Bridesmaid Dress Fitting: A Guide For Your Big Day

Being a bridesmaid is a coveted role, and what you wear on the big day is of utmost importance. While it can be a fun experience, it can also be challenging due to different budgets, body types, and style preferences. To ensure you look and feel your best, it's important to plan ahead and be prepared for any necessary alterations. Here are some tips to guide you through the process, from choosing a dress to the final fitting. First, it's recommended to start seeking dress inspiration about eight months before the wedding. This will give you ample time to make a decision and account for any alterations. When trying on dresses, be sure to wear the appropriate underwear and bring different shoe options to get a better idea of the overall look. Keep your hair and makeup nice to visualize the complete look, and don't forget to bring any accessories the bride has requested. It's also a good idea to bring a friend to your fitting for a second opinion and to take photos for reference.

Bring appropriate underwear

Wearing the right underwear to a bridesmaid dress fitting is essential. Bridal fashion expert Gabriella Risatti advises that "a bridesmaid should wear the exact undergarments that she plans on wearing on the day of the wedding to her dress fitting." This is so you can see how the dress will fit and hang with the underwear you will be wearing on the day. It is also a good idea to bring a couple of different bra options, especially a strapless one, to see which is the most comfortable and works best with the dress.

It is recommended that you keep your underwear plain and simple, sticking to seamless styles and nude hues. This is because you don't want a colourful or patterned bra to be visible through the bridesmaid dress. If the dress has a low or open back, it may have cups sewn in, but having bra variations will still be helpful.

You should also consider the type of underwear you will feel comfortable in. If you usually wear shapewear, bring your favourite pair. If you don't want to wear shapewear, opt for a neutral pair of underwear. It is not the time to wear sexy bridal lingerie—save that for the honeymoon! You will likely be trying on lots of different dresses, so you will want to feel comfortable and confident in your underwear of choice.

Wear the right shoes

Wearing the right shoes to a bridesmaid dress fitting is essential for getting a true sense of how the dress will look on the big day. Here are some tips to ensure you're prepared:

Bring Multiple Pairs of Shoes

It's a good idea to bring a few different pairs of shoes to your fitting. This will allow you to experiment with different heel heights and styles to see what works best with the dress. If the bride has already chosen a specific shoe for the bridesmaids, bring those to the fitting. However, if the decision is still up in the air, bring a couple of options to try. Sturdy heels and cute flats are always a safe bet.

Consider the Dress Length

The length of the bridesmaid dress will impact your shoe choice. If the dress is long, you may not need to worry as much about the specific shoe style since it may not be visible. However, if the dress is short, the shoes will be more noticeable, and you'll want to ensure they complement the dress.

Think About Comfort and Terrain

While you want to look stylish, it's also essential to consider comfort. As a bridesmaid, you'll likely be on your feet for extended periods, so choose shoes that you can walk and stand in comfortably. Additionally, if the wedding is outdoors, consider the terrain. Stilettos or very high heels may not be practical for walking on grass or uneven surfaces.

Match the Shoe Colour to the Dress

The colour of your shoes should complement the dress and the overall wedding colour palette. If the bridesmaids are wearing muted or dusty tones, rose gold shoes can add a bold and feminine touch. Gold shoes pair well with warm sunset hues, while silver shoes are ideal for cool tones.

Ask the Bride for Guidance

If you're unsure about what shoes to wear, don't hesitate to ask the bride for guidance. She may have a specific vision in mind or be open to your suggestions. It's always better to clarify beforehand to ensure you're on the same page and that your shoes align with the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your shoes so you can fully enjoy the wedding celebrations.

Try some makeup and hair styling

Trying out some makeup and hair styling is an important part of a bridesmaid dress fitting. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Makeup

It's a good idea to do a makeup trial before the fitting to figure out the look you want to go for. If you're planning to hire a professional makeup artist, bring a photo reference to speed up the process. If you're doing your own makeup, it's still helpful to have a specific look in mind. Consider the wedding theme, location, and your skin tone when choosing a makeup style. For example, if it's an outdoor wedding, opt for simple and natural makeup. You can also match your lipstick shade to the colour of the signature bouquet blooms.

Hair Styling

The wedding theme, location, and your dress style will also influence your hairdo. For instance, if the wedding is formal and the dresses are full-length, structured and elegant hairstyles are a good choice. On the other hand, if the wedding is outdoors, the bride may opt for updos to beat the heat. The neckline of the dress is another factor to consider. A high neckline or detailed bodice might not pair well with a low curled hairstyle. If you're wearing your hair up on the wedding day, bring a hair tie or clip to the fitting to see how the dress looks with this style.

Overall Tips

Keep the bride's preferences in mind, but also remember to add your own touch to your look. If the bride is present at the fitting, try to keep things positive and avoid sharing any negative opinions about the dress.

Bring hair ties or clips

Wearing your hair up on your wedding day? Don't forget to bring a hair tie or clip to your dress fitting. This will help you to visualise what the dress will look like with an updo, and give you a better view of the neckline and back of the gown.

If you're planning to wear your hair up, it's a good idea to practice the hairstyle you're considering before the fitting. That way, you can be sure that you're happy with the overall look and feel more confident when trying on the dress. You might also want to bring along any hair accessories you're planning to wear, such as a hair comb or decorative clips, to get a full picture of the finished style.

If you're unsure about wearing your hair up, the dress fitting is a great opportunity to experiment. Try pinning your hair up in different styles during the fitting to see how the dress looks and feels. You can also take photos to compare the different styles and get a second opinion from friends or family.

Remember, the dress fitting is all about finding a style that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. By bringing hair ties or clips, you can explore different options and make an informed decision about your wedding day look.

Keep an open mind

Keeping an open mind is key when attending a bridesmaid dress fitting. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure a positive and productive experience:

Be receptive to different styles and silhouettes. You may have a specific idea of what you want, but it's important to remain open to other possibilities. The stylist or designer may suggest a style that you hadn't considered before, and it could end up being the perfect choice. Being receptive to new ideas and styles can lead to a more enjoyable and successful fitting experience.

Listen to the opinions of the bride and other bridesmaids. It's important to remember that the bride's vision for her wedding party should be respected. Even if you don't personally love the dress style or colour, keep an open mind and try to understand the overall aesthetic the bride is aiming for. Remember, it's her special day, and your support and flexibility will be appreciated.

Be adventurous with colours and shades. You might have your heart set on a particular colour, but it's beneficial to explore different options. A shade that you initially thought might not suit you could end up complementing your skin tone and the overall wedding colour palette. Keeping an open mind about colour choices can lead to a more cohesive and visually appealing bridal party.

Consider the comfort and practicality of the dress. While the design and style are important, it's also crucial to think about comfort and ease of movement. Keep an open mind about suggestions for alterations or adjustments that can improve the overall wearability of the dress. A dress that is comfortable and easy to move in will ensure you can fully enjoy the wedding day and any festivities leading up to it.

Be budget-conscious. It's important to keep the financial considerations of the bride and other bridesmaids in mind. You might fall in love with an expensive designer dress, but it's essential to remain open to more affordable options. Keeping an open mind about the budget will help ensure that everyone is happy and comfortable with the final choice.

Attending a bridesmaid dress fitting with a flexible and open mindset will contribute to a positive experience for everyone involved. It allows for creativity, compromise, and a shared excitement for the upcoming wedding day.

Frequently asked questions