You’ve decided on and ordered your wedding dress. But that doesn’t mean you can tick it off your To Do list just yet. You need to have your gorgeous gown fitted perfectly to you, making sure it’s comfortable and ready to be worn on your big day. It might just need the hem taken up, or you could need a total re-size. That’s completely normal because rarely does a bride’s body fit without any adjustments.
What’s the fitting for?
The fitting is to ensure two main things: that your gown is the right size, the right colour and the right design, and so the seamstress can understand what alterations need to be made. It’s also for you to get used to wearing the dress and checking the overall look is what you were dreaming of and that your underwear, shoes, and accessories all work.
When should I have my first fitting?
Most brides book the first fitting two or three months before the wedding. If you buy your dress from Lily’s Boutique, we’ll be in touch with you when the order arrives.
Because we have a tailoring service in-house, the process is a lot easier for you. Our team has worked with similar styles by the same designer, and we understand the garments in detail. You won’t have to take your dress anywhere else, and you can rest assured that we’ll look after it very carefully.
What do I need to bring to the fitting?
Bring one or two friends or family members who you trust to be honest but supportive of your wedding day vision. Some brides choose their Maid of Honour/Bridesmaid, or another trusted person.
Ideally you should bring your wedding day shoes and underwear, plus any accessories or jewellery you’ve already bought, to make sure the whole outfit works together. Consider whether you need simple and elegant jewellery, or you’d like something a bit more blingy!
Our advice is to do your hair and makeup in a similar way to the plan you have for your wedding. We know you’re not a professional hair or makeup artist, but a similar look will help you visualise how you’ll look on your wedding day. Maybe stay away from the liquid spray tan if you’re trying on a pale dress, though.
How do I know what undergarments to buy?
Bringing your undergarments along to the fitting ensures the best fit, tailoring, and overall comfort factor for your final look. You’ll need to understand how the dress fits and what parts of your body will be visible so you can decide on the appropriate underwear.
Proper undergarments may include:
Shapewear that complements design elements like a plunging neckline, low back, skirt, slit, or illusion fabric.
A bra that properly supports your bust while complementing your wedding gown’s bodice.
A slip or petticoat to add fullness to your skirt.
If you’re not sure about what you should buy, please ask us. We can usually point you in the right direction.
What happens at a fitting appointment?
You’ll try on your dress, and once the excitement (and tears) subsides, you’ll start finding faults. That’s perfectly normal! Once you have your dress on, your seamstress will start pinning and tucking to make sure you get the perfect fit. They’ll start looking for places where your dress needs to be taken in, let out, shortened, lengthened, or altered in another way.
Don’t breathe in! Just move normally to make sure you’ll be happy and comfortable on the big day.
What should I do?
You’ve got your dress on. But how will it look and feel on the actual day?
You’ll need to walk around the room to make sure you’re comfortable with your heel height and hemline. Try sitting on a chair to make sure that everything stays in place. If you’re planning on having a good old boogie on your wedding evening, can you dance in your dress? Are you able to show someone how to untie, unclasp, readjust, and check your dress? Unless you have eyes in the back of your head you may need an assistant on the day.
This is your opportunity to speak up if you see something that doesn’t look quite right. We’re here to help you ensure you get the best possible outcome so please be honest so we can make sure you’re happy.
What’s the cost of alterations?
You’ll need to include your alterations when deciding what you’re comfortable spending on your dress. The cost will vary according to the complexity of the alterations, so if you’re making extensive customisations like adding sleeves or changing the neckline the costs will increase. From adding corset panels to shortening or lengthening straps, inserting a bustle, adding lace, sewing cups or padding into the bodice, raising the hem, etc., your options for wedding alterations are extensive. Please discuss this at your appointment if you’d like more information.
We hope this has given you a good idea of what to expect at your first fitting.
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment, please get in touch We’d be more than happy to help.