Ah, the first dress fitting. Usually scheduled eight to six weeks before the big day, for many it’s the first, this is happening moment that signals how close the wedding actually is. Talking with vendors, going over details with the wedding planner and discussing events with the wedding party can all feel like they’re tied with future anticipation. But the first dress fitting, this is the Rubicon of the big day –this is happening, and I am indeed getting married. Your first time in your chosen gown brings all of the ambiguous anticipation into stark, wonderful reality. So let’s get you ready!
- In order to complete the vision of how you want to look walking down that aisle, you should have all of the accessories and pieces chosen and along for the fitting. Jewelry, headwear, your shoes, and undergarments –all of it. And not just because it’ll help put the vision in practice. Minor alterations like changing shoes can cause the dress to not fit properly.
- During the fitting, is not the time to be the meek bride. A good seamstress will want your opinion on how the dress fits and how it feels. Is it uncomfortable in areas? Does the dress wrinkle in places? Politeness is always a virtue (many fear being bridezilla) but neither should you be compromising or afraid to speak your mind. A wedding gown may not be supposed to feel like a light summer dress, but neither should it feel like some kind of trial you’re supposed to endure for one of the biggest days of your life.
- It’s okay if a number of alterations need to be made. If the dress is too long in some areas or too short; how the gown falls and how its measures symmetrically with your body. A good seamstress will notice what needs work after a thorough examination. If the dress ends up requiring a number of alterations, don’t panic. Even the best professionals need to undergo trial-and-error before getting it perfect –indeed, some would argue that the mark of a real professional is the willingness to go through trial and error, rather than assume it’s done right on the first try. Like the make-up trial, this is a test run. There will be (or should be) other fittings.
Most of all, please try to keep up that sense of joy and excitement for the coming day in mind. Even if –no, especially if the dress does end up requiring a number of alterations. As the wedding day draws ever closer, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the stress and gravity of it all. This is supposed to be fun. Have faith in your seamstress. Be vocal but patient with any mishaps. Boutiques to not hire lightly. Statistically speaking, all alterations will be perfected for when you say your vows.
