Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding can be a stressful affair, especially when the bridal party is scattered across the globe. Wedding dress fittings are an essential part of the bridal fashion journey, and it is important to start the process early to ensure the perfect fit. The first fitting usually takes place about eight weeks before the wedding, but some brides opt for three months or more in advance, especially if there are a lot of changes or intricacies to the dress. This guide will explore the process of wedding dress fittings, from finding the right tailor to the final touches, and provide tips for brides-to-be on how to achieve the perfect fit, no matter the distance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fittings | 1-4 fittings |
| First fitting | 2-3 months before the wedding |
| Second fitting | 1 month before the wedding |
| Final fitting | 1-2 weeks before the wedding |
| What to bring | Bridal veil, tiara, shoes, jewellery, undergarments |
| What to do | Moisturise face, apply basic contour, fill in brows, brighten lips, define eyes |
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What You'll Learn
- The first fitting should be 2-3 months before the wedding
- Bring your bridal veil and accessories to the first fitting
- Bring the right undergarments and shoes to the fitting
- Schedule more than one fitting, especially for major alterations
- The final fitting is a quality check and the bride's last chance to make changes
The first fitting should be 2-3 months before the wedding
The first wedding dress fitting should be scheduled 2-3 months before the wedding. This is because wedding dresses usually require several fittings to get the perfect fit, and leaving the first fitting too late might mean having to compromise on some major alterations.
During the first fitting, the seamstress will go over every aspect of the dress to see what needs to be altered. Even if the dress was ordered in a size close to the bride's body measurements, adjustments will likely be needed to account for every nuance of her figure. The fabric of wedding gowns also has little to no stretch, so even a small change in the bride's size can impact the fit of the dress.
The first fitting is when the bride will meet the artisan fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until her wedding day. The seamstress will begin by pinning the dress and working out what changes are needed. They will usually start with the bodice to make sure it fits as it should, and then pin the hem. The bride should also speak up if she sees anything she doesn't like, such as puckering, bunching, or bulging.
It is important to bring the exact undergarments and shoes that will be worn on the wedding day to the first fitting, as these can affect the fit and length of the dress. If there are key accessories such as a veil, tiara, or statement jewellery, it is helpful to bring these along to the first fitting to map out the final look.
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Bring your bridal veil and accessories to the first fitting
The first wedding dress fitting usually takes place about six to eight weeks before the wedding. During the fitting, the seamstress will review the alterations needed to ensure the dress fits your body perfectly. This may include taking in the bodice and seat seams, altering the hem, and creating a bustle.
To ensure that your wedding dress complements your body shape and enhances your best features, it is important to bring your bridal veil and accessories to the first fitting. This will help you to map out your final look and ensure that all the elements work together harmoniously.
If you have key pieces such as an heirloom bridal veil, a tiara, or other hair accessories, be sure to bring them along. The veil and accessories can play a significant role in the overall style and feel of your wedding look, so it is important to consider them during the fitting. Even if you haven't decided on your exact bridal veil, bringing along a few options or browsing the boutique's selection can help you experiment with different styles and choose what suits you best.
In addition to your veil, there are a few other accessories you may want to bring to your first fitting. While you don't need to have your exact jewellery on hand, bringing similar items or knowing which statement pieces you'll be wearing can help curate your look. This could include long chandelier earrings, gloves, a necklace, or a flower crown.
Bringing the right shoes to your first fitting is also important. Even if you haven't decided on your exact bridal shoes, bring a pair with the same height as what you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help the seamstress determine the correct length for your dress, taking into account both the hemline and your preferred shoe height.
Lastly, don't forget the importance of proper undergarments. Bring the bra, shapewear, or bustier that you plan to wear on your wedding day. These pieces will impact the fit and comfort of your dress, so it's crucial to have them during the fitting process.
By bringing your bridal veil and accessories to the first fitting, you'll be able to visualise your complete wedding day look and make any necessary alterations to create a personalised and perfect bridal ensemble.
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Bring the right undergarments and shoes to the fitting
The right undergarments and shoes are essential to achieving the perfect fit for your wedding dress. It is important to bring these items to your fitting so that you can see how everything comes together. This will help your seamstress understand what alterations need to be made.
Undergarments play a significant role in the fit, tailoring, and comfort of your wedding dress. It is recommended to bring the exact undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to your fitting. This includes shapewear that complements design elements such as a plunging neckline, low back, skirt slit, or illusion fabric. If you are wearing a bra, it should properly support your bust while complementing the bodice of your wedding gown. A slip or petticoat can also be worn to add fullness to your skirt. Additionally, consider any design elements already featured in your wedding dress, such as built-in shapewear, bra cups, a corset back, or smooth jersey lining.
When choosing your shoes, opt for a pair that complements the style of your dress. If you plan to switch from heels to flats during your wedding, it is essential to consider that your hemline may be too long for flats. Bring the shoes you plan to wear to your fitting so that your seamstress can adjust the length of your dress accordingly.
During your fitting, be sure to move around and try different postures to ensure comfort and ease of movement. Walk around, go up and down stairs, sit down, and even dance to test out the stretch and flexibility of your dress. This will help you determine if any adjustments are needed to ensure a perfect fit.
By bringing the right undergarments and shoes to your wedding dress fitting, you can ensure that your dress will not only look stunning but also feel comfortable and allow you to move with ease on your special day.
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Schedule more than one fitting, especially for major alterations
Scheduling multiple fittings is essential, especially when making significant alterations to your wedding dress. While your dream dress may look stunning on the hanger, the real magic happens during the fitting process. This process involves tailoring your gown through alterations to ensure a perfect fit, enhancing your body shape, and bringing your vision to life.
The number of fittings you'll need depends on the extent of the required alterations. Most brides have between two and four fittings, with the first one typically taking place two to three months before the wedding. During this initial appointment, the seamstress will go over every aspect of the dress, from the bodice to the hem, to determine the necessary alterations. It's normal for the dress to require adjustments during this first fitting, so don't panic if it doesn't fit perfectly. Be sure to communicate your vision and any significant changes you want to make.
The subsequent fittings will address the finer details, such as tweaking the neckline or adjusting the sleeve length. These appointments are crucial to ensure that all the major alterations made during the previous fitting are according to plan. The final fitting, which usually occurs two weeks before the wedding, serves as a quality check to ensure that your dream dress is ready for your big day.
It's important to remember that your weight may fluctuate, which can impact the fit of your dress. Be patient and realistic about how weight changes may affect the alteration process, and consider the timing of your fittings accordingly. Additionally, bring along the shoes, undergarments, and jewellery you plan to wear on your wedding day to each fitting. These items can significantly impact the fit and overall look of your gown, ensuring that you achieve the perfect fit and feel confident as you walk down the aisle.
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The final fitting is a quality check and the bride's last chance to make changes
During the final fitting, the bride should speak up if there is anything she would like to change. The seamstress will usually allocate time for this to ensure the bride is happy with the dress. The bride should also be mindful that the goal of the final fitting is to ensure the dress fits as expected, so it may be more about taking the dress in or letting it out, rather than making drastic changes.
The bride should bring her wedding day shoes to the final fitting to ensure the dress is properly tailored. It is also helpful to bring the exact undergarments and shapewear that will be worn on the wedding day, as these can impact the fit and tailoring of the dress. If the bride is adding a bustle to her dress, it is recommended that she brings someone who will be with her on the wedding day to the final fitting. This is so the seamstress can show them how the bustle works, as each one is unique.
The final fitting typically takes place one to two weeks before the wedding day. This allows for any additional work to be done after this appointment, with the bride trying on the dress again before taking it home. It is important to remember that the number of fittings a bride will need depends on the number of changes the dress requires, so there may be more or fewer fittings depending on the alterations needed.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that brides schedule their first dress fitting at least eight weeks before the wedding. This time frame accommodates the 3-4 fittings needed for standard alterations. If you're making custom changes, such as adding straps or lowering the neckline, it can require additional fittings.
It is a good idea to bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to your first fitting. If you haven't chosen your shoes yet, bring a pair with the same height you plan to wear. You should also bring any key accessories like an heirloom veil or tiara, as these can impact your final look and alterations.
The first fitting is typically when the hem is set and adjustments are made to the bodice. The seamstress will review the alterations needed and mark them on the dress. This is an important time to communicate any fit requests and address any concerns.
