WHAT TO EXPECT AND PLAN FOR DURING YOUR FINAL FITTING – AND WHAT COMES NEXT!

By this point, you’ve likely already made a few trips to your local bridal boutique for careful fittings, alterations, and more dress fittings.

Now, though, the end is in sight, and the big day is fast approaching!

As your big day nears, it’s time to get ready for your final fitting, the last round of measurements and modifications before you wear your dress on your wedding day.

The final wedding dress fitting is likely not too far from your wedding date to better ensure a perfect fit for when you walk down the aisle.

And, in all likelihood, you’ve probably got a million other things on your mind. The last thing you want to worry about is yet another fitting!

All the same, taking the time to visit your bridal boutique in Ottawa and seamstress will help you to relax and guarantee that perfect fit.

Not sure what to expect? Don’t worry. Read on to find out more about your final wedding dress fitting, what to look for in the fit of your dress, and what comes next!

WHAT DOES A GOOD FIT FEEL LIKE?

At your final fitting, think Goldilocks: your dress should fit just right.

It shouldn’t be too tight, but neither should it be too loose. Take some time to move around, practice walking down the aisle, and consider a few (gentle) dance moves!

Think of everything you’ll be doing in the dress, and how much time you’ll be in it. You don’t want to feel restricted.

Strapless gowns should still let you bend over, hug, sit, jump, and dance without fear of slipping.

Keep an eye out for:

• Material that pulls
• Wrinkling
• Bunching

Even though your expert seamstress has likely made a few key alterations by this point, this is your opportunity to find any and all issues and address them, no matter how small.

WHAT’S THE RIGHT LENGTH?

Bring your wedding shoes with you to your final wedding dress fitting and check the length of your gown with them on.

If your dress is still a bit long in your wedding shoes, don’t worry – that can be addressed. Consider bringing a pair of flats with you, too; you might want to swap heels for something more comfortable as the reception moves into the evening.

For long dresses, the bottom of the skirt should just skim the top of the front of your shoes.

Walk around to see how this feels. You don’t want your heel to get caught in the hem.

Ideally, you won’t be kicking the front or back of the dress as you walk, unless you have a long dress or train. In this case, you might opt to have a bustle added for the wedding reception.

WHAT’S THE RIGHT NUMBER OF FITTINGS?

Ideally, and time permitting, you will have three wedding dress fittings. These fittings should be scheduled at the moment you buy your dress from wedding dress stores in Ottawa.

Remember to bring the wedding accessories you plan to wear on your big day, including any undergarments or unique items you’d like to feature.

These are especially important for your final fitting to ensure everything works in concert perfectly.

As to when you should schedule your wedding dress fitting…

THE FIRST FITTING – 3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Your dress likely won’t fit well when you first try it on. This is when your seamstress will take note of the alterations needed.

THE SECOND FITTING – 1 MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

During the second fitting, you will see how the alterations fit, and if any other changes are needed before the final fitting.

Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for more alterations if you don’t feel 100% comfortable with your dress.

THE FINAL FITTING – TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

This is when you get to see the final product!

While you probably won’t need more alterations at this point, this is your last chance to request them.

If your final fitting goes well, then you get to take your dress home that day!

BUDGETING FOR ALTERATIONS

For your wedding dress to fit well and look perfect on your big day, you will likely need to make some alterations. These could be as simple as adjusting the hem length and taking in the dress, or as complex as adding a bustle and altering the neckline.

Whatever alterations you need, make sure to account for them in your total budget.

The easiest way to account for alterations in your budget is by using an in-house seamstress at your bridal boutique.

Keeping your dress alterations in-house ensures a seamless experience (pardon the pun) from the day you find your wedding dress to the day you take it home, while sticking to your timeline.

THE RIGHT PEOPLE AND ATTITUDE

We’ve discussed this before, but it bears repeating: bring one or two close people to your final fitting.

This isn’t a shopping experience, after all.

Bring your maid of honour and/or your mother. They’ll gladly offer advice, support, and help you dress and style everything perfectly.

Bring your mom and/or maid of honour for advice, support, and to learn how to help you put on and bustle your dress. An extra set of hands can help with complicated buttons, tricky bustles, and other fasteners.

Alternatively, you can hire a dressing service on the day of your wedding to get your seamstress to help you into the dress to ensure everything’s perfect.

Remember to ask your seamstress questions about the appropriate care instructions for your dress. Better still, some bridal boutiques in Ottawa offer complimentary storage and steaming of your dress to ensure it looks perfect for your big day.

The days and weeks leading up to your wedding can be stressful. Don’t let your final fitting add to it! Working with an expert bridal boutique in Ottawa can help you make the most of your precious time, put your mind at ease, and help you get the perfect for your perfect day.