When Should You Have Your First Wedding Dress Fitting?

Wedding dress fitting is a crucial part of the wedding planning process, and it’s essential to follow these timeline fundamentals. The first fitting usually takes place around eight weeks before the wedding day, and it’s important to bring your shoes, bra, and bridal shapewear. It’s also recommended to schedule your first wedding dress fitting around 6-8 weeks before the wedding day to allow for adjustments.

Being at your desired wedding weight is crucial during the fitting process, as constant fluctuations can pose challenges. The stylist will use the first fitting to set the hem for your perfect wedding dress, so it’s important to have any undergarments you plan on wearing. If you haven’t picked out the shoes for your wedding day, try to bring them along.

By purchasing your wedding dress approximately 10 to 8 months before your wedding, you will have ample time for changes. Communicate with your stylist during the fitting, as they will make any necessary fit adjustments. Bring a trusted friend to get a second opinion on how things look.

Aim to be at your desired wedding weight by the first fitting, as constant fluctuations can pose challenges. Be patient and realistic about how much weight can affect a wedding dress alteration. Schedule your first fitting around three months before the wedding, with the second fitting at the one-month mark and the final fitting two weeks before the wedding.

As alterations take time, it’s recommended that a bride schedule her first dress fitting at least eight weeks before the wedding day. Start alterations as soon as the dress arrives, regardless of the wedding date. Schedule a fitting eight to 12 weeks before the wedding and a final fitting no later than two weeks before the wedding. Remember to budget and choose the appropriate undergarments and shoes for your wedding.

How soon before my wedding should I get my wedding dress?

Typically, we suggest making your bridal dress appointments 9-12 months prior to your wedding date. This date is suggested with the goal of picking out and ordering a dress 8-9 months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to shop around and find the dress of your dreams. It also ensures that you avoid rush fees and give designers the lead time necessary to create your gown from scratch. Dont forget that each gown is made to order, so longer wait times are inevitable. Finally, this timeline allows for alterations after the dress has come in. Even though the dress will be made specifically for you, there will most likely be slight alterations done to make it fit like a dream, and thats something brides must plan for.

Although it may be tempting during longer engagements, we suggest avoiding dress shopping before 12 months out. Starting your wedding dress hunt too early can result in dress regret later on. Brides who start before the 12-month mark often find themselves comparing their dress to newer designs as more recent collections are rolled out. Additionally, the farther out your wedding is, the less you know! Ensuring that you have the wedding theme and location established before you pick a dress can help make sure that it is appropriate for the occasion.

Should I wear a bra to wedding dress fitting?

So to recap, you wont need a bra during your bridal appointment. Having additional padding on top of the padding built into the dress, will alter the way the dress is supposed to fit your body. Wearing no bra or pasties is the best option. If you arent comfortable with that, wearing a nude sticky bra with light padding is second best.

You do not need to wear shape wear, but you definitely can if it will make you feel more comfortable. We suggest wearing nude colored.

We recommend not wearing shoes to your bridal appointment. Because the dresses will not be tailored to you, and you will be trying on many dresses during your appointment, shoes will make it harder. Wearing some cute, neutral colored socks will be perfect!

Can you kiss the bride during a first look?

For most grooms, the nerves kick in before they see their bride because when they see her, everything becomes VERY real! So when the nerves start creeping up, instead of keeping the groom in a secluded space until his time to enter the ceremony, what if you took him to a private place…no people, no on-lookers, no distractions…. and you let his beautiful bride, the love of his life, quietly call his name and have him turn around to see her for the first time. He would turn around and finally get his first look at his stunning bride and not only would he get to see her…he could embrace her…cry with her…. kiss her…and ENJOY that moment with her for as LONG as they wanted. As she shows him her dress, twirls a few times and then asks him what he thinks…his nerves start to diminish. After all, shes the one who can make him most comfortable anyway.

The happy couple is not on a time crunch (because we built the first look into their timeline) so they casually move into their romantic portraits. No one is around, the coordinator isnt announcing “15 minutes left”, and there is no pressure. Its just the two of them and their photographer….. capturing the excitement and the joy of their wedding day. This is their time to be TOGETHER…and to be ALONE.

When does that happen on a wedding day?. Without a first look…. it doesnt. After their romantic portraits are done, they meet up with their best friends. Their bridal party joins them and because they still have plenty of time to spare, the bride touches up a little makeup while the boys act like boys. Then the bridal party portraits begin and they are FUN. They are FUN, because there is time to make them FUN. There arent any guests waiting impatiently at the cocktail hour and there isnt a DJ coming to find the photographer to get a time check. Its the most wonderful time!

Do wedding dresses stretch out?

2–3 months to go: Major alterations.. For most brides, their first fitting will be about two to three months out. At this fitting, the seamstress goes over every aspect of the dress from head to toe to see what needs to be altered. Even though dresses are ordered in a size that is close to body measurements, most brides will still need to adjust for every nuance of her figure. And since it takes several months for the arrival of the wedding gown after an order is placed, its more than likely that the brides measurements will have changed in the meantime. Even a small change in size can impact the fit of a gown as there is little to no give or stretch in the fabrics of wedding gowns.

Dont forget to bring the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear for the wedding! The height of your shoes and the way you stand in them will affect how the dress falls and are crucial to getting the hem just right. Plus, the amount of structure and padding (or lack thereof!) will change how the dress falls.

By the time the seamstress finishes pinning shoulders, bust, waist, hip, and hem, many brides are left wondering if any part of their dress wontbe altered by the time the fitting is over. This may be overwhelming for you, but dont worry. Your seamstress knows what shes doing and has seen it all before.

Can a wedding dress be altered in 2 weeks?

For wedding dresses, an alterations artisan will work with you at your initial appointment to create a specific timeline based on your event date. Please allow 4 weeks between the first and final fittings. If you need your alterations before 4 weeks, please contact your local store.

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When should a bride have her first fitting?

Wedding Dress Alteration Tips. Stay on Schedule. To take the stress out of wedding dress alterations, its best to buy your dress early, leaving plenty of time for fittings and tailoring. Buy a dress 10 months before the wedding if possible. (It can take up to five months from the time you order it to arrive in the salon.) Schedule a fitting eight to 12 weeks before the wedding and a final fitting no later than two weeks before your wedding.

If youre making major changes to the design—reworking the corset or cups, for example, or accommodating a pregnancy—budget a few extra weeks.

Be Mindful of Your Anticipated Wedding Weight. Never order a too-small dress as motivation, Hall says. Its easier to take a larger dress in than to let a smaller one out. Instead, consider a gown with structure. Many have built-in corsets, which can be easily tightened or loosened. And ask if the designer will build new cups if your bust size changes (some wont). Cant find a corseted gown you love? Try an A-line, which covers lingering pounds. In general, the slinkier the gown, the harder it is to fix the fit if you gain or lose weight.

Bring Your Wedding Shoes, Accessories, and Undergarments to Every Fitting. Be sure to bring your day-of essentials to get a true fit.Brides need to bring the shoes and undergarments they will wear on the day of the wedding in order to obtain the proper fit, says Sacco. We all know the difference Spanx or the right strapless bra can make. You want to wear exactly what youll be wearing on your wedding day, including shapewear, for the best possible tailoring. During the alteration process is when a bride can see and feel what she will look like on her wedding day, says Zimmerman.

Is it normal to change your mind about wedding dress?

You might be surprised to know that this is a very common bridal dilemma. Its totally understandable that you might change your mind about your wedding dress over time. If youre buying a dress from a bridal boutique, (and we recommend putting in your order at least six months in advance) there can be many months between saying yes to your dream wedding dress and it actually arriving. The problem with this is that it leaves a lot of time for you to see other dresses, and second-guess your decision. There can also be circumstances outside of your control, that might mean you have to change the venue or date of your big day. Suddenly youre switching from a destination wedding to one at home, or a summer wedding to a winter celebration. Unfortunately, this can also mean the dress you chose no longer fits the vibe or aesthetic of your wedding.

The way we see it, if youve changed your mind about your wedding dress, you fall into one of two categories:

B. You really, really dont want to, or cant, wear this dress anymore.

Can a wedding dress be ready in 6 months?

Buying a gown off the rack is a great idea for many brides! Buying a dress off the rack means you are buying a dress that is aisle-ready. The standard procedure for ordering a wedding gown is a little different. Once you find the dress of your dreams, your stylist will take your measurements and order you a whole new gown, close to your size. This process can take 4-8 months depending on the designer and when you decide to order. This is not the case when it comes to buying a gown off the rack! Buying off the rack means youll be taking your dress home with you that same day. Yaaay! The dress you try on in the store could be the very same one you get to say I do in! There a lot of great reasons to buy a gown off the rack, and here are just a few of them!

Like we mentioned, wedding gowns are made-to-order, and typically take about 6 months to arrive in the boutique. After the dress arrives, youll need alterations, which can be an additional 2-4 months. When you fall in love with a dress off the rack, you dont have to wait those pesky 6 months! You can schedule your appointment with your seamstress right away. This makes it super helpful for any bride with a shorter engagement. (P.S. This is also perfect for brides that have a longer engagement length, but just dont want to wait!)

Purchase your dress off the rack and youll save $$! Most dresses are at least 10% off the reorder price when purchased off the rack. If you have a strict budget and a clear vision, this is a great way to fulfill your dress dreams. Miss Ruby also has a monthly aisle-ready sale, during which additional discounts are also applied to off the rack dresses.

Is 6 months too late to get a wedding dress?

When should you buy your wedding dress?. You should plan on buying your wedding dress between eight and 10 months before the wedding. Wedding dresses require time for production and shipping, meaning your dress could take up to five months (or sometimes even longer) to arrive. This leaves enough time for your wedding dress to be made to your measurements, shipped to the bridal salon, and sent to the tailor for alterations.

How long does it take to get a wedding dress once youve found The One?. Once youve found your dream wedding dress, youll have to account for the dressmaking process, which can take anywhere from four to six months on average, depending on the complexity of the design. (Trust me, it will be so worth the wait!) Be sure to clarify with your bridal stylist if your chosen salon does in-house alterations. If not, see if they have a seamstress they can recommend, because youll need anywhere from one to three alterations sessions before the wedding day to make sure your dress fits you perfectly.

I need my dress faster! What are my options?. If youre having a short engagement because you just cant wait to marry your significant other (I totally get it because, same!) or you just havent had the time, there are options! Many local bridal shops have off-the-rack dresses that can be purchased and taken home the same day. Sample sale gowns are also fab options, along with ready-to-wear elopement looks and wedding dress rentals.

Who tells the groom to kiss the bride?

6. Breaking of the Glass. The bride then gives the groom his ring after which the groom breaks a glass by stomping on it, which symbolizes the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, says Miller. Usually preceded by reading a verse from Psalm 137, which preaches to keep Jerusalem in mind even at the happiest hour, the breaking of the glass is a sobering reminder that even at a couples happiest they should reflect on a sad moment in their history. The glass is typically wrapped in a cloth to avoid any injuries.

7. Mazel Tov. Ah, the guests favorite! After the breaking of the glass, guests are invited to shout mazel tov! It means congratulations.

8. The Recessional. After the shouts of joy comes the recessional. Everyone in the wedding party processes back up the aisle in the opposite order that they entered, usually while guests continue cheering them on and offering blessings. The newlyweds lead the column, followed by a sequence of the brides parents, then the grooms parents, the brides grandparents, and then the grooms grandparents. Once the family has walked, the flower girls or ring bearers lead the rest of the wedding party, followed by the best man and maid or matron of honor, and then the bridesmaids and groomsmen. The rabbi or cantor completes the filing.

If youve been to a Hindu wedding, youll know that they are often long, fantastical, and opulent events. Hindu weddings are traditionally elaborate events lasting multiple days. While the ceremony is only one of the days, the festivities and traditions surrounding the wedding stretch the event out, says Miller.

1. Baraat (the Grooms Arrival). The baraat is the grooms wedding procession where the groom arrives on a ceremonial white horse escorted by all his friends and family. There is often live music and dancing, which can go on for hours. The groom can also make a grand entrance on an elephant, chariot, or vintage car.

2. Milni. The groom is greeted by the parents of the bride and her closest friends during the milni. He could be given shagun—a token of good luck—cash, or clothes. Sometimes the brides parents feed him.

4. The Brides Entrance. The bride enters the ceremony being led by male family members (either her brothers or uncles). They accompany her down the aisle where her father awaits just before the altar. The groom waits at the altar along with his parents, the brides mother, and the priest.

5. Kanyadaan. This is the moment the father of the bride gives his daughter away to her soon-to-be husband. In the Hindu tradition, a bride cannot be claimed by the groom until she has been offered.

6. Jai Mala Garland Exchange. The bride and groom perform a garland exchange under a mandap or a beautifully decorated, raised canopy-like platform, says Miller. It symbolizes welcoming each other into their families. The brides parents will join the couples hands, as a symbol of giving their daughter away. The ceremony begins and the priest begins prayers in Sanskrit.

7. Agni Poojan. In the center of the mandap, a sacred fire, or Agni Poojan, is lit. The rite invokes the fire deity Agni, brought to life through the fire, to bear witness to the celebration. The bride throws fistfuls of rice to the fire as offerings known as homam.

8. Saptapadi. This is where you take seven steps together to symbolize friendship—the basis of a Hindu marriage. Depending on specific geographical traditions, your garments may be tied together, and you may take seven steps or circle the fire seven times. This is the most important step in a Hindu marriage, and after this, you are officially married.

9. Final Blessings. The ceremony typically ends with prayers, readings, and blessings from their elders, says Miller. The couples parents and priest typically bless the newlyweds but special guests are also encouraged to join in.

10. Talambralu. This marks the end of the ceremony where you bless each other by showering each other with rice, saffron, and turmeric. These are believed to rake in prosperity in your marriage.

11. Ashirwad. Now that the marriage is official, the newlyweds bow to the crowd as a show of gratitude for their presence and sitting witness to their union. The parents will offer their final blessing, usually through a tender embrace, before the couple steps down from the mandap to receive the blessings, or ashirwad, of their grandparents and elderly family members. The guests offer their own blessings by showering them with rice or flowers as they process up the aisle.

A Catholic ceremony is always held in a church. The Catholic Church believes that marriage, also known as the sacrament of matrimony, is a sacred covenant between the couple and God, and because God is present in the physical church, there is no other place to celebrate a blessed union. Outdoor Catholic wedding ceremonies just do not exist. (The architecture of churches is gorgeous though, so its definitely an experience to witness weddings in beautiful, grand places of worship!) Also, couples do not write their own vows, and the marriage rites are often part of a bigger Catholic mass.

1. The Processional. During Catholic weddings, the priest and the ministers often walk to the altar as part of the processional. When the priest arrives at the altar, thats when the wedding party follows. The groom enters followed by the best man, groomsmen, maid of honor, bridesmaids, ring bearer, flower girl, and bride escorted by her father.

2. Entrance Rites. Catholic weddings are often in the form of a mass, especially if both parties are Catholic. The priest begins with rites and a prayer. This is where the congregation joins in to sing or recite the Kyrie and the Gloria hymns.

3. Readings. To start off the Liturgy of the Word, designated guests or family members will be assigned readings from the Bible. One from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament, and the responsorial psalm that the guests will repeat in unison. Miller says that at least one of these readings will explicitly be about marriage.

If you are unable to fit all your loved ones into the bridal party, assign them to readings instead, which are a big part of the mass. Otherwise, assign them to bring gifts to the altar as part of the offertory.

4. Gospel. Everyone rises as the priest reads a select passage from one of the gospels from the four evangelists Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. While gospel reading selections tend to be based on the liturgical calendar, the priest may opt to read a passage on marriage or love. The congregation remains standing until the gospel is finished.

5. Homily. Guests are seated while the priest interprets the gospel. This is also known as the sermon, where the priest gives a speech about marriage and says a little bit about the couples union.

6. Rite of Marriage (Vows). The Catholic Church has its own set of vows, no embellishments or personalization allowed. You could either memorize or read the vows off a book, or you could have the priest read them to you and respond with the classic I do.

7. Ring Ceremony. This is where the ring exchange happens. The priest will bless the wedding rings with a prayer and a sprinkling of holy water. Then, each party will place the ring on the partners finger. They will typically recite a version of, Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

8. Offertory. Usually set to a tune, select guests will walk down the aisle to offer gifts, while seated guests will be invited to offer donations to the church via a donation basket to be passed around. The couple usually chooses who to include in the offertory.

9. Liturgy of the Eucharist. This begins with the priest praying over bread and wine. Its believed to transform them into the Holy Eucharist, or the body and blood of Christ. The guests usually kneel and bow their heads during this part of the mass, which is considered to be the most sacred.

10. Lords Prayer. This is where the congregation recites or sings the Lords Prayer in unison. Everyone is encouraged to hold hands, but its not mandatory.

11. Sign of Peace. The priest will offer guests peace and will encourage guests to do the same. Attendees turn to their neighbors and greet each other with a sign of peace, typically a handshake. You can offer a casual hello or simply say peace be with you.

12. Holy Communion. This is where members of the congregation line up to receive the Holy Eucharist. The tradition represents the Last Supper where Jesus offered bread and wine to his disciples. Those who dont wish to be a part of it or those who havent had confession in a while may stay in their seats.

13. The Kiss. A crowd favorite, this is where the priest tells the groom to kiss the bride. This symbolizes you are now officially married. The groom usually has to lift the veil before the kiss. If you want to make sure photos of this moment are just right, have the maid of honor or a bridesmaid make sure the veil is properly lifted.

14. Nuptial Blessing. The priest gives the final blessing to the members of the congregation. Its the same prayer that the priest recites at the end of every weekly mass. It ends with the priest saying, Go in peace. The congregation responds with, Thanks be to God.

15. The Recessional. The wedding party and the newlyweds walk down the aisle in reverse order of which they came in. Flower girls usually sprinkle petals as they walk down the aisle, or guests can be given either rice to throw or blow bubbles at the couple as they walk past.

How long before a wedding should you get fitted?

You want to make sure youre looking your absolute best on your big day, so dont leave your suit fitting until the last minute. The short answer to when you should get fitted for your suit is anywhere between six months to six weeks before the wedding. Looking for the long answer? Keep reading to learn about some of the factors that go into determining how soon you should be getting measured.

Uncommon Fit. If you or any of your wedding party requires special fitting requirements, youre going to want to get your measurements sooner rather than later. Outsizes, slim sizes, or adding extra length can all impact the timeline. This is especially true if you decide to rent your suit. Rental places only carry a limited number of uncommon sizes, so youll want to reserve them early.

Changes in Weight. Many grooms have the goal to either bulk up or slim down before their wedding day and as such, think they should put off their fitting until they are happy with their body. This is not the case. If youre going the made to measure or bespoke route with your suit, its best to set up an initial fitting with your supplier a minimum of eight weeks in advance (more is always better). At this fitting, let your tailor know that your measurements will change. The tailor will be able to take these initial measurements and build it into their stock requirements for your wedding. Any further alterations can be dealt with during your fittings closer to the date.

How early should you get your wedding dress altered?

When do you need to get your wedding dress altered? We recommend coming in for your fitting two months in advance, but not less than 1 month before to have your dress altered. Then, because everyone is trying to lose weight, we suggest having your final fitting no earlier than two weeks before the wedding.