Deborah Chan
So, you've found your dream wedding dress—congratulations! Now, you'll need to attend 1-3 fitting appointments to ensure your dress is perfect for your big day. It's important to bring the right items to your fitting appointments, so here's a list of what you'll need: any accessories you've already purchased, such as jewellery, a veil, or hair accessories; your wedding shoes or a pair of shoes with a similar heel height; and the undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. It's also a good idea to bring a notebook and pen to jot down any necessary alterations, collection dates, etc. You may also want to bring a relative, bridesmaid, or trusted friend to your fittings for support and to learn the ins and outs of your wedding gown.
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What You'll Learn
Bring your wedding shoes, bra, and underwear
Wedding dress fittings are an important part of the bridal journey, as they ensure that your gown fits you perfectly and flatters your body shape. To make the most of your fitting, it is essential to bring along your wedding shoes, bra, and underwear. Here's why:
Wedding Shoes
Your wedding shoes play a crucial role in determining the ideal length for your gown. The hem length of your dress should be just right to ensure you don't trip as you walk down the aisle. Therefore, bringing your wedding shoes to your fitting is a must. If you haven't purchased your shoes yet, bring a pair of heels with a similar height to what you plan to wear. This will help you and your seamstress visualise the correct length for your dress.
Bra and Underwear
The right bra and underwear are essential to creating a smooth and flattering silhouette for your wedding day. It is recommended to bring a good-quality strapless bra in a colour that matches your skin tone. This ensures that your undergarments remain discreet and do not distract from your gown. If you plan to wear shapewear or specific bridal underwear, bring those along as well. This will help you see how your gown will look and feel on your big day.
Accessories and More
In addition to your shoes, bra, and underwear, there are a few other items you may want to bring to your fitting. If you've already purchased any accessories, such as hairpieces, veils, jewellery, or a garter, bring them along. This will help you visualise the complete look and ensure that everything works together harmoniously. Additionally, consider bringing a silk scarf to protect your hair and makeup when trying on the dress.
Remember, wedding dress fittings are a normal part of the process, and alterations are to be expected. Your seamstress will work closely with you to ensure that your gown fits like a dream and makes you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself.
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Plan your hair and makeup
Planning your hair and makeup in advance of your wedding dress fitting is a good idea. A hair and makeup trial is a preliminary run-through of your wedding day beauty look. It is a practice run to help you determine your perfect hair and makeup look, as well as find the best artist for the job. It is recommended to schedule your hair and makeup trial 2-3 months before your wedding, after you have chosen your dress and wedding theme. This will ensure your makeup artist can incorporate these elements into your wedding look.
You should bring any makeup products you know you want to use on your wedding day, such as a particular lipstick. You should also bring any false lashes, as these are not always provided by the makeup artist. For a hair trial, bring any bridal hair accessories you plan to wear, such as a veil, hair extensions, and hair accessories. Your hairstylist will also want to know what your dress looks like, so they can create hairstyles that complement your gown. It is also a good idea to wear something similar to your wedding dress, especially for the hair trial. This will allow your hairstylist to create hairstyles that complement the neckline of your dress.
After your hair and makeup trial, it is a good idea to wear the complete look throughout the day. This will give you a sense of how the hair and makeup hold up through daily activities, as you will likely be wearing your wedding hair and makeup for 8-10 hours. Your makeup artist should then ask you how the trial look wore throughout the day, so they can make any necessary adjustments for the wedding day.
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Invite your wedding party
When it comes to your wedding dress fitting, it's important to keep your entourage small. You want to make sure that your opinion is heard and not drowned out by too many voices. Most bridal shops can't accommodate a large group, and you'll want to check with them how many people they can fit. It's also a good idea to bring people who will give you honest and supportive feedback and help you stay within your budget.
- Bring 1-2 guests: Your Maid of Honour (MOH) and a close friend or relative are usually enough to make it a fun and productive appointment. Choose guests who will provide honest and supportive feedback and help you stay within your budget.
- Take lots of photos: Your guests can help by taking photos of you in the dress from different angles. This will allow you to see how the dress looks and make informed decisions about alterations and accessories.
- Browse and test out accessories: Your guests can help you browse and try on different accessories, such as veils, headpieces, and jewellery. They can provide feedback on how well the accessories complement your dress and overall wedding vision.
- Provide honest feedback: Your guests can give honest feedback about the dress and any proposed customizations. They can help you decide if any alterations are needed to ensure the dress fits your vision and flatters your body.
- Keep you within budget: Wedding dress alterations can be expensive, and your guests can help you stay within your budget. They can provide feedback on whether the cost of alterations is worth it and offer alternative suggestions if needed.
- Reassure you if you're anxious: Trying on your wedding dress can be an emotional experience. Your guests can provide reassurance and support if you feel anxious or unsure about your decisions.
Remember, it's important to schedule your first wedding dress fitting two to three months after ordering your gown and your second fitting about six weeks before the wedding. This will give you enough time to make any necessary alterations and ensure the perfect fit.
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Budget for alterations
Wedding dress alterations can cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000, with most brides spending a few hundred dollars. The cost will depend on the complexity of the alterations, the expertise required, and the location. It's important to remember that alterations are crucial to ensuring your dress fits perfectly and makes you feel confident on your big day. Here are some factors to consider when budgeting for alterations:
- Standard alterations: This includes adjusting the hem length, side seams, and shoulders. These alterations typically cost around £60 to £80 or $50 to $225. Taking in the dress usually costs less than letting it out, as it requires fewer stitches and adjustments.
- Bodice and sleeves: Alterations to the bodice and sleeves can range from $30 to over $100, depending on the presence of lace, beading, or boning.
- Bustles and pressing/steaming: These alterations typically cost around $30 to $100, depending on the length of the train.
- Design changes: Making changes to the design, such as reshaping the neckline or adding lace or beading, can cost anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars.
- Flat fee vs. per service: Some salons charge a flat fee for alterations, which can range from $500 to $900, while others charge per service.
- Timing: The cost of alterations may increase if rush services are required. It is recommended to schedule your first fitting six to eight weeks before the wedding to avoid rush fees.
- Customizations: Discuss any desired customizations, such as adding sleeves, straps, train length, or beading, with your seamstress. These changes can impact the overall cost of alterations.
When creating your budget, it's advisable to allocate around 10% of your total wedding cost to "attire," which includes not only the gown but also alterations, shoes, undergarments, accessories, and jewellery. This will help ensure you have sufficient funds for all necessary alterations and customizations.
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Bring a notebook and pen
Wedding dress fittings are an important part of the wedding planning process. It's a chance to ensure your gown is tailored to your body, enhancing your best features and making you feel confident. To make the most of your fitting, it's helpful to bring a notebook and pen to jot down important details.
During your fitting, the seamstress will likely discuss several alterations to ensure your dress fits perfectly. You may be discussing taking in the bodice and seat seams, adjusting the hem length, or creating a bustle to avoid tripping over your train. With so many details to consider, it's easy to forget important information, so having a notebook and pen handy allows you to write down the alterations discussed and any instructions provided by your seamstress.
Additionally, use your notebook to record the collection date of your dress and any other relevant dates provided by the seamstress. This ensures you are both on the same page regarding the timeline for alterations and collection. It is also helpful to note down any costs associated with the alterations so you can keep track of your wedding expenses.
Bringing a notebook and pen to your wedding dress fitting ensures you can confidently leave your appointment, knowing you have all the information you need to continue planning for your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to bring the underwear and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. You may also want to bring any accessories, such as jewellery, a veil, or hair accessories. It is also a good idea to bring a friend or relative who can help with photos, feedback, and learning how to bustle your dress.
Your wedding dress will be tailored to your body, so it's important to bring the right underwear to ensure the best fit. The height of your shoes will also determine the length of your dress, so bring the exact pair you plan to wear, or at least a pair with a similar heel height.
Accessories are a great way to complete your wedding vision, so it's a good idea to bring them to your fitting. This includes jewellery, veils, hair accessories, and even your makeup choices. That way, you can check that everything works together and make any necessary adjustments.
You don't have to bring anyone to your fitting, but it can be helpful to have a friend or relative for support and a second opinion. They can also learn how to do things like zip up your dress and bustle it. Just remember to choose someone who understands and respects your vision for your wedding day.
It's important to feel comfortable and confident at your fitting. Consider emulating your wedding hairstyle and makeup look to get a better sense of your overall vision. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water, as you'll be standing for a long time, and be prepared to speak up about any alterations you'd like to make.
