A wedding dress fitting is one of the most significant steps in preparing for your big day. It’s not just about ensuring the gown fits; it’s about making sure you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable in the dress of your dreams. Knowing what to bring to a fitting can make the experience more productive and enjoyable.
1. The Actual Wedding Shoes
Your wedding shoes are critical to the fitting process. The height of your heels or flats will directly impact how your dress falls and where the hemline ends. Bringing the exact pair you’ll wear on your wedding day allows the seamstress to ensure the length is tailored to perfection, preventing last-minute surprises or unnecessary alterations later.
2. The Right Undergarments
Undergarments can drastically alter how a dress fits. Whether you plan on wearing a strapless bra, corset, shapewear, or a bodysuit, bring it to every fitting. The support and shape they provide will influence the way your gown hugs your body. The more accurate your undergarments, the better your seamstress can fit the gown to your figure.
3. Your Accessories
Accessories such as veils, jewelry, sashes, or headpieces contribute to your overall bridal look. By bringing them to the fitting, you can see how everything works together. This helps you and your stylist make decisions about whether the accessories are enhancing your look or overwhelming it. It’s especially helpful when choosing veils of varying lengths or statement jewelry.
4. A Trusted Friend or Family Member
While you want to avoid too many opinions, having a trusted companion is important. Choose someone who knows your style, understands your vision, and can give honest, constructive feedback. This person can also help you get in and out of the dress and learn how to manage the train or bustle if needed.
5. Hair Accessories or a Trial Hairstyle
If possible, wear your hair in a similar way to how you plan to wear it on your wedding day. This gives a clearer idea of how the neckline of the dress pairs with your chosen hairstyle. Bring clips, combs, tiaras, or pins to try out combinations and ensure nothing clashes visually or physically with the gown’s design.
6. Makeup for a Complete Look
While a full face of bridal makeup isn’t necessary, wearing a bit of makeup similar to what you plan for the wedding can help visualize the complete look. It adds to your confidence and helps you see the gown as part of the full ensemble, not just a standalone garment.
7. Notes or Pictures for Reference
If you’ve saved photos of your dress from the bridal boutique or have images from Pinterest showing styles or fits you love, bring them. These visuals help communicate your vision clearly to your stylist or tailor. If you’re planning on making any custom changes, having inspiration is always beneficial.
8. A Notepad and Pen or Your Phone
Take notes during your fitting. You might receive advice on how to walk in the dress, care instructions, or information about the timeline for alterations. Having a way to jot down these points ensures you won’t forget anything essential after the appointment.
9. Payment Methods and Appointment Details
Many boutiques or seamstresses require payment for fittings or deposits for alteration services. Bring your payment method and confirm any appointment-related paperwork. It’s wise to have a copy of your original dress purchase receipt, especially if fittings are done at a different location.
10. A Positive Attitude
Wedding dress fittings can be emotional. Sometimes the dress doesn’t fit the way you expected, or alterations may take more than one session. Bringing patience, openness to suggestions, and a positive mindset will help make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
11. Your Wedding Timeline
Keep a copy of your wedding timeline, especially dates for bridal portraits, travel, or pre-wedding events where you may want to wear the dress. Sharing these dates with your seamstress ensures alterations are completed in time and helps avoid last-minute stress.
12. Your Bustle Decision
Not all dresses require bustles, but if yours has a long train, it’s essential. Talk with your seamstress about the type of bustle you want—French, American, or Ballroom—and bring along someone who can learn how to do it on the wedding day. Practice bustling a few times at your fitting for confidence.
13. A Comfortable Outfit to Change Into
You may be trying the dress on multiple times during a single session, so wearing something easy to slip on and off helps streamline the fitting. Choose an outfit without makeup-transfer risks and avoid anything too tight or complicated.
14. Emergency Items
Consider packing a few emergency items like safety pins, fashion tape, or even a small sewing kit. While you likely won’t need them during a professional fitting, it can be reassuring to have them just in case something unexpected happens during transport or dress handling.
15. The Gown Itself, If Necessary
If the fitting isn’t at the boutique where you purchased the gown, you’ll need to transport it yourself. Use a garment bag to keep it clean and protected. Handle the dress carefully to avoid snags, stains, or wrinkling before your fitting session.
How Many Fittings Should You Expect?
Most brides will attend at least two to three fittings. The first is to assess the gown and determine what alterations are needed. The second ensures those changes are fitting correctly. A third, and sometimes a final fourth fitting, confirms everything is perfect before pick-up.
When to Schedule Your Fittings
Your first fitting should be scheduled about two to three months before your wedding day. This allows enough time for alterations and any adjustments without feeling rushed. The final fitting should be within two to three weeks of the big day to ensure the best possible fit.
Conclusion
Being prepared for your wedding dress fitting can save time, reduce stress, and lead to a more successful and enjoyable experience. From the right shoes and undergarments to a supportive friend and timeline, every detail contributes to how you feel on your special day. Remember, the goal of a fitting is not only to tailor the dress to your body but also to give you confidence as you walk down the aisle in a gown that fits beautifully and feels like it was made just for you.
