Lyla Dejesus
A wedding dress is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, and it's important to get it right. From choosing the right style and size to transporting and storing the dress, there are many things to consider. This guide will help you navigate the process, from trying on different dresses to making alterations and keeping your gown in perfect condition until the big day.
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What You'll Learn
Stepping into the dress
Stepping into a wedding dress can be a graceful and straightforward process if you follow these steps. Firstly, ensure that you have assistance from at least one other person, ideally someone who is familiar with the process, such as a bridal consultant or a seamstress. They can help lift the dress and guide you as you step into it.
If your wedding dress has a petticoat, you will need to arrange it inside the dress before stepping into both at the same time. This can be a delicate process, so take your time and be careful not to trip or entangle yourself in the fabric. Once you are standing inside the dress, you may need assistance with zipping, buttoning, or lacing up the back.
If your dress has a side zip or an illusion neckline with straps, you may need to be creative with your movements to avoid messing up your hair and makeup. You might need to lift the dress over your head, so ensure that whoever is helping you puts their arm through the dress to reach the bottom and guide you as you bend, squat, or lift your arms.
Practising stepping into your dress before the big day is a good idea. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident on your wedding day. Remember to move slowly and carefully, especially if you are wearing full hair and makeup.
Lastly, consider the logistics of your wedding dress, such as the length of the train and whether you will need a bustle. A bustle will help secure the train off the ground and prevent it from dragging. You can also ask your seamstress for advice on bustle options and alternatives, such as wrist loops, to ensure you can move comfortably throughout your special day.
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Lifting the dress over your head
Lifting a wedding dress over your head can be a tricky task, especially if you're worried about messing up your hair and makeup. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process seamlessly:
Enlist Help
First, it's important to remember that you don't have to do this alone. It's common to need assistance when putting on a wedding dress, especially if it needs to be lifted over your head. Ask your bridesmaids, mother, or other trusted individuals to help you with this task. They can hold the dress up and guide you through it, making the process much easier.
Prepare Your Hair and Makeup
To avoid messing up your hair and makeup, consider using a flat sheet or a thin piece of fabric to cover your head and hair before pulling the dress over. This creates a barrier and protects your hairstyle and makeup from any potential smudges or disruptions. Practice this method beforehand to get comfortable with the process. Alternatively, you can choose to have your hair and makeup done after putting on your dress to avoid any potential issues.
Positioning and Technique
When lifting the dress over your head, keep your arms straight up and maintain this position. This helps to ensure that the dress doesn't interfere with your hair and makeup. Additionally, consider facing the back of the open dress and then spinning it into the correct position. This provides more space to manoeuvre and reduces the chances of disrupting your hair and makeup.
Crouching and Chair Assistance
In some cases, crouching down can make it easier to lift the dress over your head. You can also utilise a chair to assist in the process. Have one person stand on a chair to lift the dress up while another holds the top of the dress open wide. This creates more space and reduces the risk of messing up your hair and makeup.
Body Type and Dress Style
The method of putting on your wedding dress may depend on your body type and the style of your dress. For example, if you have larger hips, stepping into the dress may be more challenging, and pulling it over your head might be a better option. Additionally, consider the type of neckline and straps your dress has, as these can influence the ease of stepping into the dress.
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Altering the dress to your body
During the first fitting, the fitter will start pinning and tucking the fabric to sculpt the dress to your body. At this stage, the bride may also request customizations such as adding off-the-shoulder straps, sleeves, altering the train length, or adding lace appliqués, beading, bustles, or buttons. If the bride has lost weight since the initial fitting, the dress will be taken in at each appointment until it fits perfectly. If the bride has gained weight, the seamstress will try to open the seams and release extra fabric. If there is insufficient fabric to work with, fabric can be ordered from the designer, and a panel can be added to the dress.
It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress early, leaving plenty of time for fittings and tailoring. Ideally, you should purchase your dress ten months before the wedding and schedule your first fitting eight to twelve weeks before the wedding. If you are making significant changes to the design, such as reworking the corset or cups, or accommodating a pregnancy, you should budget a few extra weeks.
To ensure a precise fit, it is essential to bring your day-of essentials to your fittings. This includes your wedding shoes and undergarments, as the right shoes and undergarments can significantly impact the fit of your dress. Additionally, it is a good idea to test the garment in motion. For example, if you plan to kneel during your wedding, practice that position in your gown. If you want to dance in your dress, try bending down and twirling around while wearing it.
While it is possible to alter most gowns down one or two sizes, and up one size, it is generally best to order a larger size and take it in rather than risk a dress that is too small. However, shopping true to size is always the best option if possible.
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Transporting the dress safely
Transporting your wedding dress safely is a crucial part of planning a destination wedding. Here are some tips to ensure your dress arrives safely and securely:
Choose the Right Bag
Keep your wedding dress in the bag it came in, or purchase a sturdy, waterproof, and opaque garment bag. A trifold dress bag is also a good option, as it can accommodate the dress's volume and protect it from damage. Ensure the bag has hanger straps to support the weight of the dress. If you're flying, a soft-sided garment bag is a good choice, as it can be used as carry-on luggage.
Roll or Fold
If your dress is bulky, consider rolling it up instead of folding it to avoid deep creases. Turning the dress inside out before rolling can also help protect the outer fabric. If your dress is more delicate or has intricate details, you may want to carefully fold it to prevent damage.
Carry-On or Premium Class
The best way to ensure your dress arrives safely is to keep it with you at all times. Bring it as a carry-on item and store it in the overhead bins. If you're concerned about space, consider flying premium economy, club, or business class, as these options typically offer greater luggage allowances and more storage space.
Steam and Hang
Upon arrival, carefully steam your dress, especially if it has been rolled or folded. Always steam from the inside of the gown to protect the outer fabric. Hang the gown outside the garment bag in a safe, low-traffic area away from food or liquids.
Plan Ahead
Contact your airline in advance to understand their policies for stowing a wedding dress and carry-on limitations. Additionally, consider investing in a tracking device for your dress bag, so you can monitor its location during your travel.
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Trying on the dress
The second fitting should take place about a month before the wedding, and the final fitting no later than two weeks before the big day. If extensive customizations are being made, such as adding long sleeves or a train, an additional fitting may be necessary. During these subsequent fittings, the bride can ensure that the alterations are progressing as desired and make any further requests. For example, they may wish to add off-the-shoulder straps, sleeves, train length, lace appliqués, beading, bustles, or buttons.
The process of putting on a wedding dress can vary depending on its style. Some dresses can be stepped into, while others may need to be lifted over the head. If a petticoat is involved, it should be lined up with the dress and stepped into at the same time. For dresses with a zipper, buttons, or a corset, it is important to be careful when lifting the dress and putting your arms through.
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Frequently asked questions
If the petticoat is separate, line it up with the dress and step into it. If the dress has a zipper or buttons, you may be able to step into it. If not, you'll have to lift the dress over your head, being careful not to mess up your hair and makeup.
Call your airline beforehand to check their requirements. Your dress will count as one of your carry-on items, so pack it in a travel bag that fits within the airline's carry-on dimensions. Garment bags must be stored in the overhead bin.
Wedding dresses almost always need alterations to ensure a perfect fit. Test the dress in motion: if you're planning to kneel during your ceremony, practice that position in your gown. If you want to dance in it, try bending down and twirling around.
