George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be a stressful affair, especially when it comes to the wedding dress. It is important to schedule your first wedding dress fitting 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This allows time for alterations and adjustments to be made to the gown. During the first fitting, the seamstress will spend time pinning the dress and determining where it needs to be taken in, let out, or hemmed. It is recommended to bring along the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, as well as any key accessories such as a veil or tiara. It is also suggested to invite a friend or family member to the fitting as a second set of eyes and to learn how to bustle your dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fittings | 1-3 fittings |
| First fitting | 2-3 months before the wedding |
| Second fitting | 6 weeks to 1 month before the wedding |
| Final fitting | 1 month before the wedding |
| What to bring | Bridal veil, jewellery, shoes, undergarments |
| What to do before the fitting | Wash hair, moisturise face, apply makeup |
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What You'll Learn
The first fitting should be 2-3 months before the wedding
The first wedding dress fitting usually takes place two to three months before the wedding. This is the first time you will see your dress, and it may feel different from the sample you tried on when selecting it. This is because it is fresh from the box, and you are at a different stage of your wedding planning.
During your first fitting, the seamstress will help you put on your gown and review the alterations needed. They will start with the bodice, ensuring it fits as it should, before moving on to pinning the hem. The seamstress will also be able to advise on the timing of alterations and when to make them. For example, it is easier to take a dress in than out, so they may suggest leaving this until closer to the wedding.
It is a good idea to bring along the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help the seamstress get the hem just right, and they can advise on any changes needed to your undergarments. If you have key accessories, like a veil or tiara, bring these along too, so you can map out your final look.
You may also want to prepare your hair and makeup to be similar to your vision for the big day. This will help you feel more confident and get a better idea of how everything will come together. It is also a good idea to bring a friend or family member to your first fitting. They can offer a second opinion and an extra set of eyes to inspect the dress.
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Bring accessories and shoes to the first fitting
Wedding dress fittings are an important part of the wedding planning process, and there are several things to consider when preparing for your first fitting. One key aspect is bringing the right accessories and shoes to ensure that your dress fits perfectly and complements your overall bridal look.
Firstly, bringing the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day is crucial. The length of your wedding dress will be adjusted based on the height of your shoes, so bringing the correct pair ensures the hem is tailored to the appropriate length. If you haven't decided on your bridal shoes yet, bring a pair with a similar heel height to what you'd like to wear. This will help the seamstress pin the hem accurately. Additionally, consider mentioning any plans to switch from heels to flats during the reception, as this may impact the length of your dress.
Next, bring along any accessories you wish to wear, such as a veil, tiara, jewellery, gloves, or a flower crown. These items can significantly impact your overall look, and it's essential to ensure they complement your dress. For example, a veil's length and style can affect the fit and silhouette of your gown. If you haven't finalised your accessories, try to bring similar items to help visualise how they will work with your dress.
Undergarments are another essential component of your first fitting. Bring the exact pieces you plan to wear on your wedding day, such as a bra, bustier, or shapewear. These garments can affect the fit and contour of your dress, especially if it has a plunging neckline, low back, or other unique design elements. It's important to feel comfortable and confident, so choosing the right undergarments is crucial.
Lastly, while not an accessory, it's worth mentioning that bringing someone along to your first fitting can be beneficial. They can learn how to bustle your dress, which can be complex, and even take a video of the process to share with the bridal party. This ensures that someone else can help you with the bustling on your wedding day.
In conclusion, bringing your accessories and shoes to your first wedding dress fitting is vital to achieving the perfect fit and look for your big day. By considering the height of your shoes, the style of your accessories, and the comfort of your undergarments, you can ensure that your dress complements your unique bridal style.
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The seamstress will suggest alterations
The seamstress will also consider the style of the dress and your preferences. For instance, if you will be walking on grass, the hem may need to be shorter. If you will be wearing a veil, this may affect the length of the dress and its overall style.
The seamstress will also suggest alterations to the bustle, which is a complex process that is important to get right so that your train doesn't get stepped on or torn during your reception. It is recommended that someone comes with you to the fitting to learn how to bustle the dress, or that you take a video of the seamstress demonstrating how to do it so that your bridal party can practise before the wedding.
It is important to be open to scheduling more than one fitting, especially if major alterations are required. The seamstress will review the alterations needed appointment by appointment, one by one.
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Schedule more than one fitting
Wedding dresses rarely come ready to wear straight from the store. From your first fitting to the final try-on, there is a process to ensure the perfect fit. It is therefore advisable to be open to scheduling more than one fitting.
The first fitting typically takes place about two to three months before the wedding. At this fitting, the seamstress goes over every aspect of the dress from head to toe to see what needs to be altered. They will also suggest what needs to be done and when to do it. The seamstress will start with the bodice to make sure it fits as it should, and then pin the hem. The bride should also be able to express her preferences and concerns.
The second fitting is usually scheduled about six weeks to a month before the wedding. This leaves time to make any secondary alterations, if necessary. The final fitting is more of a quality check to be sure that everything done in the prior fittings has turned out according to plan. It is also the bride's last chance to make any final changes.
It is important to note that the number of fittings will depend on the complexity of the dress and the extent of the alterations required. Weight fluctuations may also necessitate additional fittings. Therefore, it is recommended to schedule more than one fitting to ensure the dress is perfect for the big day.
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Bring a friend or family member to the fitting
Wedding dress fittings are collaborative sessions where your seamstress will help put your gown on and review the alterations needed. It is recommended to bring a friend or family member to your first wedding dress fitting for several reasons. Firstly, they can provide a second opinion and fresh perspective. They can inspect the dress and suggest any necessary alterations, ensuring that the dress complements your body and preferences. This can include checking for any puckering, gaping, odd stitching, or other details that may need adjustments.
Additionally, your companion can take photos and help you browse and test out accessories. They can give honest feedback about proposed customizations and keep you within your budget. Their presence can also provide reassurance and support if you feel anxious about your decisions. It is beneficial to choose someone who will be supportive of your overall vision while also offering constructive feedback.
Another important reason to bring a friend or family member is to teach them how to help you with your dress on the wedding day. They can learn the "mechanics" of the dress, such as how to zip or button it properly and how to attach or detach sleeves. This ensures that someone other than you understands the intricacies of wearing the gown.
Furthermore, your companion can familiarise themselves with the bustle of the dress, which plays a significant role in the overall look and feel. They can learn how to create the bustle and make adjustments to ensure your comfort and the desired appearance. This knowledge will be invaluable on the day of the wedding, as they can assist you with last-minute touches or any unexpected issues.
Lastly, having a friend or family member present can make the fitting a fun and memorable experience. They can share in the excitement of seeing the dress come together and provide emotional support during this special time. It is a chance for them to bond with you and contribute to one of the most important aspects of your wedding – your wedding dress.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to go for your first fitting around two to three months before your wedding.
You should bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you have key accessories like a veil or tiara, bring those too.
The seamstress will help you put on your gown and review the alterations needed. This may include taking in the bodice and seams, adjusting the hem, and creating a bustle.
On average, you'll need 1-3 fitting appointments. The number of fittings depends on the complexity of the dress and the number of alterations required.
Wash your hair the day before and style it how you plan to on your wedding day. You can also prepare by moisturising your face and applying a basic makeup look similar to your vision for the big day.
