share everything with. It can be hard to keep such a big secret, but remember that you want to keep some magic for the wedding day. If you're worried about dress regret, send them a teaser picture of a small detail, like a handful of the skirt fabric, or show them the dress on a mannequin or model. That way, you can get their opinion and ease your worries without giving away too much.
Secondly, be mindful of the timing. If your partner sees the dress too far in advance, they might remember the details. If they see it closer to the wedding, they may forget, especially if they only saw a small part or a photo. One person whose wedding was nine days away shared that their partner had forgotten most of the details of the dress they had shown them months ago.
Finally, if you're having a small, intimate wedding with no separate bridal preparation, it might be a good idea to get ready separately so that your partner doesn't see the dress until you walk down the aisle.
Remember, it's your wedding and your relationship, so do what makes you happy! If you want to keep the dress a surprise, go for it, but if you want to share that moment with your partner beforehand, that's great too.
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Choosing the right undergarments
Start with a Bra Fitting:
It is recommended to start preparing your undergarments 5-6 months before your wedding. Begin with a bra fitting, as 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong bra size. Visit a reliable bra specialty store to get professionally fitted and start with a skin-toned strapless bra, which will work under most dresses.
Consider the Style of Your Dress:
The style of your wedding dress will determine the type of undergarments you need. Many modern wedding dresses have structural elements like boning, padding, corsetry, and linings, which eliminate the need for a bra. These built-in structures provide comfort and support, so you don't have to worry about bra straps slipping or underwires digging in. If your dress has a plunging neckline or open back, a bra might not be the best option.
Choose Comfort and Confidence:
Select undergarments that make you feel confident and comfortable. Bridal shapewear can help smooth out your silhouette, especially if you're wearing a curve-hugging gown. Choose undergarments that fall just above the knees to target areas like the tummy, hips, and thighs, giving you a seamless finish.
Try Before You Buy:
Don't skimp on the quality of your undergarments and lingerie. It's essential to have the proper foundation for your wedding dress to look and feel right. Consider a bridal session to test out your dress and undergarments, allowing you to see how everything looks in photographs and make any necessary adjustments.
Plan for Alterations:
Remember that your wedding dress may require alterations for a perfect fit. Bring your chosen undergarments to your alterations fitting to ensure a flawless finish. This will impact how your dress looks and feels, so it's crucial to have the right undergarments on hand during this process.
Your wedding dress journey is an exciting process, and choosing the right undergarments will ensure you feel confident and comfortable as you walk down the aisle. Enjoy this special time and don't stress too much about the small details—it's all part of the magical experience!
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Breaking in your wedding shoes
Firstly, it's important to make sure they fit well and are the correct size. You want to have enough room at the front of the shoe for your toes to wiggle, without your heel slipping and sliding at the back. Once you've found the perfect pair, you can start breaking them in. Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff recommends scraping the bottoms of new shoes to ensure they're not slippery or spraying them with a clear hairspray if they're white. The sticky hairspray will increase your foot's grip on the inside of the shoe and will also collect a thin layer of dirt and dust on the bottom, reducing traction.
You can also try wearing your shoes for 10 minutes at a time at home, or even just sitting at your desk with them on to get used to having them on your feet. If your shoes are a little too tight, put on a thick pair of socks and your heels, and blast them with a hairdryer to warm them up and encourage stretching. You can also ask a cobbler to stretch your shoes, but make sure to do your research first as a bad stretch job can't be undone.
If you're planning to wear heels and you're not used to wearing them, it's a good idea to practice walking in them. You don't want to be worrying about tripping or stumbling during the ceremony or reception. You could also consider bringing a pair of flats to change into if you're planning on dancing the night away.
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Wedding dress accessories
So, you've said 'yes' to the dress! Now it's time to think about the accessories that will elevate your wedding attire and make it even more special. Wedding dress accessories can add the perfect finishing touches to your bridal look, making it truly unique and memorable. Here are some ideas to consider:
Veil
A veil is a traditional and classic accessory that can add a touch of elegance and romance to your wedding dress. There are various types of veils to choose from, such as cathedral veils, chapel veils, or elbow-length veils. You can also find veils made of different materials like lace, pearls, and tulle to complement the style of your dress.
Hair Accessories
Bridal hair accessories can enhance your hairstyle and add a touch of sparkle or elegance. Whether you choose a delicate hair vine, a sparkling tiara, or a simple hair comb, there are endless options to suit your taste and the theme of your wedding.
Jewellery
Jewellery can add a touch of sparkle and glamour to your wedding dress. Consider the neckline of your dress when choosing necklaces, and think about whether you want to make a statement with bold earrings or keep it simple with delicate studs. Bracelets, rings, and anklets can also be chosen to complement your dress and overall bridal style.
Shoes
Your wedding shoes should not only be stylish but also comfortable, as you'll be on your feet for most of the day. Whether you opt for flats or heels, be sure to break them in before the big day to ensure you can walk and dance with ease. Don't forget to bring your shoes to your dress fittings to ensure the perfect length for your gown.
Clutch or Bag
A clutch or small bag can be a practical and stylish accessory to hold your essentials on your wedding day. Choose a design that complements your dress and other accessories, and perhaps opt for a colour that ties in with your wedding theme.
Remember, when choosing your wedding dress accessories, it's important to consider your personal style, the theme of your wedding, and what will make you feel comfortable and confident on your special day. Enjoy the process of curating your bridal look, and don't be afraid to ask for help from bridal stylists or your bridal party!
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Frequently asked questions
It is a matter of personal preference. Some brides-to-be want to keep it a surprise until the wedding day, while others share this moment with their fiancé beforehand. You could also show them pictures of the dress or a teaser, such as a picture of the fabric.
On average, it takes between four to six months to make a wedding dress, depending on the complexity of the design. You should also account for one to three alterations sessions to ensure the dress fits perfectly.
While waiting for your dress to arrive, you can shop for your wedding undergarments, bridal shapewear, shoes, accessories, and other intimate essentials. You can also bring these items to your alterations fitting to ensure a flawless fit.
