Wedding Dress Fitting Timeline: When To Start Planning

When planning your wedding, it's important to book your first fitting as soon as possible—ideally three months or more before your wedding day. The appointment will last about 30 minutes and you should schedule it for a day when you won't be rushed, whether that means going on a weekend or taking an afternoon off from work. Bring the shoes that you have chosen for your big day and your undergarments, shoes, jewelry and any accessories you plan to wear for your wedding. Your second fitting should be about six weeks to a month before your wedding and the final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day.

Initial fitting 3 months before

The initial fitting should be scheduled three months or more before your wedding day. The appointment will last about 30 minutes and you should come prepared with the undergarments, shoes, jewelry and any accessories you plan to wear for your wedding.

The final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit.

If everything is good to go, you’ll be able to take your dress home with you on the same day as your final fitting. The dress should already have a garment bag from the designer, but be sure to ask your seamstress for tips on how to store your wedding dress.

You should have a second fitting about six weeks to a month before your wedding. Again, bring along your undergarments, shoes, jewelry and any accessories you plan to wear for your wedding. Your alterations specialist will take the time to evaluate how the initial adjustments look and begin to refine them. If they haven't already, your seamstress will begin to create the bustle at this appointment.

Second fitting 6 weeks to 1 month before

The second fitting is scheduled about six weeks to a month before the wedding. It is important to bring undergarments, shoes, jewelry, and any accessories you plan to wear on your wedding day. Your alterations specialist will evaluate the initial adjustments and refine them. If they haven't already, your seamstress will begin to create the bustle at this appointment.

The final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit. It is a big moment as you will see the dress exactly as it will look when it's time to get married. If everything is good to go, you will be able to take your dress home with you on the same day as your final fitting.

The dress should already have a garment bag from the designer, but be sure to ask your seamstress for tips on how to store your wedding dress. Once alterations are started, you are supposed to maintain your weight.

The initial fitting appointment should be productive and last about 30 minutes. It is recommended to schedule it for a day when you won't be rushed, whether that means going on a weekend or taking an afternoon off from work. There are a few specific items you should have ready to go to ensure the best experience. For the initial fitting appointment, we recommend bringing the shoes that you have chosen for your big day.

Final fitting 1-2 weeks before

The final fitting should be scheduled around one to two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit. It’s a big moment—this is when you’ll see the dress exactly as it will look when it’s time to get married. If everything is good to go, you’ll be able to take your dress home with you on the same day as your final fitting. The dress should already have a garment bag from the designer, but be sure to ask your seamstress for tips on how to store your wedding dress.

The final fitting is a crucial step in the wedding planning process, as it allows you to ensure that your dress fits perfectly and looks stunning on the big day. Here are some key points to keep in mind for your final fitting:

• Timing: Schedule your final fitting approximately one to two weeks before your wedding. This timing is essential as it provides an accurate representation of your body and weight on the wedding day.
• Accuracy: The final fitting is your last chance to make any necessary adjustments. It's best to avoid scheduling it too close to the wedding, as you might need to make last-minute changes.
• Preparation: Bring all the necessary accessories, including undergarments, shoes, jewelry, and any other items you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help your seamstress or alterations specialist assess the overall look and make informed decisions.
• Communication: Discuss your expectations and preferences with your seamstress or alterations specialist. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations to ensure the dress fits and looks perfect.
• Decision-Making: Use this fitting as an opportunity to make final decisions about any additional alterations or customizations. It's a good idea to have a clear vision and communicate it effectively to the alterations team.
• Storage: If everything fits well, you can take the dress home after the final fitting. Ensure you have appropriate storage solutions, as mentioned by your seamstress, to maintain the dress's condition until the wedding day.

Remember, the final fitting is a significant milestone in your wedding journey, allowing you to visualize the final product and make any necessary adjustments. By scheduling it appropriately and being well-prepared, you can ensure a smooth and successful fitting experience.

Maintain weight after alterations start

Once alterations have started, it is important to maintain your weight. This is because your weight can fluctuate and this can affect the fit of your dress.

If you are planning to start alterations more than six weeks before your wedding, it is important to monitor your weight and make adjustments as needed. This will help ensure that your dress fits well and looks good on your wedding day.

It is also important to bring the right items to your alterations appointments to ensure the best experience. For the initial fitting appointment, you should bring the shoes that you have chosen for your big day, as well as any accessories you plan to wear for your wedding. This will help your alterations specialist evaluate how the initial adjustments look and begin to refine them.

The final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit. If everything is good to go, you’ll be able to take your dress home with you on the same day as your final fitting.

Final fitting accuracy 2 weeks before

The final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit. It’s a big moment—this is when you’ll see the dress exactly as it will look when it’s time to get married. If everything is good to go, you’ll be able to take your dress home with you on the same day as your final fitting. The dress should already have a garment bag from the designer, but be sure to ask your seamstress for tips on how to store your wedding dress.

The final fitting is the last of the four to five appointments that are usually done. Once alterations are started, you are supposed to maintain your weight. This is because the final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit.

The final fitting is the last chance to make any adjustments before the wedding. It is recommended to have the final fitting two weeks before the wedding to ensure that any necessary adjustments can be made. This is because the final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit.

The final fitting is an important part of the wedding planning process. It is recommended to have the final fitting two weeks before the wedding to ensure that any necessary adjustments can be made. This is because the final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit.

The final fitting is the last chance to make any adjustments before the wedding. It is recommended to have the final fitting two weeks before the wedding to ensure that any necessary adjustments can be made. This is because the final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day. At this point, your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day, so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit.

Frequently asked questions