Behind every beautiful wedding, there’s a ton of planning that goes on behind the scenes. From the cake to the catering to the photographer, everything needs to be put in place well ahead of time to ensure things go off without a hitch on the big day, and there’s one wedding element in particular that you definitely don’t want to leave to the last minute – wedding gown alterations. If you’re newly engaged and about to dive headfirst into wedding planning, here’s everything you need to know about when to get wedding dress alterations done.
When to Get Your Wedding Dress Altered
Before you can get your wedding dress altered, you first have to say yes to the dress! It is recommended that you do your research and set a budget a solid year out from the date the wedding is set to take place. Once you’ve determined the styles, you’re interested in and how much you’re willing to pay for a dress, you should buy your dress at least eight months before the wedding. Pick out your accessories, shoes, and undergarments when there are still five months to go, and last but not least, give yourself at least three months to get your wedding dress fully altered!
The Inner Workings of Wedding Dress Alterations
There are good reasons behind the recommended timeline for wedding dress alterations, and as a bride to be, it’s important to understand the reasons behind this timeframe. Wedding dress alterations aren’t a one and done kind of deal – they take a lot of work and multiple fittings to get just right. Here’s what you can realistically expect from the wedding dress alterations process:
The First Fitting
Your first wedding gown fitting should take place approximately three months before your wedding date. You don’t want to take in your dress too early as your weight may fluctuate. You also don’t want to bring it in too late; otherwise, you run the risk of not having enough time to make all the necessary alterations. Three months is the perfect time to take your gown in and start off the wedding dress alterations process on the right foot.
During your first wedding gown fitting, the tailors will make sure your gown is the right size, design, and colour. Pay close attention to how your dress fits and falls while the alterations expert is pinning it. This is your chance to speak up and make sure your gown doesn’t have bunching or bulging anywhere.
The Second Fitting
Wedding dress fitting #2 should ideally occur about a month prior to the wedding. All the major alterations should be completed at this point, and this appointment is all about fine-tuning the alterations to ensure your dress fits you like a glove. Be sure to bring along your accessories, undergarments, jewelry, and shoes to this appointment so you can get a good idea of how everything fits together and what you’ll ultimately look like on the big day.
The Final Fitting
Your final wedding dress fitting should transpire when you’re two to three weeks out from the wedding. At this point in the wedding dress alterations process, your dress should look pretty close to the way it will when you’re walking down the aisle. You and your seamstress may have to work out little details like bustling and/or adjusting finicky straps. You’ll also likely find out how to should care for your dress so that it looks lovely throughout your wedding day. For this appointment, you’ll probably want to bring along your bridesmaid, your mom, and a box of tissues!
Armed with this wedding dress alterations guide, you can rest easy knowing that your gown will be fully ready and flawless in time for the wedding. And if you’re on the search seamstresses that can modify your dress to your specifications, look no further than Love Your Tailor. Love Your Tailor is Toronto’s ultimate wedding dress alterations facility, and our team of experienced professionals have been altering wedding gowns for over 25 years. We’re so confident in our ability to make your wedding dress look its best that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Contact us today to get a free quote.