A Guide to Wedding Dress Fittings
For any bride one of the most important parts on the wedding planning process is the wedding dress. You’ll probably spend a great deal of time looking at different gowns before you find the perfect one. Then once you have chosen your ideal wedding dress you need to have it fitted, re-fitted and fitted again. Here is our guide to wedding dress fitting to help you through the process.
You should have a minimum of three fittings. Certainly no less, but don’t be afraid to go for more – it’s you’re wedding dress (for you’re big day, no less) and it should fit you perfectly.
First Fitting
As no woman’s shape is ever the same (like diamonds, we’re all unique and beautiful) it will take a few alterations and little tweaks here and there to get your perfect dress to fit just right. From taking in a waist to shortening sleeves or getting the length right, things will need adjusting. So you’re first fitting is to isolate anything that you’re not happy about, or that the seamstress thinks might need adjusting, to fit you that little bit better. Look out for bumps or bulging, pinching or puckering, make a not of loose threads. Breathe deeply so that you can feel if anywhere is too tight and note places where you feel swamped. A good fitter should be able to suggest and explain ways to change anything you ask for if not, up and leave and find another fitter, because this one can’t do the things you need.
Second Fitting
This should be about a month before the wedding. Bring all your bridal paraphernalia; shoes, tiara, jewellery and digital camera to take some pickies if you’re confused as to what jewellery might suit you best. Make sure all your previous alterations have been fixed and that nothing new has arrived. If it has, document it and have it changed. Don’t be afraid to speak up and say what’s on your mind, it’s your wedding dress, your day and fitting should be repeated until your dress is perfect.
Final Fitting
Bring your bridesmaids, mum and others who are likely to be helping you look fab on the morning of the big day. As well as checking that it fits beautifully and looks great, you’re dressmaker/seamstress will need to instruct these vital parties as to how the dress should look and move. Will it need bustling? Does it have tricky straps or buttons? And also find out how to get last minute wrinkles out of the fabric, what to clean it with in case of emergencies and is it better to steam or iron it.
You’re all done and by now you should (and most definitely will) look fabulous. Book a date two weeks before the wedding to pick up your new gown and try it on one last time to check for anything minor that needs attention. Then you’re off to the altar and future wedding bliss!
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