Wedding Dress Fitting: What To Wear And Why

what to wear for wedding dress fitting

Wedding dress fittings are a thrilling milestone in the journey to your big day. Knowing what to wear can make the experience more enjoyable and productive. Whether you're the bride-to-be, a bridesmaid, or a guest, your outfit choice matters. As a bride, you should prioritize comfort and practicality when deciding what to wear to a wedding dress fitting. Opt for a simple, button-up shirt or a loose-fitting dress that's easy to remove. This will help you slip in and out of gowns without messing up your hair or makeup. Avoid excessive jewellery or accessories that might snag on delicate fabrics. As for undergarments, wear what you plan to wear on your wedding day, such as shapewear or a strapless bra and nude underwear. Bring your wedding shoes or similar heels to visualize the final look and ensure the gown's length is right. Guests should wear something comfortable and stylish yet understated, avoiding white to ensure the bride and wedding gowns remain the centre of attention.

Characteristics Values
Underwear Seamless, nude, high-waisted, comfortable, neutral-coloured, and free of any bulky embellishments
Bra Strapless, nude
Shapewear Thin, seamless, complementary to design elements like a plunging neckline, low back, skirt slit, or illusion fabric
Shoes Heels of a similar height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day, comfortable flats
Accessories Veil, tiara, jewellery, gloves, hair ties, belt
Clothing Simple, loose-fitting, comfortable, practical, easy to change in and out of, minimal makeup
Guests No white, comfortable, pleased to attend without overshadowing the bride

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Wear comfortable and practical clothing

When deciding what to wear to a wedding dress fitting, it's essential to prioritise comfort and practicality. Opt for clothing that is easy to change in and out of, as you'll be trying on multiple dresses. A simple, loose-fitting outfit, such as a button-up shirt or a dress, is ideal. This will help you slip in and out of gowns without messing up your hair or makeup.

Undergarments are an important consideration. While you may feel more comfortable wearing nude underwear or shapewear during the fitting, you should bring the exact undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the best fit and overall comfort. This includes any shapewear, bras, or Spanx that will complement the design of your gown, such as a plunging neckline or low back.

Shoes are another crucial element. Bring a pair of comfortable shoes similar in height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will give you a realistic idea of how each gown's length will look and feel, as the hemline is adjusted according to shoe height. If you plan to switch from heels to flats during the reception, be mindful that your hemline may be too long for the latter.

While it's essential to feel confident and comfortable, remember that dress fittings are not the time to worry about fashion. You will likely be in your underwear for most of the appointment, so choose practical clothing that allows for easy movement and changing.

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Bring the right underwear

The underwear you wear to your wedding dress fitting is important as it will impact the overall look and feel of your gown. It is recommended that you bring the exact undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to your fitting and alteration appointments. This will ensure the best fit, tailoring and comfort for your final look.

If you plan to wear shapewear or Spanx under your wedding dress, bring these to your fitting. Shapewear can help complement design elements such as a plunging neckline, low back, skirt slit or illusion fabric. However, very thin shapewear is recommended, as bulky embellishments could show through the dresses you try on. If you don't want to wear shapewear, nude underwear is a good alternative. Seamless, strapless bras are also recommended.

If you are top-heavy, it is especially important to find the right bra to wear under your dress. If you have chosen a strapless dress, consider a bustier to feel more secure. If you are smaller-chested, you may not need to bring a bra to your fitting. Instead, you can decide on the right bra for you once the alterations have been made.

Ultimately, you should wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

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Bring the right shoes

When it comes to choosing the right shoes for your wedding dress fitting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to bring a pair of shoes that you plan to wear on your wedding day or are similar in height to what you plan to wear. This will help you visualise your bridal look and ensure that your wedding gown's hemline is adjusted correctly. If you plan to switch between heels and flats during your wedding, for example, you may want to avoid a gown with a long hemline.

Bringing the right shoes can also help you feel more confident and comfortable during your fitting. Opt for shoes that are comfortable and practical, especially if you plan to try on multiple dresses. You don't want to be fussing with uncomfortable shoes while trying to get in and out of different gowns. Additionally, consider the colour of your shoes. Nude heels, for example, can help elongate your legs and create a more seamless look, especially if you're trying on shorter dresses.

While it's important to bring the right shoes, don't stress too much if you haven't decided on your wedding shoes yet. Your fitting is a great opportunity to get an idea of what type of shoe will work best with your dress, and you can always make adjustments later. Additionally, some dress shops may not allow shoes while trying on dresses to prevent marks on the gowns, so check with the salon beforehand.

Ultimately, the right shoes for your wedding dress fitting are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable. Whether you bring your wedding shoes or a similar pair, just ensure they help you get a sense of how your gown will look and feel on your big day.

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Bring accessories

When it comes to accessories, it's a good idea to bring along any key pieces you plan to wear on your big day, such as a veil, tiara, or statement jewellery. While you don't need to bring your "real" jewellery, it helps to bring similar items to help you visualise your final look. This includes items like long chandelier earrings, gloves, a necklace, or a flower crown.

It is also important to bring the right undergarments to your fitting. Be sure to bring the exact pieces you plan to wear on your wedding day, as this will impact the fit, tailoring, and overall comfort of your gown. This may include shapewear that complements design elements like a plunging neckline, low back, skirt slit, or illusion fabric. If you plan to wear a bra under your wedding dress, bring it along to ensure it works with your gown. If you are still deciding on a bra, bring a few options, such as a strapless bra or a bustier.

Don't forget to bring your wedding shoes! Your gown's hemline will be adjusted based on shoe height, so bring a pair of shoes that are similar in height to what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will give you a realistic idea of how the gown's length will look and feel. If you plan to switch from heels to flats during your reception, your hemline may be too long, so keep this in mind when deciding on shoes.

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Don't wear white

When it comes to what to wear for a wedding dress fitting, it's essential to consider the practical aspects of trying on dresses and feeling comfortable in your own skin. While you might come across various suggestions, such as wearing shapewear or specific types of underwear, the most important rule to remember is to avoid wearing white.

Wearing white to a wedding dress fitting is generally considered inappropriate and is often seen as a breach of wedding etiquette. This tradition has persisted even as other norms have evolved. The primary reason for avoiding white is to ensure that you don't inadvertently upstage the bride, who traditionally wears white. By donning a white outfit, you risk being mistaken for the bride, which could be perceived as an attempt to overshadow her on her special day.

It's essential to respect the bride's moment and let her shine. While it may be unlikely that anyone will actually confuse you for the bride, adhering to this simple rule demonstrates your consideration for the bride's feelings and wishes. There are endless other colour options to choose from, so it's simply not worth the risk of causing any misunderstandings or hurt sentiments.

Additionally, wearing white can also extend to avoiding shades that are too close to white, such as ivory, champagne, or pale blush. These hues can appear white in photographs, creating the same potential for confusion. It's worth noting that certain fabrics, like lace, satin, and tulle, are also traditionally associated with wedding dresses, even in non-white colours, so choosing a different fabric can help avoid any unintentional similarities.

Ultimately, the wedding dress shopping experience is a memorable occasion for the bride, and as a guest, it's important to respect her wishes and avoid wearing anything that could detract from her special moment. Checking in with the bride or family members about the details of the day and consulting the bridal shop's website for culture and attire suggestions can help you make an informed decision.

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