Deborah Chan
Wedding dress alterations are an important part of the bridal journey. While it's exciting to find the perfect dress, it's crucial to schedule fittings to ensure it fits like a glove on the big day. Most brides have three to four fittings, with the first typically two to three months before the wedding. This allows time for several appointments and any necessary adjustments without feeling rushed. It's also important to consider holiday periods and weight fluctuations when scheduling, as these may impact the timing and number of fittings required. Brides should bring their chosen undergarments, shoes, and accessories to fittings for a true sense of how the dress will look and feel.
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What You'll Learn
First fitting: 2-3 months before the wedding
Scheduling your first wedding dress fitting 2-3 months before the wedding is a common practice. This first fitting will be an hour-long appointment where the bride meets the artisan fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until the wedding day. The dress will likely not fit perfectly during the first fitting, so the bride should be prepared for adjustments and alterations. The bride should also be at her desired wedding weight by the first fitting to avoid any challenges with the fit.
During the first fitting, the bride will try on the dress and the tailor will begin to assess the alterations needed. The tailor will spend time pinning the dress and determining where it needs to be taken in, let out, and hemmed. The bride should try bending over and moving around to see how the dress feels in action. If anything feels uncomfortable, the bride should take note and ask for it to be altered. The bride should also look in the three-way mirror to see if there are any puckering, gaping, odd stitching, or anything else that she does not like on the dress.
It is recommended that the bride brings various choices of undergarments and shoes to the first fitting. This will help the tailor determine the correct length of the dress and ensure that the undergarments work with the dress. If the bride has key accessories, such as a veil, tiara, or jewellery, it is also helpful to bring these to the first fitting to get a true sense of the final look.
The bride may also want to prepare a beauty look that is similar to her vision for the big day. This can include moisturising the face, applying a basic contour, filling in the brows, brightening the lips, and defining the eyes. It is important to note that the bride should avoid applying a statement lip or dramatic eye, as it can easily rub off or stain the wedding dress.
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What to bring to your fitting
The number of wedding dress fittings you'll need depends on the style and size of the dress you've purchased, as well as the number of changes it requires. Most brides have three to four fittings, with the first one taking place two to three months before the wedding. Here's what you should bring to your fitting to ensure the best fit and overall comfort:
Undergarments
The right undergarments are essential to achieving the perfect fit for your wedding dress. Be sure to bring the exact shapewear, bra, slip, or petticoat you'll be wearing on your wedding day. This will ensure the dress complements your body and feels comfortable.
Shoes
Bring the shoes you plan to wear for the wedding, as the height of your shoes will affect the length and hemline of your dress. 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.
Accessories
Accessories such as jewellery, veils, tiaras, and gloves can also impact the fit and style of your dress. Bring these items to your fitting to help you and your seamstress curate your final look.
A Friend or Family Member
It's helpful to bring a relative, bridesmaid, or trusted friend to your fittings. They can learn the "mechanics" of your dress, such as how to zip it up, button it, or attach/detach sleeves. They can also be taught how to bustle your dress, which can be complex. Having someone else understand these details will ensure you have support on your wedding day.
Notes on Your Preferences
Your comfort and style preferences are essential. Communicate these to your seamstress so they can tailor the dress to your unique vision. Bring notes on any specific adjustments you'd like to be made so that you don't forget to mention them during the fitting.
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How many fittings you'll need
The number of fittings you'll need for your wedding dress will depend on the complexity of your dress and your body's unique measurements. Wedding dresses are typically made in standard sizes, but the fitting process tailors the dress to your figure. It's common for brides to have three to four fittings, with the first one scheduled two to three months before the wedding. This gives enough time for any necessary adjustments without causing unnecessary stress closer to the big day.
During the first fitting, the seamstress will go over every aspect of the dress, including the hem, bustle, straps, cups, waist, hips, and sleeves, to determine what needs to be altered. They may also take your dress in or out, depending on your weight fluctuations and desired fit. It's important to bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the proper fit and hem length.
After the first fitting, the seamstress will address adjustments that don't depend on your weight, such as the hem, bustle, cups, and straps. They may also take in the dress further if needed. This is usually done around three weeks before the wedding.
The final fitting typically occurs about one month or two weeks before the wedding. At this stage, you can fine-tune details such as the neckline, sleeve length, and any last-minute tweaks to ensure the dress fits like a glove.
While three to four fittings are typical, some dresses may require fewer alterations, and others may need more, depending on their complexity and the level of customisation required. It's essential to communicate your preferences and concerns to your seamstress to ensure the final version of your dress captivates visually and feels uniquely yours.
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What happens at each fitting
Scheduling your wedding dress fittings at least eight weeks before the wedding day is recommended. This time frame accommodates the three to four fittings required for standard alterations. Custom changes, such as adding straps or lowering the neckline, may require additional fittings and time. Here is a detailed breakdown of what happens at each fitting:
First Fitting
The first fitting, often referred to as the "pinning session," is crucial as it establishes all the alterations needed to perfect your dress. During this session, the seamstress will examine the gown from every angle and suggest adjustments. It is essential that you communicate your fit preferences and move around in the dress to ensure comfort. This fitting usually lasts about an hour, and you may want to bring along a couple of guests, such as your maid of honour, to provide honest feedback and support.
Second Fitting
The second fitting involves fine-tuning the adjustments made during the first session. This may include further alterations to the straps, waist, sleeves, neckline, and hem. The seamstress will also address any customisation requests, such as adding lace or reshaping the silhouette.
Third Fitting
The third fitting is about making final tweaks to ensure the dress fits flawlessly. This may involve minor adjustments to the hem, sleeves, or overall fit of the dress.
Fourth Fitting (if required)
In some cases, a fourth fitting may be necessary to address any remaining alterations or adjustments. This could include changes to the bust, underlayers, or any final touches to ensure the dress is ready for the big day.
It is important to bring the exact undergarments, shoes, and accessories you plan to wear on your wedding day to each fitting. This ensures the seamstress can accurately assess the fall and sweep of the dress, creating a comfortable and flawless final look.
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Weight fluctuations
Communicate with Your Tailor Early
As soon as you notice a change in your weight, inform your tailor or seamstress. The earlier they are aware, the easier it will be to make adjustments. Most dresses can be taken in or let out by one to two sizes, depending on the design and seam allowance. Be honest about your weight goals, and share your plans with your tailor if you are actively trying to lose or gain weight.
Plan for a Final Fitting
Even if your weight stabilizes, it is advisable to have a final fitting about two to three weeks before the wedding. This ensures that the dress fits perfectly and allows for any last-minute tweaks.
Stay Calm and Flexible
Remember that your tailor is there to help you. Wedding dresses are designed with alterations in mind, so even significant changes can usually be managed. Focus on feeling comfortable and confident, regardless of your size. If you are concerned about weight changes, consider choosing a more flexible dress style, such as an A-line or empire waist. These designs are often easier to adjust and can accommodate fluctuations more seamlessly.
Schedule Fittings Strategically
To manage weight fluctuations effectively, it is crucial to schedule your fittings at the right time. The first fitting usually takes place about two to three months before the wedding, with additional fittings as needed. This timing allows for any necessary adjustments to be made while avoiding last-minute stress.
Be Mindful of Your Weight Loss Journey
When planning for your wedding dress fittings, consider your weight loss goals and the timeline you have set for yourself. Be realistic and kind to yourself, as losing a significant amount of weight takes time and effort. Starting a healthy routine early on will give you time to adjust and make progress without adding unnecessary stress to your wedding planning journey.
Remember, navigating the timeline for wedding dress alterations can be challenging, especially when factoring in weight fluctuations. The key is to communicate openly with your bridal consultant and seamstress, choose a dress style that accommodates fluctuations, and schedule your fittings strategically.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you schedule your first fitting two to three months before your wedding. This gives you enough time to make any necessary adjustments without having to rush.
It typically takes three fittings before a bride's ensemble is ready to be worn, but this can vary depending on the style and size of the dress. Most brides have between three and four fittings in total.
You should bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. The height of your shoes and how they affect your posture will impact how the dress falls, so it's important to bring them along to each fitting. You should also bring any accessories you plan to wear, such as jewellery, so you can see the complete look.
