Wedding Dress Fittings 101: Everything Brides Need to Know Before the Big Day
Your wedding gown is more than a dress — it’s the centerpiece of your celebration, the garment you’ll remember in photos for a lifetime. But no gown is aisle-ready the moment it comes off the hanger. It’s through fittings and alterations that your gown transforms into something that feels like it was made just for you.
At Mandy Marie Events, we guide our brides through every step of this process so they not only look extraordinary but also feel comfortable and confident. Here’s your guide to wedding dress fittings — from what happens at each appointment to the details that make all the difference.
TL;DR: Wedding Dress Fittings in 60 Seconds
Plan for three fittings: First (3–4 months before), Second (4–6 weeks out), Final (2 weeks before).
Bring the essentials: Wedding shoes (multiple heel options at first), undergarments, accessories, veil, and a trusted plus-one.
Arrive polished: Skip self-tanner, wear light glowy makeup, and come with clean, styled hair.
Know the flow: First fitting = assessment, Second = refinement, Final = perfection check.
Pro tip: Have your plus-one video the bustle and practice at the salon to avoid stress on the big day.
Photo By: Mashaida Co.
Why Wedding Dress Fittings Matter
The gown you purchase is a foundation. Fittings are where that foundation takes shape, with every seam adjusted to your body, posture, and natural movement. Alterations don’t just ensure a beautiful silhouette — they guarantee comfort so you can walk, hug, dance, and celebrate without distraction. When a gown fits flawlessly, it becomes an effortless extension of you.
The Wedding Dress Fitting Timeline
Most brides will need three fittings:
First fitting: scheduled 3–4 months before the wedding
Second fitting: about 4–6 weeks out
Final fitting: 2 weeks before the big day
This timeline allows your seamstress to complete detailed work and ensures final adjustments are done close enough to the wedding that your fit remains precise.
Photo By: Loho Bridal Shop Los Angeles
What to Bring + How to Prepare
Your fittings are mini dress rehearsals, and preparation is everything. Arrive polished and consistent so the gown can be tailored to the look you’ll wear on the wedding day.
Shoes: Please be sure to always bring the pair of heels you plan to wear. If you’re undecided, bring two or three heel options to the first fitting so you can see which works best in person.
Undergarments: Wear the exact bra, shapewear, or slip you’ll use on the wedding day. Consistency at every fitting ensures accuracy in tailoring.
Accessories: If you have your veil, belt, or jewelry, bring them. Seeing everything together helps you confirm proportion and balance.
Beauty & Grooming Prep: Skip self-tanner. It can rub off on delicate fabrics and distort your gown’s true coloring. Arrive bridal-ready: fresh, glowy makeup and clean, styled hair. Seeing yourself polished will help you envision the final look, not just a work in progress.
Other Essentials:
A trusted plus-one for feedback and support.
Your phone for notes, photos, and videos.
A small notebook or Notes app list to track changes.
Mandy’s Tip: If you didn’t hire a dresser or stylist…always have one trusted plus-one video on how to bustle your gown and practice it in person a few times at the bridal salon. This simple step eliminates stress later and ensures your reception transition is seamless.
Photo By: Danielle Frankel Custom Studio New York
What Happens at Each Appointment
First Fitting: Assessment - This is the longest session, where the seamstress evaluates the gown, pins areas for adjustment, and begins shaping the dress to your body. Don’t expect perfection yet — this is the foundation stage. Focus on neckline placement, hem length, and overall comfort.
Second Fitting: Refinement - By the second appointment, you’ll see the biggest transformation. Adjustments from the first fitting are complete, and the bustle is usually marked or pinned. Walk, sit, and move around the salon to test comfort and skirt length. If you plan to switch to flats, discuss it now.
Final Fitting: Finishing Touches - The gown should now feel complete — secure but comfortable, hemmed correctly, and perfectly aligned with your veil and accessories. This is your chance to see the full bridal look. Ask your plus-one to learn fastening details and bustle steps so they can assist confidently on the wedding day.
Common Alterations Brides Request
Hemming for perfect length
Bustle additions for the reception
Adjusting straps or sleeves for comfort
Taking in or letting out the bodice
Adding cups, linings, or extra structure
Photo By: Vera Wang Beverley Hills Bridal Shop
Final Thoughts from Mandy Marie Events
Dress fittings may feel like small appointments, but they carry enormous impact. A flawlessly tailored gown lets you move effortlessly and focus on what matters most — celebrating surrounded by the people you love.
At Mandy Marie Events, we see fittings as one more way to help our brides feel considered, confident, and radiant. With the right preparation and a thoughtful approach, your gown becomes more than a dress — it becomes part of the unforgettable experience of your wedding day.
Are you ready to start planning with our luxury wedding planning team? We’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up. Let's start the conversation.