Finding your dream wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day. But once you've said “I do… I do…” to the dress, the next step, which is your bridal fitting, is just as important. This is where your gown is tailored to fit you perfectly and ensure every detail feels just right. In our studio, we have a full alterations apartment downstairs will highly skilled seamstresses to assist you on every step until your wedding day. However, while we cannot accommodate every bride in our studio, we do have amazing seamstresses that we work very closely with outside of the store that we can refer you to. Each of their processes will be very similar to ours.
To help you feel confident and prepared, here are 8 essential questions and answers about the fitting process:
How Many Fittings Will I Need?
Every bride is different, but with our alterations package, 3 fittings are needed to get the dress just right. If you are requiring a lot of custom work for your dream dress, then you might need to come in for some additional fittings. Speak to our head of alterations, Meghan, to get further information.
What Undergarments Should I Wear?
The right undergarments can totally change how your dress fits and feels. We recommend you wear whatever is comfortable for you. If you would like some expert advice, feel free to visit our friends at The Daine Shoppe in town. We work very closely with them and are always around to lend a helping hand when it comes to undergarments.
Should I Bring My Shoes and Accessories?
Wearing your actual wedding shoes and any accessories (like your veil or jewelry) during your fitting helps ensure the perfect hemline and overall look. We require you to bring THE shoe for your first fitting as it will be your hem. Don’t be shy—bring everything you plan to wear on the big day to see your vision come to life!
Can Alterations Adjust the Neckline, Sleeves, or Train?
Your fitting is the perfect moment to fine-tune any design elements you’re unsure about. While we do have a basic alteration package that costs $800, any additional custom work would need to be discussed prior to fittings for an additional fee. This is to ensure we have enough time to not only receive those materials to make any adjustments but also leaves your talented seamstress time to bring those adjustments to life. Ask what’s possible in terms of customization—like raising a neckline or shortening a train with Meghan by emailing her!
Will the Dress Be Comfortable for a Full Day?
You’ll be wearing your gown for hours—through photos, vows, dancing, and everything in between. Ask how to make your dress more comfortable if it feels tight, heavy, or restrictive in any way. Some adjustments can be made to ensure the dress feels right on you!
What Happens If I Lose or Gain Weight?
Weight fluctuations happen, especially with wedding stress. We recommend that you do not fluctuate more than 15-20 pounds outside of what you weighed when measurements were taken prior to ordering your dress. If you do lose more than this amount, we recommend giving us a call immediately so we can schedule a time to remeasure you to ensure the fit is perfect.
When Will the Final Fitting Be?
We schedule final fittings about 2 weeks before the wedding date where we will show you how to bustle the dress. After the final fitting, you will schedule a time to pick up the dress so we can have it steamed and pressed perfect for you.
How Should I Care for the Dress Before the Wedding?
We recommend keeping the gown in the black garment bag we give it to you in to keep it safe from any stains. You can take the bottom of the dress out to fluff it and keep the skirt from wrinkling. If there does happen to be any wrinkles, you can take a white washcloth and cover the head of a steamer with it, to avoid water stains.
Your bridal dress fitting should feel exciting—not overwhelming. By asking the right questions, you’ll walk out feeling confident, radiant, and ready to walk down the aisle in style.
Need help prepping for your upcoming fitting? Contact Meghan, our head of alterations, for personalized advice. We’re here to make your dress journey unforgettable!