With grooms more daring with their wedding wear, brides have to dazzle more than ever. Looking fabulous and feeling comfortable on your wedding day comes down to the fit of the bridal gown, which requires so much more than ordering the right size. Your wedding dress fittings are integral to looking and feeling great.
We recommend scheduling multiple fittings in the run up to your big day. Your first fitting should be 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding date whilst the second should be approximately 1 month before you take that fateful walk down the aisle.
The third and usually final fitting is the most important of them all, but what do you need to know about the final wedding dress fitting?
Why is the final fitting important?
The first fitting offers the perfect introduction to the dress you’ll be wearing when you finally become a ‘Mrs’. Whilst the second irons out measurements and finalises the accessories you’ll wear with your dress. The final fitting however offers the ultimate conclusion. Taking along support in the form of your mum or maid of honour is therefore vital. Here The Knot explains why:
“When the day of your final fitting arrives, ask your maid of honor to come along so they can learn about your gown. Does it need bustling? Ask the salesperson to teach them how to do it. Does it have complicated straps or buttons? Make sure they learn how to work them before the wedding day. Also, now’s the time to find out how to get rid of last-minute wrinkles. Should you use an iron? On what setting? Is steaming a better option? And what if you spill something on the gown? Are there certain products you should and shouldn’t use?”
The final fitting isn’t just a time to finalise those measurements, it offers a vital Q&A session that could save you unnecessary stress on your wedding day. Having someone with you who will be there on the morning of your wedding day is important. They can listen to your seamstress’ infinite knowledge and provide valuable support, even when your mind is understandably elsewhere on your wedding day.
When should my final fitting take place?
Your final wedding dress fitting should take place around two weeks before your wedding date. With two weeks to spare, you have time on your side if you need to make any last minute changes to the dress or your accessories. Your final fitting should be a magical experience, after all it’s where your bridal vision will become a reality. Enjoy every moment, and be sure to wear waterproof mascara, it’s bound to be emotional!
How can I prepare for my final fitting?
Attending your fitting fully prepared will ensure complete confidence in your bridal look. Take along all your accessories and the underwear you plan to wear on your big day. Each and every one of these ‘foundation pieces’, from your pearl adorned hair vine to your high heel shoes, will have an impact on the fit of your dress.
Going to your final fitting with a list of questions for your seamstress is another must. There are things you’ll need to know for the big day, this includes how to remove staining (quickly) and getting familiar with the hooks, loops and bustle that make up your gown. It’s also handy to ask for advice about the dress’ cleaning and storage post-wedding day.
Whether it’s your first, second or final fitting, you can find more top tips for guaranteeing the perfect fit right here.
