A Comprehensive Wedding Dress Fitting Checklist For The Bride
2024-10-18

Every bride-to-be knows just how thrilling yet daunting it is to find the perfect wedding dress for their big day. Thankfully, the fitting process makes this endeavour a lot easier and it is where your dreams become a reality. To help you navigate this unforgettable journey and make sure all the details are handled with care, we tackle the specifics of the fitting section of your wedding planning checklist.

1. Get to know your style

Everyone’s body is unique, which is why understanding your shape – be it petite, curvy, or somewhere in between – is vital to effectively highlight your best features. Working with an experienced tailor guarantees you’ll get invaluable insights into styles that flatter your specific figure. 

Next, we move on to personal preferences and focus on the things that make you feel beautiful. Whether it’s certain materials like silk and lace or an entire design aesthetic, your dress should serve as a mirror that fully reflects your personality. Just be sure to stay patient as it may take a few tries to find the dress that lets you feel true to yourself!

Last but not least, don’t forget the theme of your wedding in your dress considerations. After all, it would be disastrous to choose a dress that doesn’t complement or fit the setting of the event. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to think of the overall picture right from the very start of your planning. 

2. First fitting

During your first-ever fitting appointment, keep in mind that trying on a wedding dress is an incredibly emotional experience. Expect to be overwhelmed, confused, excited, or all things at once, and possibly many other emotions. Nonetheless, just enjoy yourself and keep an open mind.

Once done, be sure to speak your thoughts and feelings; don’t hold back as they matter a great deal. Communicate whatever doesn’t feel right to you and don’t hesitate to rely on your bridal consultant to help you continue the search for your dream dress.

Finally, there are accessories to worry about. While not as impactful as the actual wedding dress itself, they can still make or break your overall look. Check out our wedding guide on bridal accessories here and remember that sometimes, less is more.

3. Alterations

Making alterations to the wedding dress is key to making it uniquely yours. These may involve reshaping the bodice, adjusting the length of the gown, or something else. Work together with your tailor to understand which changes can be made and trust their guidance.

The timing of making these changes is also of utmost importance. Starting too early may cause problems should your body change. In contrast, starting too late may have you stressed with the big day being just around the corner. If you’re unsure, work with your tailor to time it just right.

4. Second fitting

Your second visit will primarily be about assessing the changes made according to your previous feedback, so see how your dress looks and feels and whether it’s finally ‘the one’. If it’s almost there, this is your opportunity to fine-tune the details and don’t be shy about requesting for a few additional adjustments. Speaking up now saves you from being uncomfortable on the most important day of your life.

5. Final fitting

This last appointment is the moment of truth, so be thorough in checking if everything’s perfect and to your liking. Be sure to get all the minor last-minute changes you want done before taking the dress home. Also, listen attentively to your tailor’s instructions regarding storage and transportation of the dress to keep it pristine until the wedding. 

Key things to check during fitting

During the entire fitting process, it’s best to try out a few moves to guarantee a great fit. But before that, make sure to ask your tailor for permission as you don’t want to damage your dress should there be temporary stitches and pins in place. 

• Note your temperature: If the fabric of your dress retains or loses more heat than you imagined, take care to have adequate precautions against the elements.
• Try walking around: Apart from walking on flat ground, don’t forget to also include other manoeuvres like walking up and down the steps and climbing an incline.
• Take a seat: From the ceremony to the reception, expect to sit a lot for most of your wedding day, so ensure that you’ll be comfortable in this position for extended periods.
• Mimic a few key gestures: The most important actions to consider are raising your arms, getting in and out of a car, and hugging someone who’s taller or shorter than you. Performing these movements ahead of time lets you know whether your dress is flexible enough that it won’t tear so you can enjoy some peace of mind.
• Figure out your bathroom plan: Fine details like going to the bathroom often get overlooked amidst the many other important things you have to worry about. So, while you’re wearing the dress, don’t forget to figure out a plan for this minor yet vital possibility.

Ready to get started with finding your ideal wedding dress?

The wedding dress is one of the most important pieces to get right for your special day. Blissful Brides can help simplify this process by connecting you with over hundreds of wedding vendors dedicated to tailoring the wedding dress of your dreams. Get a quote today to get started!