Brides 1st Dress Fitting
For a wedding dress, most experts recommend scheduling your first fitting with a seamstress around eight weeks before your wedding day to allow enough time for alterations, with a final fitting ideally no later than two weeks before the big day; this timeframe ensures you have enough time for any necessary adjustments and a perfect fit on your wedding day.
Key points about wedding fitting appointments:
Initial fitting:
This first appointment is when the seamstress will assess the dress and identify areas needing alterations, like length, bodice adjustments, or taking in the waist.
Follow-up fittings:
Depending on the amount of alterations needed, you may have one or two additional fittings to fine-tune the fit.
Final fitting:
This last appointment should be close to your wedding date to ensure the dress fits perfectly with your current body size.
What to bring to a wedding fitting:
Your wedding dress
The shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day
A supportive bra
Shapewear (if you plan to wear it)
Any accessories you want to try with the dress (veil, belt)
Important considerations:
Book early: Contact a seamstress as soon as you purchase your wedding dress to secure a fitting slot.
Communicate clearly: Discuss any specific concerns or desired alterations with your seamstress.
Be realistic about your body: Try to be at or near your wedding weight before starting alterations.
Prom Dress 1st Fitting
For your first prom dress alteration appointment, bring your chosen dress, the shoes you plan to wear, any undergarments you will wear with the dress, and be prepared to discuss areas where the fit needs adjustment, like the bust, waist, hips, and hem length, so the tailor can properly pin and assess the necessary alterations; remember to wear minimal jewelry and have your hair pulled back to ensure accurate measurements.
Key points to remember for your first prom dress alteration:
Bring the right accessories:
Always bring the exact shoes you will wear with the dress to ensure the hem length is correct, and any undergarments like a strapless bra or shapewear to see how the dress lays with your planned attire.
Communicate your concerns:
Clearly tell the tailor any areas where the dress feels too tight, loose, or doesn't fit your body shape properly.
Be prepared for pinning:
The tailor will likely pin the dress to mark the areas where adjustments need to be made, so be ready to stand still and move as instructed.
Discuss potential alterations:
Talk about possible changes like adjusting the straps, taking in the waist, altering the neckline, or shortening the hem.
Ask questions:
Don't hesitate to ask questions about the alteration process, the expected timeline, and any concerns you may have about the fit.
Consider your hairstyle:
Wear your hair up or in a style similar to what you plan for prom to see how the dress looks with your hair pulled back.
Common prom dress alterations:
Waist adjustments: Taking in the waist to create a more defined silhouette
Bust alterations: Adding cups or adjusting the bustline to fit properly
Hem length adjustment: Shortening or lengthening the hem to match your shoe height
Strap adjustments: Shortening or lengthening the straps to prevent slipping
Hip alterations: Taking in or letting out the hips for a better fit