George Boyle
Wedding dress alterations are an important part of the bridal journey, and most dresses will require some form of adjustment. The number of fittings varies, but most brides have between two and four appointments, with the first typically taking place around two to three months before the wedding. This first fitting usually lasts about an hour, with the bride meeting the fitter and the two going over the dress from head to toe to assess what needs to be altered. Subsequent fittings will be shorter as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. Brides are advised to bring their wedding shoes and undergarments to each fitting, as these can affect the fall of the dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fittings | 2 to 4 fittings |
| First fitting | 2 to 3 months before the wedding |
| Second fitting | 2 to 3 weeks after the first fitting |
| Third fitting | One month before the wedding |
| Final fitting | One to two weeks before the wedding |
| Duration of first fitting | One hour |
| Duration of subsequent fittings | Less than the first fitting |
| Cost of alterations | $150 to $600 |
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What You'll Learn
The number of fittings varies
The first fitting usually lasts about an hour as the tailor begins to assess the dress and the alterations needed. The bride will meet the artisan fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until the wedding day. The fitter will go over every aspect of the dress, from head to toe, to see what needs to be altered. The gown will start to take shape as the fitter pins and tucks the fabric, sculpting it to the bride's body.
The second fitting typically takes place two to three weeks after the first fitting and lasts about an hour as well. During this appointment, the bride will start to see the customized fit of the dress as the initial adjustments are evaluated and refined. The seamstress will also create the bustle, which prevents the train from getting stepped on or torn during the reception.
If a third fitting is required, it will usually take place about a month or two weeks before the wedding. At this appointment, any last-minute modifications will be made to ensure the dress is perfect. The bride should feel that the dress fits just as she envisioned it, and the seamstress will allocate time for any additional adjustments.
A final fitting is typically scheduled one to two weeks before the wedding, as the bride's body measurements are unlikely to change drastically during this time. This is the last time the bride will try on the dress before the big day, and the seamstress will triple-check everything to ensure the bride is completely happy with the fit of the gown.
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The first fitting
It is important to bring the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to this fitting. The height of your shoes and how they affect your posture will impact the fall of the dress, and the amount of structure and padding in your undergarments will also change how the dress sits. This will help the seamstress get the hem just right.
After the first fitting, you can expect to have one or two more fittings before your wedding day. These subsequent fittings will build on the adjustments made during the first fitting and will bring your dress closer to the perfect fit.
It is a good idea to bring a friend or family member to your fittings for a second opinion and to provide support. Finding an experienced tailor or seamstress who specializes in wedding dresses and has good reviews is crucial to ensuring a timely and quality service.
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Subsequent fittings
The first fitting will typically last about an hour. Subsequent fittings should take less time since the dress is getting closer to the perfect fit. During the second fitting, the fitter will evaluate how the initial adjustments look and begin to refine them. They will also create the bustle at this appointment. The second fitting will also take about a full hour.
The third and final fitting should be about one month or two weeks before the wedding day. At this appointment, the dress should fit as envisioned, and any other adjustments can be made. This is the last check before taking the dress home, so it's important to pay attention to every detail. The final fitting is also when the seamstress will triple-check everything and ensure the bride is happy with the fit of the gown.
The number of fittings will depend on the number of changes the dress requires, and brides should expect two to three fittings during this process. However, most brides have two to four fittings before their wedding day, including the initial fitting, one or two midway fittings, and the final fitting.
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The final fitting
Before the final fitting, you should have already completed one or two initial fittings, during which major alterations were made. The first fitting usually takes place about two to three months before the wedding, and this is when the seamstress goes over every aspect of the dress to see what needs to be altered. The initial fittings are when the heavy lifting is done, such as pinning the shoulders, bust, waist, hip, and hem.
After the final fitting, your seamstress will schedule a pick-up appointment or ship date for your dress. At this time, your gown will undergo a final quality control check to ensure that all pins are removed and that every embellishment, appliqué, and thread is secure. Your dress will then be professionally packed with tissue paper to maintain its shape and ensure it's wrinkle-free for your wedding day.
The entire alterations process can feel daunting and complex, but it's important to be patient and trust the expertise of your seamstress or tailor. They have likely seen it all before and will work to ensure that your dress fits you perfectly and makes you feel like your most beautiful self.
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What to bring to appointments
The number of wedding dress fittings you'll need will depend on the number of changes your wedding dress requires, though brides typically attend two to four fittings during this process. The first fitting will usually take place about eight weeks before the wedding day. This is when the seamstress goes over every aspect of the dress to see what needs to be altered. The first fitting will typically last one hour, with each subsequent fitting taking less time.
Underwear and shoes
The height of your shoes and the way you stand in them will affect how the dress falls. Bring the exact underwear and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to all your fitting appointments. This includes shapewear, a bra, and a slip or petticoat.
Accessories
Bring along any accessories you plan to wear, including jewellery, gloves, a veil, and a tiara. If you don’t have the exact items yet, bring similar pieces to help curate your look.
A friend or family member
It can be helpful to bring someone along to your fitting appointments for a second opinion and support.
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Frequently asked questions
The first fitting typically lasts about one hour as the tailor begins to assess the dress and the alterations needed. Subsequent fittings will take less time since the dress is getting closer to the perfect fit.
Brides typically attend two to four fittings. However, it depends on the style and size of the dress originally purchased, and the number of changes the dress requires.
You should start alterations about two to three months before your wedding date. This gives you enough time for advanced alterations and multiple fittings, and your body measurements are less likely to change drastically.
Bring the shoes, undergarments, and/or bra you plan to wear on your wedding day. The height of your shoes and the fall of your undergarments will affect how the dress falls.
During the appointment, the seamstress will help you put on the gown and review the alterations needed. They will pin the dress to your body to mark the areas that need to be taken in. This process ensures that the dress fits your body perfectly.
