Preparing for a Bridal Fitting: What to Bring
What to bring to a bridal fitting, how to prepare your measurements and shoes, and what to ask the seamstress at each stage of the alteration process.
A fitting is where a gown becomes yours, and a well-prepared visit saves time and money. This page is a checklist for the day, and it explains what a seamstress or bridal consultant will need from you at each stage. The site does not sell gowns or take bookings. Use it to prepare for any fitting, wherever you go.
Bring these to every fitting
- The shoes you plan to wear on the day, with the heel height you have chosen
- Your undergarments, shapewear and any bra you will wear under the gown
- The veil and headpiece, if you already have them
- Your current measurements, written down, with the date you took them
- Photos of the gown, the look you want, and the neckline and sleeves you like
- A phone with a notes app, so you can record what is changed and when
What happens at the first fitting
The first fitting checks the overall fit: bust, waist, hips and length. The seamstress will pin the gown on you and mark the changes with chalk or pins. Ask them to explain each change, and whether it can be reversed if the gown is ever resold.
Ask for a written estimate before any cutting starts. The alteration guide lists typical ranges for common jobs.
What happens at the second and final fittings
The second fitting confirms the changes and checks the hem. Wear the shoes you plan to wear, and walk around the room, sit down and bend. The final fitting is for small adjustments. Ask the seamstress to check the bustle and the veil attachment, if you have them, before you leave.
Questions to ask at each fitting
- Is the bodice fitting smoothly across the bust, with no gaps or pulls?
- Does the hem land correctly with my shoes?
- Can the bustle be practised, and do I know how to undo it?
- What should I do to store the gown between fittings?
- When is my next visit, and what is the deadline for changes?
Keep a record
Write down the date, the changes, the price and the seamstress's contact details after each visit. Keep the record with the gown. It will help if you need a repair later, or if you want to pass the gown on.