Fit is everything! Which is why when it comes to your wedding dress, alterations are also everything… So we thought we would share our top tips to help you through your bridal fittings.

After all, your wedding day is the only day you’ll be showing off your stunning gown that took months to find, the last thing you need on the day is a wardrobe malfunction!

Every dress should be altered, even if it’s only a little, to ensure proper fit. At the end of the day, you are going to be looking at these pictures of your wedding day for the rest of your life, you want to feel as amazing as you look in your dress. That is why bridal fittings are essential!

So, as we break out the measuring tape, here is everything we think you need to know when it comes to bridal fittings…

Buy your undergarments and shoes prior to your first fitting!

When it comes to ensuring your dress fits you like a glove, you want to treat your bridal fittings as a dress rehearsal. After all, if you want a perfect fit on your big day, you want to bring everything with you that you plan to wear alongside your dress.

You will want to keep in mind, however, when shopping for your shoes and undies, that you are going to be wearing them for a long period of time. Put comfort in the forefront of your mind, you don’t want to be in pain on your special day.

When it comes to undergarments, there is a huge variety out there that is functional, properly fitting, supportive, yet also comfortable. From body shapers, to bras, to balconettes, to stick on bras, and corsets. There is something out there for all shapes and sizes.

Remember… It’s also good to keep in mind that your wedding underwear doesn’t have to be sexy, you can get changed into that on the wedding night! It also may seem obvious but remember to sit down when you have your dress and accompaniments on. You don’t want to feel so constricted that you can’t sit and enjoy your wedding meal!

Additionally, bringing your shoes to fittings is the only way to truly determine the perfect length of your dress. If you haven’t yet decided on your shoes, however, don’t worry! Bring a pair of shoes with the same heel height as your desired bridal shoe, then you and your seamstress will be able to work from there.

After all, hem length and fit are not something people notice when they are perfect. So, remember to bring your shoes and undies to every fitting, as something as simple as a bra switch, or change in heel height can alter the way your dress fits altogether.

Have an idea of your ideal hair and makeup!

There are a lot of details that go into creating the wedding look of your dreams. From head to toe there is a lot to think about, but let’s start with your hair and makeup. No doubt you have started to think about which hairstyle will suit you, and which colour lipstick you want to wear, but keep in mind you want to compliment your dress.

If you are someone who only wears their hair down, we would need to consider this at the designing/buying stage. There is no point in having beautiful detail at the back when your hair will be covering it. Similarly, if you are planning on opting for an up-do on your big day, you may want to consider adding some sleeves to your dress or altering your neckline to suit.

Try on veils and headpieces…

If you’re thinking of opting for a veil or hair accessory, the earlier you start looking and trying on, the better!

When it comes to veils, they can sometimes change the appearance of the dress. If you want a cathedral veil for example, this will affect the ideal length of your train on the dress to create the perfect distance between the veil and the train.

Veils can also be altered and embellished in order to compliment your dress, think adding the matching lace for your dress, adding beading, or even embroidery of your wedding date or lyrics from yours and your partner’s first dance song. The options are endless!

Bring people you trust.

Just like when shopping for your dress, bring along your mum, a friend, someone whose opinion you trust. You want them there to weigh in as another set of eyes on the dress to make sure that it is as perfect as possible.

You need to listen to your own instincts as well as opinions of those you trust. But you do need to remember that it is YOUR dress, it’s YOU that is going to be wearing it, and it’s YOU that needs to feel comfortable and confident. Although having another perspective is important, you don’t want to feel any sort of pressure to do anything with your dress that you aren’t completely comfortable with. Express yourself, it’s your big day after all!

Speak up and take pictures.

During your bridal fittings is your time to voice your thoughts and opinions on your dress. Like we mentioned before, you don’t want to be pressured into a decision or feel uncomfortable. This is your dress for that one special day, and your seamstress will want you to walk away one hundred percent happy with your dress.

A helpful tip would be to take photos of every session you have with your seamstress as sometimes it can be hard to visually remember every detail afterwards. By taking pictures you can look back after your fitting and make a note of anything you love or would like to change for your next meeting with your seamstress.

Make room in your budget!

One thing people often forget when it comes to dress alterations and bridal fittings, is the cost. Although, depending on what you would like to do to your dress the prices can vary, the alterations process is often something that gets overlooked when it comes to overall budgeting for the big day.

Although some people think that dress alterations may not always be necessary, if you want to ensure that your dress fits you perfectly, then they are, no matter how small! A simple hem lift or taking your dress in an inch or so can make all manner of difference, taking your dress from great to perfection…

Want to book your fittings with us here at Corsetry & Couture? Click here to learn more…