Your Dream Dress: What To Bring To Your Fitting

what to take to first wedding dress fitting

Wedding dress fittings are an important part of wedding planning. They can be stressful, but they are also a fun and productive occasion. It is important to be prepared for your first fitting to ensure that your dress is perfect for the big day. This includes bringing the right people, such as your maid of honour, and the right items, such as your chosen underwear and shoes. It is also a good idea to test out your dress to make sure it is comfortable and practical for your wedding day.

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Bring the right underwear, shoes, and accessories

It is important to bring the right underwear, shoes, and accessories to your first wedding dress fitting. This will ensure the proper fit and length of your gown, and help you maintain the right overall balance. If you don't have the exact shoes you'll be wearing, bring something similar in height.

For underwear, bring the bra you plan on wearing on your wedding day. If you don't have one yet, you can wait until the first round of alterations are finished, then decide on the type of bra you need. If you are top-heavy, consider a bustier for more support.

For shoes, bring the pair you plan to wear or a similar pair in height. This will ensure the proper length of your gown.

For accessories, bring your veil, belt, and jewellery if you want to see the complete look. You can also ask to see the boutique's range of accessories to find the perfect match for your dress. If you know how you want to wear your hair, bring along some hair clips so you can easily change your hairstyle to see what suits your dress best.

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Invite guests for honest feedback

Your wedding dress is likely to be one of the most important garments you will ever own, so it's natural to want to get an outside opinion on how it looks. The first fitting is an important time to communicate any fit requests and to make sure you feel comfortable in the dress.

When it comes to inviting guests for honest feedback, it's a good idea to choose two guests who will give you honest feedback about your shopping and alterations process, but who will also be supportive of your overall vision. Your Maid of Honour and a close friend or relative are ideal guests to invite. They can help you in many ways, including taking photos, browsing and testing out accessories, and reassuring you if you're feeling anxious about your decisions.

It's also important to remember that your first fitting is likely to be an emotional experience, as you'll be trying on your wedding dress for the first time since you purchased it. This can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it's also a very exciting moment when you'll fall in love with your gown all over again. Having your mother or Maid of Honour with you can make this pre-wedding experience even more special, and they can help you examine how the dress should fit you.

If you're unsure about what to ask your guests to look out for, here are some tips:

  • Pay attention to how the dress feels when you move around in it. If anything feels uncomfortable, take note and ask for alterations.
  • Look out for any puckering, gaping, odd stitching, or anything else that you don't like about the dress.
  • Bring your shoes and the exact undergarments you'll be wearing on your wedding day so your guests can see the complete look.
  • If you haven't chosen your shoes yet, bring a pair with a similar heel height to what you plan to wear.
  • Accessories, hair, and makeup can also help create a better picture of your entire look, so consider bringing these along or having a trial beforehand.
  • Be mindful of your desired wedding weight and try to maintain it from the first fitting until the big day to help the alteration process go smoothly.

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Test-drive your dress to avoid wardrobe malfunctions

Test-driving your wedding dress is a great way to avoid wardrobe malfunctions on your big day. Here are some tips to help you test-drive your dress and ensure a great fit:

Figure out your desired mobility:

Consider the activities you plan to do on your wedding day. If your day involves adventurous activities like trekking up a cliffside for wedding portraits, you'll want some extra room in your dress. On the other hand, if your day requires minimal movement, a more form-fitting dress may be suitable.

Test your range of motion:

Try raising your arms, as you may be doing this more often than you think, whether it's waving to onlookers or dancing. Practice sitting down, as you'll need to be comfortable during the ceremony and meal. Also, try miming hugging someone of varying heights, as you don't want to tear your dress while embracing your loved ones.

Prepare for the elements:

Note how the fabric of your dress retains heat. If it's different from what you imagined, take extra precautions against the elements. For example, if your dress retains more heat than expected, consider adjusting your undergarments or adding extra ventilation.

Master getting in and out of transport:

Practise entering and exiting a vehicle, especially if you've chosen an unusual mode of transport. This will ensure you don't accidentally damage your dress or struggle with getting in and out gracefully.

Plan your bathroom breaks:

Figure out how to use the bathroom in your dress. Practise getting it on and off, and if you need assistance, determine how many people you'll need to help you. Write down any instructions about buttons or clasps, as you may forget them over time.

Remember, it's normal to feel anxious about your wedding planning decisions. If you encounter any issues during your test drive, don't panic. A bridal stylist or the boutique staff will likely be able to offer a solution, and you can always make adjustments during the alterations process to ensure your dress is comfortable and fits your vision.

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Prepare for fittings and alterations

Preparing for your wedding dress fitting and alterations can be a stressful experience, but it is important to remember that this is your day. It's easy to get caught up in colours and styles and lose sight of why you're there. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your fittings and alterations:

  • Choose your underwear and shoes: Your dress will be altered around these, so it's important to have them with you at your fitting. Different underwear can change how your dress fits, so be sure to wear the same set to each fitting. If you don't have the exact shoes, bring something similar in height.
  • Bring your veil and accessories: Bring your veil, hair accessories, jewellery, and any other accessories you plan to wear. This will help you to envision your overall wedding day look and ensure the proper balance.
  • Have a hair trial: You may already know how you want to wear your hair on the day, but bring along some hair clips so you can easily change your hairstyle to see what suits your dress.
  • Bring a trusted guest: Consider inviting your maid of honour, a close friend, or relative to your fittings for their reliable opinion and support. They can help take photos, give honest feedback, and reassure you if you're feeling anxious.
  • Test-drive your dress: During your fitting, test out your dress to avoid any on-the-day wardrobe malfunctions. Try raising your arms, sitting down, hugging, and miming getting in and out of a car. Also, figure out your bathroom plan and practice taking the dress off.
  • Discuss alterations: Your bridal stylist will ask you about the wedding dress alteration process and how the dress contours to your body. Be prepared to discuss your expectations and any customisations you may want.
  • Manage your timeline: Wedding dress alterations can take time, so it's important to schedule and communicate your expectations. The more labour-intensive the request, the more time and money you should allow. Aim to have your first fitting at least 6-8 weeks before the wedding.

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Plan for hair and makeup trials

Planning your hair and makeup trials is an important part of preparing for your wedding day. Here are some detailed steps to help you plan and make the most of your hair and makeup trials:

Choose the Right Time for Your Trials:

It is recommended to schedule your hair and makeup trials three to six months before your wedding. This timing ensures that you have a clear vision of your bridal look and allows for any necessary adjustments. It also gives you the opportunity to build trust and confidence in your chosen beauty experts.

Select Your Wedding Dress and Accessories:

Before your hair and makeup trials, it is essential to have chosen your wedding dress and accessories, including veils, headpieces, jewellery, and shoes. These elements will influence your overall bridal look, and the style of your dress can help determine the formality or relaxed nature of your hair and makeup.

Find the Right Hair and Makeup Artist:

Choosing the right hair and makeup artist is crucial. Bridal makeup artists are in high demand and book up quickly, so it's important to plan ahead. Ensure your chosen artist has experience in bridal makeup and understands the significance of the day. You can ask for recommendations and look at their portfolio to get a sense of their style.

Prepare Inspiration and Communicate Your Vision:

Create an inspiration board or a Pinterest board with beauty looks that you admire, including specific elements such as hairstyles, colours, or makeup styles. Share these with your stylist, along with snapshots of your dress and accessories. During your trial, keep an open mind and be willing to adjust your initial plan based on the stylist's expertise and recommendations.

Wear the Right Colour for the Trial:

The colour you wear during your trial can impact how your makeup appears. If possible, wear a colour similar to your wedding dress, preferably white or ivory, to create a softer, more natural effect. This ensures you get an accurate preview of your bridal look.

Be Prepared for the Trial:

On the day of your trial, bring your wedding dress and all the accessories you plan to wear, including jewellery, veil, and hairpieces. This will help you see the complete look come together. Be open to discussing your vision and any specific likes or dislikes with your stylist. It is also beneficial to emulate your preferred wedding beauty look or wear your everyday makeup to better understand the overall look.

Remember, your hair and makeup trials are an exciting part of your wedding preparation, allowing you to refine and perfect your bridal style. Enjoy the process and trust your chosen beauty experts to help you achieve your dream look!

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Frequently asked questions

You should bring the bra, underwear, shoes, veil, belt, and jewellery you plan on wearing on your wedding day. It's important to have these items with you as your dress will be altered around them. If you don't have the exact shoes, bring something similar in height.

Your first fitting isn't usually an occasion for the whole bridal party. Your maid of honour and a close friend or relative are ideal guests to give you honest feedback and help you stay within budget.

At your first fitting, you'll try on your fresh-from-the-box gown and discuss the alteration process with your bridal stylist. You should also test-drive your dress to avoid wardrobe malfunctions. For example, try raising your arms, sitting down, and miming getting in and out of a car.

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