Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dress fittings are a crucial part of the wedding planning process. While finding the perfect dress is important, alterations ensure that the dress fits the bride's body perfectly and meets her specifications. The number of fittings varies, but most brides require at least three fittings to ensure their dress is ready for the big day. The first fitting typically takes place eight weeks before the wedding, with subsequent fittings following in the weeks leading up to the wedding. During these fittings, the bride should test out different postures and movements to ensure the dress is comfortable and allows for mobility. It is also important to bring along bridal shoes and undergarments to ensure the hem is correct and the dress fits well. The final fitting is a chance to make any last-minute adjustments and ensure the bride is happy with the dress. With each fitting, the bride gets closer to achieving the perfect fit and feeling confident on her wedding day.
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What You'll Learn
The number of fittings
The second fitting is when you'll have a better idea of how the gown will fit. This usually takes place about six weeks to a month before the wedding. The seamstress will take the time to evaluate how the initial adjustments look and begin to refine them. They will also create the bustle at this appointment.
The third fitting is when the seamstress will fine-tune any last-minute modifications to ensure your dress is perfect. This should be about a month or two weeks before the wedding. The final fitting is also a quality check to be sure that everything done in the prior fittings has turned out according to plan.
Each subsequent fitting should take less time since the dress is getting closer to the perfect fit. It is important to be vocal about your gown feeling uncomfortable or if you don't like the modifications being made.
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What to bring to fittings
Wedding dress fittings are a collaborative process and your input is crucial to achieving the right fit. It's important to bring the right items to your fitting appointments so that you can see how everything comes together, and your seamstress can understand what alterations need to be made.
Firstly, it's essential to bring the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. This includes shapewear, a bra, and a slip or petticoat. These items will ensure the best fit and complement the design elements of your dress. For example, a strapless dress may require a strapless bra or bustier to ensure the "ladies" are locked in place.
Secondly, bring the shoes you'll be wearing. The height of your shoes will impact the length of your dress, so bring the exact pair or a similar heel height if you haven't decided yet.
Thirdly, bring any accessories you plan to wear, such as jewellery, a veil, gloves, a flower crown, or hair accessories. These items will help you maintain the right overall balance and ensure your final look is what you envision.
Finally, consider bringing a relative, bridesmaid, or trusted friend to your fittings. They can provide an additional opinion and learn the "mechanics" of your dress, such as how to zip it up, attach/detach sleeves, and bustle your dress.
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The role of the seamstress
During the first fitting, the seamstress will typically start with the bodice to ensure it fits correctly and then move on to pinning the hem. The bride should test out different postures and movements to optimise fit, comfort, and structure. She should walk around, sit down, and even dance to ensure the dress allows for a full range of motion. The seamstress will also advise on any last-minute wrinkles and how to address them.
The second fitting is when the seamstress will begin to create the bustle, and they can advise on the best style for the dress. They will also fine-tune any adjustments made after the first fitting and ensure they meet the bride's vision.
The third and final fitting is a quality check to ensure that all the alterations have been made correctly. The seamstress will make any final adjustments to ensure the bride is happy with her dress.
The seamstress plays a crucial role in ensuring the bride's comfort and confidence on her wedding day. They work collaboratively with the bride to create a dress that not only looks stunning but also feels comfortable and allows the bride to move with grace and ease.
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Adjustments and alterations
The first fitting typically takes place about eight weeks before the wedding. This is when the seamstress will begin to assess your dress and the alterations needed. It is important to bring your shoes, bra and bridal shapewear so you can see how everything comes together. The seamstress will look for places where the dress needs to be taken in, let out, shortened, lengthened or altered in another way.
The second fitting usually takes place about six weeks to a month before the wedding. Bring along your undergarments, shoes, jewellery and any accessories you plan to wear. The seamstress will evaluate how the initial adjustments look and begin to refine them. They will also create the bustle at this appointment.
The third and final fitting should be about one month or two weeks before the wedding. The dress should fit as you envisioned it, but if there are any other adjustments you'd like to make, a seamstress will usually allocate time for this. It's the last check before you take your dress home, so pay attention to every detail.
A well-fitted gown should support and shape the bust and accentuate and complement the body's shape. It should also allow for mobility and full comfort. You should be able to walk, sit, and dance in it. You should also consider the temperature of your wedding day and how the fabric will feel.
The cost of alterations can vary. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee. Depending on your budget, you can also make more extensive changes such as adding off-the-shoulder straps, sleeves, train length, lace appliqués, beading, bustles, and buttons.
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Comfort and mobility
To achieve this, it's recommended to have at least one fitting—and often three or more—with a seamstress or tailor to have your dress altered and fitted to your body. During these fittings, you'll want to test the comfort and mobility of your dress by trying out different postures and movements. Walk around the room, go up and down some stairs, and even practice a little dance to test out the stretch and flexibility of the dress. Sit down to ensure the dress and any undergarments stay in place and that you feel comfortable. Slouch your shoulders to see how this changes the look and feel of the bodice, as you likely won't maintain perfect posture throughout the day.
The hemline is also an important factor in comfort and mobility. It should gently graze the ground, allowing you to walk and dance without tripping. If your hemline is too long, you may need to adjust the height of your shoes or have the dress altered. Additionally, consider the fabric of your dress and the temperature of your wedding venue. Thicker fabrics are better suited for cooler months or outdoor weddings, while thinner fabrics offer more breathability for warmer weather or indoor celebrations.
To ensure you can move with grace and confidence, convey your preferences and concerns to your seamstress or tailor. They are experts in their field and can offer solutions to any issues you may have. Remember, the goal of wedding dress fittings is to adjust the gown to your size and tailor it to your comfort and confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
You'll likely need 1-3 fitting appointments to make your dress feel like a truly personalised work of bridal perfection. Most brides have three to four fittings to get everything just right.
The first fitting usually takes place about eight weeks before your wedding day. It's important to remember to bring your shoes, bra, and bridal shapewear so you can see how everything comes together.
During the fitting, try out different postures and movements to optimise fit, comfort, and structure. Walk around, sit down, slouch, and even dance to test out the stretch and flexibility of the dress.
Don't worry, this is normal! If you lose weight, the gown will be taken in at each fitting until it fits perfectly. If you gain weight, the seamstress will try to open the seams and release extra fabric.
Be open and honest about your preferences. If you'd like a tighter or looser fit in certain areas, speak up. Communicate any alterations you had in mind when you first purchased the dress. The seamstress is there to help bring your vision to life, so don't be afraid to ask questions.
