How to Prepare for a Bridal Fitting

A high-quality bridal fitting is almost as important as choosing the wedding gown itself. In most cases, you will actually need to have at least two fittings at the bridal store or seamstress' shop in order to complete all of the necessary measurements and alterations. It is important to take the time to prepare for your fitting to be sure that your dress will fit your body as perfectly as possible on your big day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Schedule your first fitting about 6 weeks before your wedding date, at the absolute latest. This first fitting will usually coincide with the delivery of your actual garment to the shop or boutique, as most bridal businesses do not tend to carry large inventories of different garment sizes. It is a good idea to call a few days ahead of your fitting appointment to confirm that your dress has arrived at the store and that the size and style are correct, as there is not much room for delays or errors when it comes to your wedding schedule.
2. Prepare by wearing the undergarments, especially your bra, and the shoes you plan to wear at your wedding. Your undergarments will greatly influence the shape of your body under your dress and the way the fabric drapes over it, so it is best to wear these garments while the dress is measured and altered. Your shoes will help determine whether the length of your dress will need to be altered, so it is also a good idea to take them to the fitting.
3. Set the appointment for your second, and perhaps final, bridal fitting to occur about 4 weeks before your wedding date to see how the dress fits you based on the first round of alterations. Usually, this fitting will identify any final changes that may be needed, however minor. Be sure to speak up if you have any last-minute concerns.
4. Make plans to have your bridal fitting appointments at the same time of day that your wedding is scheduled to take place, if possible. It is common for women to become bloated throughout the day due to water retention, which could affect the way your gown fits your body. For this reason, it is also best to avoid foods that are high in sodium, both before your fittings and at your wedding, as salt increases fluid retention in the body.
5. Arrange for a member of your bridal party, a friend, or a family member to go to each of your bridal fittings with you. It is usually helpful to have someone else with you to give her feedback about how the dress looks on your body and to reassure you in your decisions regarding the fittings. Many bridal boutiques frown upon taking photographs of their wedding gowns--this helps to prevent the copying of their designs, so you may not be able to take a picture of yourself to show others.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare to spend as much time on the fitting as you did in searching and shopping for your dress. A fitting appointment will generally last at least 1 hour.
• Begin exercising and eating healthy as early as possible if you are hoping to lose weight before your wedding. Your bridal fitting will customize the dress to fit your current body size and figure, so significant weight gain or loss can change the way your dress will fit you. Last-minute alterations may be very expensive, so do your best to maintain a consistent weight after your first fitting.