Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding dress fittings are an important part of the bridal journey, ensuring that the gown fits perfectly and meets the bride's specifications. Typically, a bride will require 1-3 fitting appointments, with the first one taking place around six to eight weeks before the wedding. During the fitting process, the bride will work with a seamstress or alterations specialist to make the necessary adjustments to the dress. This may include taking in the bodice and seams, altering the hemline, and creating a bustle to prevent the train from being stepped on. It is recommended to bring key accessories such as shoes, underwear, jewellery, and veils to the fitting appointments to visualize the final look. Additionally, it is essential to be open to scheduling multiple fittings, especially when making significant alterations. The cost of alterations can vary, and it is advisable to budget for them in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fittings | 1-3 fittings |
| First fitting | 6-8 weeks before the wedding |
| What to bring | Wedding shoes, bra, bridal shapewear, underwear, veil, jewellery, accessories, hair accessories |
| What to wear | Simple, button-up shirt or loose-fitting dress, comfortable shoes |
| What to avoid | Makeup, excessive jewellery or accessories |
| What to do | Walk around, note temperature, communicate your preferences |
| What to keep in mind | Weight changes, budget for alterations, timing |
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What You'll Learn
What to bring to your fitting
Wedding dress fittings are all about timing. The first fitting usually takes place about eight weeks before the wedding, and the second about six weeks to a month before the big day. It's important to bring certain items to these appointments to ensure the best fit, tailoring, and comfort for your final look.
Firstly, bring the exact undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. This includes shapewear that complements design elements like a plunging neckline or low back, a bra that supports your bust and suits the bodice, and a slip or petticoat to add fullness to your skirt.
Secondly, bring your wedding shoes or a pair of similar height. This is important for determining the length of your dress, as well as your comfort. If you don't have your shoes yet, knowing the heel height will help you choose the right pair.
Thirdly, bring any accessories you plan to wear, such as jewellery, a veil, hair accessories, gloves, or a belt. These items will help you envision your complete look and ensure that everything works together harmoniously.
Finally, consider bringing a relative, bridesmaid, or trusted friend to your fittings. They can provide support and learn the ins and outs of your wedding gown, including how to zip it up, button it, and create the bustle.
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Preparing for your fitting
The first fitting usually takes place about six to eight weeks before the wedding. It's important to remember that wedding dress deliveries can take around 4-5 months, so you'll want to order in time to have your first fitting at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding.
Before your fitting, it's a good idea to prepare the beauty look that you plan to wear on your wedding day. You don't need to book a professional makeup artist for your first fitting, but you may want to apply a basic contour, fill in your brows, and define your eyes. You should also bring your bridal underwear, such as a strapless bra and underwear in a colour that matches your skin tone. This will help you see how your wedding dress fits and falls.
If you already have your wedding shoes, bring them along. If not, bring a pair of shoes with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear. This will help you and your seamstress understand the correct length for your dress. You may also want to bring a pair of comfortable flats, as wedding dress fittings often involve a lot of standing and walking.
If you have any accessories, such as jewellery, veils, tiaras, or hair accessories, bring them along to help map out your final look. If you have a relative, bridesmaid, or trusted friend who will be helping you get into your dress and bustle it on your wedding day, bring them along to the fitting too. They can receive a tutorial on how to help you.
Finally, bring a notebook and pen to jot down your thoughts about the dress, as well as any style numbers and designer names. Bring any inspiration photos to give the consultant an idea of your preferences, as well as a folder for any paperwork you receive.
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What to do during your fitting
Wedding dress fittings are important to ensure your wedding dress fits you perfectly and complements your body shape. Here is a list of things to do during your fitting:
Bring the right items
If you already have your wedding shoes, bring them along. If not, bring a pair with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear. You should also bring your bridal shapewear, underwear, and bra. It is also a good idea to bring any accessories, hair accessories, jewellery, or a veil that you plan to wear. If you have a specific beauty look in mind for the big day, consider applying a basic version of that look for your fitting.
Communicate your preferences
Your comfort, style, and vision are paramount, so conveying your preferences and concerns is crucial. If you would like your dress to be more fitted or looser in some areas, let your seamstress know.
Test out the dress
Take a nice long walk around the room in the dress, keeping in mind whether you'll need to walk up steps or climb an incline on the day. Note your temperature in the dress, as you may need to take extra precautions against the elements if the fabric loses or retains more heat than you imagined.
Familiarise yourself with the bustle
Figure out where all the hooks and loops are so you can easily transition the gown on your wedding day.
Take notes
Bring a notebook and jot down your thoughts about the dress, including the style number and designer name.
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What to expect from alterations
Wedding dress alterations are a crucial part of the process of preparing for your big day. The first fitting will typically last about an hour, with each subsequent fitting taking less time as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. Here's what to expect from alterations:
The Seamstress
Your bridal boutique will either have an in-house seamstress or they will recommend a trusted tailor. You will work with this expert seamstress or alterations specialist throughout the process, and they will help you put on the gown and review the alterations needed at each appointment.
The Alterations
Typical wedding dress alterations include taking in the bodice and seat seams to fit your body perfectly, adjusting the hem length, and creating a bustle to prevent your train from getting stepped on or torn during the reception. The seamstress will pin the dress to your body to mark the areas that need to be taken in, let out, shortened, lengthened, or otherwise altered. They may also add off-the-shoulder straps, sleeves, change the train length, or add lace appliqués, beading, bustles, and buttons upon request.
Your Role
It is important to convey your preferences and concerns. If you want a tighter or looser fit in certain areas, speak up! Your comfort, style, and vision are paramount. You should also bring your wedding shoes, underwear, bra, and shapewear to your fitting so that the seamstress can understand how everything comes together.
Budgeting
Remember to budget for alterations from the beginning, as the more elaborate the dress, the more money, time, and expertise will be required to alter it. Alterations can cost anywhere from $50 to $1,000, depending on the salon and the services required. Design changes can also cost anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars.
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Budgeting for alterations
Budgeting for wedding dress alterations can be tricky, as the cost can vary depending on several factors. Firstly, the complexity of the gown and the extent of the required alterations will impact the price. Simple adjustments, such as hemming or side seam alterations, are typically less expensive than more intricate changes. The fabric and embellishments of the dress also play a role in the cost, with delicate gowns requiring more time and care. Additionally, your height and unique body type will determine the necessary alterations, and you may also opt for adding special details like bra cups, boning, or sleeves.
It's important to note that customising a gown or modernising an existing dress, such as a family heirloom, will likely be more costly and time-consuming. If you're making significant alterations, be prepared to schedule multiple fittings to ensure the perfect fit. The location of your alterations specialist will also impact the price, so it's worth shopping around and comparing prices before committing. Some bridal boutiques offer in-house alterations, while others may recommend a trusted external tailor.
When budgeting, it's advisable to set aside a range rather than a fixed amount, as prices can vary. On average, wedding dress alterations can cost between $150 and $800, with some sources suggesting a range of $50 to $1,000. Flat fees for alterations can range from $500 to $900, while individual services can vary, such as $225 to shorten a gown or $150 to resew seams. Customisation costs can start from $50 to cut a new neckline, while adding lace or beading can cost a few hundred dollars.
To ensure you're getting a fair price, ask for a detailed receipt or written record of the agreed-upon work. This will also serve as a reference if any issues arise during the process. Additionally, don't forget to factor in other hidden costs associated with your wedding attire, such as veils, handbags, undergarments, and shoes. These additional expenses can quickly add up, so it's essential to consider them when creating your budget for a complete wedding day look.
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Frequently asked questions
It typically takes about 1-3 fittings before a bride's ensemble is ready to be worn, depending on the style and size of the dress and the extent of the alterations. Be open to scheduling more than one fitting, especially if you are making major alterations to your dress and accessories.
Wedding dress delivery usually takes 4-5 months, so your first fitting will typically take place about six to eight weeks before your wedding day.
Bring your wedding shoes, bra, and bridal shapewear so you can see how everything comes together. If you haven't decided on your exact bridal shoes, bring a pair with the same heel height that you plan to wear on your wedding day. Bring any accessories, hairpieces, jewellery, and undergarments that will help you visualise the final look.
The first fitting will typically last about an hour as your tailor begins to assess your dress and the alterations needed. Walk around in the dress and note your temperature to ensure you feel comfortable. Communicate your preferences and concerns to ensure the final version of your dress captivates visually and feels uniquely yours.
