Junior Rasmussen
A wedding dress should fit snugly, allowing full mobility and comfort. It should support and shape the bust, and accentuate and complement the body's shape. The process of finding the right fit can be overwhelming for many brides, and it often involves multiple fittings. The first fitting typically takes place about eight weeks before the wedding, and subsequent fittings should take less time as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. During the first fitting, the bride meets the fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until her wedding day. The fitter will assess the dress and the alterations needed, such as taking it in or letting it out, shortening or lengthening it, or making other adjustments. The bride should also test out different postures and movements to optimise fit, comfort, and structure. She should walk around, sit down, slouch, and dance to ensure she feels comfortable and that the dress stays in place. The bride should also pay attention to the temperature and plan for any potential wardrobe malfunctions.
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What You'll Learn
The number of fittings needed
The second fitting usually takes place about six weeks to a month before the wedding. The seamstress will evaluate how the initial adjustments look and begin to refine them. They will also create the bustle at this appointment. The bride should ask the seamstress about eliminating any last-minute wrinkles and how to deal with any spills on the gown.
The third and final fitting should be about one month to two weeks before the wedding. The dress should fit as envisioned, and the seamstress will fine-tune any last-minute modifications. The bride should pay attention to every detail and ensure that the dress fits well and feels comfortable.
It is important to be vocal about any discomfort or modifications that the bride would like to be made. The seamstress should be able to advise and guide the bride on the best course of action to achieve the desired fit and look.
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What to bring to a fitting
A wedding dress should complement the bride's body shape and support her bust. It should be comfortable and allow her to move with grace and confidence.
- Undergarments – Bring the exact pieces you plan to wear on your wedding day, including shapewear, a bra, and a slip or petticoat. These ensure the best fit and overall comfort.
- Shoes – Bring the shoes you plan to wear, or at least a pair with the same heel height. This is important for determining the length of the dress and how it falls.
- Accessories – Bring any accessories you plan to wear, such as jewellery, gloves, a veil, or a tiara. These items will help you curate your final look and ensure it is what you envisioned.
- A trusted companion – Bring a relative, bridesmaid, or friend to your fittings. They can provide valuable feedback and support, and ensure you feel confident in your choices.
- A notebook and pen – It is helpful to bring something to take notes on regarding further alterations, collection dates, and other important details.
Remember, it is crucial that you feel comfortable and confident in your wedding dress. Be sure to speak up during your fittings and express your preferences and concerns.
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How to communicate with your seamstress
A wedding dress should fit snugly, but it's important to have full mobility and feel secure. You don't want a gown that is uncomfortably tight or so loose that it slips off. It should support and shape the bust, and accentuate and complement the body's shape.
Be Open and Collaborative
Don't be afraid to speak up and express your preferences and concerns. Let your seamstress know if you would prefer a looser or tighter fit in certain areas. They are there to help you achieve your vision, so be open and collaborative.
Bring the Right Items
Bring your shoes, bra, and bridal shapewear to your fittings. These items affect how the dress falls and are crucial for getting the right fit. Bring your real bridal shoes, as the heel height will impact the length of the dress. Also, consider bringing a relative, bridesmaid, or trusted friend to your fittings for a second opinion and to help you into the dress.
Test Out Different Postures and Movements
Walk around, go up and down stairs, sit down, slouch, and even dance to test out the fit, comfort, and structure of the dress. This will help you determine if you need more room in the dress and if the heel height and hemline are right for you.
Be Mindful of Timing
Schedule your first fitting about eight weeks before your wedding, and plan for two to three more fittings. This timing ensures that you can make any necessary alterations without compromising on your vision.
Discuss Your Reservations
Don't be afraid to voice any concerns or reservations you have with your seamstress. They are experts and can guide you on the best alterations to achieve your desired look.
Be Patient and Realistic
Remember that achieving the perfect fit takes time and multiple fittings. Be patient with the process and realistic about how changes in weight or body measurements can affect the fit of your dress. Also, be open to scheduling more fittings, especially if you are making major alterations. Additionally, try on different veils and headpieces to see how they change the appearance of the dress.
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How to test-drive your wedding dress
Test-driving your wedding dress is a great way to ensure that you feel confident and comfortable on your big day. Here is a detailed checklist to help you test-drive your wedding dress during the alterations process:
First Fitting
The first fitting typically takes place about eight weeks before the wedding. This is when you will meet the artisan fitter who will be with you during every fitting until your wedding day. During this appointment, the seamstress will start with the bodice to make sure it fits as it should and then pin the hem. You should bring your shoes, bra, and bridal shapewear so you can see how everything comes together. This will help the seamstress understand what alterations need to be made.
Second Fitting
The second fitting usually takes place about six weeks to a month before the wedding. Bring 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 may also start to create the bustle at this appointment.
Third and Final Fitting
The third and final fitting should be about one month to two weeks before the wedding. At this appointment, the dress should fit as you envisioned it. If there are any other adjustments you would like to make, a seamstress will usually allocate time for this. This is your last chance to make changes, so pay attention to every detail.
Testing the Fit
To achieve the right fit, you'll need to figure out how mobile you want to be in your wedding dress. If you plan to walk up steps or climb an incline on your wedding day, you'll want extra room in your dress. During your fitting, walk around the room and up and down some stairs to ensure you are comfortable with the heel height and hemline. Sit down to see if your gown and undergarments stay in place. Slouch your shoulders to see how this changes the look of the bodice, as you won't maintain perfect posture all day. Dance around to test the stretch and flexibility of the dress for your reception. Consider the temperature of your wedding day and how the fabric will feel, especially if you'll be spending most of the day outside.
Additional Considerations
- Try on different veils and headpieces to see how they change the appearance of the dress.
- Be open to scheduling more than one fitting, especially if you are making major alterations or expect changes in your size.
- Bring someone you trust and feel comfortable with to your fittings, preferably someone who will help you get dressed on your wedding day.
- Communicate your preferences and concerns to the seamstress. Don't be afraid to speak up if you would like the dress to be more fitted or looser in certain areas.
- Ask the seamstress about eliminating last-minute wrinkles and how to handle spills.
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The cost of alterations
Wedding dress alterations can cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the gown, the level of customisation, and the atelier's expertise. Some boutiques charge a flat fee, typically ranging from $500 to $900, while others charge per service, such as $225 to shorten a gown or $150 to resew seams.
It is recommended to factor in the estimated price range for alterations when budgeting for your wedding dress. This will help you prepare for any additional expenses that may arise due to modifications or customisations.
Most wedding dresses will require some form of alteration to ensure a perfect fit. The first fitting usually takes place about eight weeks before the wedding, where the seamstress assesses the necessary alterations. The second fitting, which refines these adjustments, occurs six weeks to a month before the wedding. The final fitting, where any last-minute adjustments are made, is typically scheduled one month to two weeks before the big day.
During these fittings, it is important to consider your mobility and comfort in the dress. You should be able to walk, sit, and dance with ease, while also feeling confident and beautiful. The goal is to find the sweet spot between a skin-tight and loose-fitting dress, ensuring you can move with grace and enjoy your special day to the fullest.
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Frequently asked questions
Most brides require three fittings, but some may need up to four. The first fitting is typically eight weeks before the wedding, the second is around six weeks, and the third and final fitting is one month to two weeks before the wedding.
Bring your bridal shoes, undergarments, jewellery, and any accessories you plan to wear on your wedding day. It's also a good idea to bring someone you trust and feel comfortable with, perhaps someone who will help you get dressed on the day.
The first fitting is when your seamstress will assess the dress and the alterations needed. At each fitting, the seamstress will work on taking in, letting out, shortening, or lengthening the dress. You should also test out different postures and movements to ensure the dress fits your body and allows for comfort and mobility.
Don't worry, this is quite common. 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. If there isn't enough fabric, they can order more from the designer.
