Franklin Dean
Picking up your wedding dress is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. It's normal to feel anxious about whether the dress will meet your expectations. Before picking up your dress, you should ensure that you have selected your wedding accessories, such as shoes and a veil, as these will impact the fit and style of your dress. When you pick up your dress, carefully check for any damage and try it on to ensure that no alterations are needed. If you're happy with the dress, pay any remaining balance and take it home, being careful to store it in a breathable garment bag to keep it safe and away from prying eyes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing | Pick up the dress 2-4 weeks after the store receives it, leaving 2-3 weeks before the wedding for any alterations and to ensure it is not damaged |
| Payment | Depending on the store's policy, you may be expected to pay the remaining balance when you pick up the dress |
| Fittings | You will generally have up to three fittings to ensure the dress fits perfectly |
| Storage | Store in a breathable, opaque garment bag in a spare closet where the dress won't get squished, or at a wedding guest's home until the big day |
| Accessories | Shop for accessories like jewellery, shoes, and a clutch before the first fitting. If wearing a veil, pick it out by the first alterations appointment |
| Seamstress | Choose a seamstress with experience working on wedding dresses and formal wear. Be open and honest about any issues or discomforts with the dress |
| Stress | It is normal to feel anxious and nervous about the wedding dress ordering process and first fitting |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Picking up the dress early enough to allow for alterations
Picking up your wedding dress is an exciting part of the wedding planning process, and it's important to allow enough time for alterations to ensure your dress fits perfectly. While it's a special moment, it can also be a stressful experience, so here are some tips to help you prepare and know what to expect.
Firstly, it's recommended to pick up your dress around three to four months before the wedding. This gives you time to make any necessary alterations and adjustments. It's also a good idea to have your wedding shoes and accessories, such as a veil, locked in before this time, as these can impact the fit and style of your dress. For example, the length of your dress will depend on whether you plan to wear heels, flats, or sneakers.
When you go to pick up your dress, it's normal to feel nervous or anxious, especially if you haven't seen the dress in person yet. Take your time to try on the dress and inspect it carefully. Check for any snags, loose threads, discolourations, or other damage. If you notice any issues, speak up and let the seamstress know. They will be experienced in working on wedding dresses and will be able to advise on any changes or additions you may want. During the alterations process, you can make minor changes to the dress, such as adjusting the neckline or adding straps or sleeves.
It's a good idea to allow plenty of time for alterations, as seamstresses can get booked up quickly. You may have up to three alteration fittings to ensure the dress fits perfectly, so don't leave it until the last minute. Some bridal shops offer alterations as part of their service, so be sure to ask about this when you pick up your dress.
Finally, when you take your dress home, store it in a breathable, opaque garment bag, ideally in a spare closet where it won't get squished or creased. If you're worried about your partner sneaking a peek, you could even store it at a friend's or family member's house until the big day.
The Quest for the Perfect Wedding Dress
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$39.99 $42.99
What to check for before leaving the store
Picking up your wedding dress is an exciting moment, but it's important to be thorough and check a few things before leaving the store. Here's a list of what to check for:
- Fit and alterations: Try on the dress one more time to ensure it fits perfectly. Walk around, sit down, and move your arms to ensure comfort and ease of movement. Check that any requested alterations have been made accurately. If not, speak up and express your concerns to the seamstress. Minor changes like adjusting the neckline, adding straps, or modifying the sleeves can often be accommodated during the alterations process.
- Damage and imperfections: Inspect the dress for any snags, tears, loose threads, or other damage. Check for discolourations, especially around areas of beading or sequins, as these areas are prone to colour transfer.
- Accessories compatibility: Bring your chosen wedding shoes, veil, and any other accessories to ensure they complement the dress. The seamstress will need to know the height of your heels to adjust the hem accordingly.
- Storage and transportation: Ensure the dress is stored in a protective, breathable, and opaque garment bag to prevent snagging and discolouration. If you need to transport the dress, be mindful of keeping it in the bag for extended periods, as it may get wrinkled.
- Final payments: Depending on the store's policies, you may be expected to pay the remaining balance when you pick up the dress. Clarify this with the bridal shop to avoid any surprises.
- Pick-up timeline: Plan to pick up your dress a few weeks before the wedding. This allows time for any unexpected last-minute alterations and gives you peace of mind.
Remember, it's better to be thorough and address any concerns before leaving the store. Enjoy this special moment and the excitement of taking one more step towards your dream wedding!
Designing a Wedding Dress: A Game for Beginners
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$47.99
What to do if you're unhappy with the dress
Picking up your wedding dress is an exciting but nerve-wracking experience. It is common to feel anxious about whether you have chosen the right dress, and it is normal to experience "wedding dress regret". If you are unhappy with your dress, there are several things you can do:
Check the dress over before leaving the store
Before you leave the bridal store, take the time to carefully inspect the dress for any damage or issues. Check for snags, discolourations, or other problems. If you notice anything amiss, bring it up with the store staff and see if they can offer a solution, such as repairs or alterations.
Communicate with your seamstress
If there are aspects of the dress that make you uncomfortable, speak to your seamstress about it. During the alterations process, you can make minor changes to the dress to better suit your preferences. Communicate clearly what you like and dislike about the dress, so the seamstress can make the necessary adjustments.
Experiment with accessories
Consider experimenting with different veils, jewellery, belts, sashes, or other accessories to tweak the overall look of the dress. These additions can help you feel more connected to the dress and make it feel more like your own.
Seek a resolution
If you are experiencing strong regrets about the dress, consider reaching out to the bridal store or salon to see if there are any options for an exchange or resolution. While many bridal salons have strict no-return policies, it is worth asking about potential alternatives or exchange deals.
Focus on what matters
Ultimately, remember that the most important aspect of your wedding is the person you are marrying. While finding the perfect dress is important, it is just one element of your special day. Try to push any negative feelings aside and focus on celebrating your love and enjoying your wedding.
Mother-in-Law Wedding Dress Shopping: Should She Be There?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How to store the dress before the wedding
Picking up your wedding dress is an exciting part of the wedding planning process. It's important to carefully store your dress before the big day to ensure it stays in pristine condition. Here are some tips on how to store your wedding dress before the wedding:
Choose a Suitable Storage Location
Select a storage location that is cool, dry, dark, and has low humidity. A spare closet or a guest room is ideal, as your dress will be protected from light exposure and extreme temperatures. Keeping your dress in a temperature-controlled environment will prevent environmental damage, such as mildew or discolouration.
Use a Garment Bag
Storing your wedding dress in a breathable, opaque garment bag is recommended to protect it from damage caused by light, water, and air. Avoid plastic garment bags, as they can emit fumes that may cause the fabric to turn yellow. Ensure the garment bag is large enough to accommodate your gown without being too cramped. If you prefer to hang your dress, use the hanger straps inside the gown instead of the garment straps or sleeves, as they are designed to bear the weight of the dress.
Lay the Dress Flat
Wedding dresses can be significantly heavier than regular clothing, so hanging them may cause strain on the fabric and create distortion. If possible, lay the dress flat on a guest bed or another suitable surface. This helps distribute the weight evenly and reduces the risk of creasing or distortion.
Regularly Inspect the Dress
Check on your wedding dress periodically to ensure it is in good condition. Take a peek every year or two to make sure it hasn't discoloured or developed any issues. This proactive approach will enable you to address any potential problems early on.
Follow Bridal Salon Instructions
Your bridal salon has extensive knowledge of the dress designers and fabrics they work with. They can provide personalized recommendations for storing your specific gown. Follow their instructions and advice on how to care for and store your dress before the wedding.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding dress remains in excellent condition and is ready to wear on your special day.
Bustling a Netted Wedding Dress: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
What to bring to the first fitting
Picking up your wedding dress is an exciting moment, but it can also be nerve-wracking. Many brides feel anxious about the process, which is completely normal. It is important to remember that this is a special dress and one of the most important articles of clothing you will ever wear.
Now, for the first fitting, there are a few things you should bring along to ensure the process runs smoothly. Firstly, your chosen wedding shoes are a must. The seamstress will need to know the height of your heels to adjust the hem accordingly. If you plan to wear flats or sneakers, they will need to take the hem up even more. You should also bring any other wedding accessories you have locked in, such as jewellery, to get an idea of your entire look.
If you plan to wear a veil, it is a good idea to have this picked out by your first fitting. This will give you and your alterations specialist a clear vision of your desired look. If you are wearing a casual gown, a short blusher veil or birdcage veil might be more suitable. For a ball gown, you might opt for a more dramatic cathedral veil.
It is also important to bring an open mind to your first fitting. Be prepared to try on different styles, as you might be surprised by what you like and what suits you. Be open-hearted and remember why this dress was the one you chose. If there are any issues or discomforts, speak up and let your seamstress know. This is the time to make minor changes, such as adjusting a neckline or adding straps.
Lastly, bring your support system. It is tempting to share this experience with everyone, but too many opinions can be overwhelming. Consider bringing your maid of honour, mother, aunt, mother-in-law, sister, or bridesmaids. Keep the group small, with a maximum of three people, to ensure you stay true to your style and vision.
Groomsmen's Prep: Dressing Together for the Wedding
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you pick up your wedding dress at least two to four weeks before your wedding. This gives you time to try it on and check if any alterations are needed.
Before leaving the store, check for any snags, discolourations, or other damage. If you have a veil, make sure it's stored in a protective pouch to prevent snagging on the gown's embellishments.
After picking up your dress, store it in a breathable, opaque garment bag, preferably in a spare closet where it won't get squished. Keep it away from your partner's sight! If you have limited space, some salons will store gowns until just a few days before the wedding.
