The Bridal Alterations Timeline: What to Expect
Planning your wedding dress alterations doesn’t have to feel confusing. There’s a simple timeline most bridal seamstresses follow to ensure your gown fits beautifully on your wedding day. (And knowing the plan ahead of time makes everything feel a little calmer- yay!)
Here’s a quick look at what to expect…
Book Your Seamstress Early
As soon as you order your wedding dress, it’s a great idea to book your bridal seamstress. Many bridal specialists book out 9–12 months in advance, especially during busy wedding seasons. Reserving your spot early ensures your seamstress has time set aside for you when your gown arrives.
First Fitting: 12–14 Weeks Before the Wedding
Your first fitting usually takes place 12–14 weeks before your wedding. During this appointment, your seamstress will pin and plan the alterations needed to tailor the gown to your body.
Do you want any customizations added to your gown? Something like custom sleeves, or a cape, or a detachable overskirt? Any bespoke work will be planned during this appointment as well, and your measurements will be taken for these special pieces!
Second Fitting: 6–8 Weeks Before the Wedding
Your second fitting typically happens 6–8 weeks before the wedding. By this stage, the main alterations are completed and your seamstress will refine the fit and make any small adjustments needed. Think of this appointment as a critical ‘check-in’.
It’s important that your body weight stays the same between this second appointment and your final fitting. All of the final tailoring will be completed based on this fitting.
If you’re on a weight loss journey, we recommend that your second fitting is actually pushed farther out, more like 3-4 weeks before the wedding date, so that we can anticipate exactly how the gown will fit on your wedding day. This is something you can talk about in more detail with your seamstress in person, don’t worry!
But the key thing to remember about your second appointment is that it’s an important fitting that helps us accomplish an accurate wedding-day fit!
Final Fitting & Pickup: 7–10 Days Before the Wedding
Your final fitting and pickup appointment is usually 7–10 days before the wedding. This timing helps ensure the most accurate fit possible, since bodies can naturally fluctuate in the weeks leading up to the big day. So exciting! Sometimes brides like to come to this final appointment a little more gussied up, and we love that! This is a really special appointment, and we want you to feel your best. You’re also welcome to bring your veil and jewelry options to try on so you can see the completed look before you take the gown home.
Pro Tip: During this appointment, ask your seamstress to use your phone to record a video of the bustle styling. This will help your maid of honor feel more confident when it’s time to pin up your bustle before the reception begins!
Booking Late
If alterations are scheduled later than recommended, rush fees may apply, since your seamstress may need to adjust their schedule to fit you in. Most bridal seamstresses have a rush fee that increases as the time frame decreases. For example, a 12-week turnaround may have a $100 rush fee, 8-weeks: $200, 4-weeks: $400, etc… Each seamstress will have their own version of tiered rush fees, but booking early should avoid them.
If you have a specific bridal seamstress you’re hoping to work with, make sure you inquire with them in advance to ensure a place in their busy books! As mentioned above, it’s wise to book your seamstress 9-12 months in advance, or when you order your wedding gown.
Following this simple timeline helps ensure your dress fits comfortably and beautifully- just in time for your walk down the aisle. (Exactly how it should be!) ✨
