Fittings. If you are not used to going to a tailor to perfect the fit or your retail clothing, this might be a whole new ball game for you, and the task could seem daunting. Don't fret. Here are some simple tips to follow to ensure that your dream dress gets the VIP treatment that you both deserve.
1. Determine whom will be your seamstress.
If you have purchased your gown through a reputable bridal salon, then they should have a seamstress on site, or professional referrals for you. Rest assured that the salon wants to guide you through the easiest and most successful route of tailoring, so trust what they say. Not just any tailor or seamstress should be trusted with a wedding gown.
2. Schedule your appointment at an appropriate time frame.
Once the eligibility of your chosen is seamstress is determined, be candid and forward with them about what you have planned before your big day. Do you have bridal portraits scheduled? Are you planning on losing weight? Are you going under the knife to enhance your, ahem, curves. These events will dictate how far in advance you should begin the process. The Knot and Martha Stewart Weddings recommend giving yourself a 2 to 3 month window before the gown is worn for the wedding or pre-wedding day photos. If you don't have this amount of time, don't worry. Bridal professionals will know of seamstresses that can perform miracles to ensure that your dress is ready in time. You might end up paying a bit more, but it will be worth it.
3. Speaking of paying....Set an allotted budget aside for alterations.
It's pretty simple. You get what you pay for. A master seamstress will often cost on average $400 for alterations. That is simply a ball park figure, given that every body and gown are individual cases, but this is a good average of what to expect. This will usually include 3 fittings. The first will be to determine exactly what is needed and how long it will take to complete. The second will be to ensure that the changes that have been made are accurate, and the third will be your final fitting. Be sure to bring somebody with you to learn how to perform the bustle requirements. Every look will be different.
4. What to bring.
For your first fitting, it is of upmost importance that you show up prepared, or it will be a waist of time. Bring the shoes that you plan on wearing during the ceremony AND reception. If you do anticipate changing kicks during the event, be aware that if the heel hight is not the exact same, the hem length will change as a result. Bring your undergarments. It is my recommendation that brides always wear a seamless longline bra. Many seamstresses will adhere the bustline of the gown to the bra ensuring a flush fit to the body, and an extra lift. With the addition of a corset type bra, there is always concern that the bottom of the bra will show in a tight fitting gown. For this reason, I recommend Spanx . May not be the sexy lingerie that you were imagining for your wedding night, but pack pretty undies in your luggage and be done with it. Nobody wants to see panty lines in wedding photos. If you are unsure of how the bras will fit with your gown, then bring a few sizes and variations. Most specialty stores will allow you to return the unused items.
Here are some other helpful articles discussing bridal gown fittings:
Brides
My Wedding
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