Your first fitting is where your gown starts becoming yours. What you bring to it decides how accurate every pin will be, so a little preparation saves time, fittings and second-guessing later.
Here is our checklist.
1. Your wedding shoes
This is the most important item on the list. The hem is measured to the exact heel you’ll wear. Even half an inch of difference changes how the gown falls and whether you’ll trip on it.
If your shoes haven’t arrived, bring a pair with the same heel height, and tell us. Bring the real pair to the next fitting.
2. Your wedding-day undergarments
The bra, shapewear or slip you plan to wear changes how the bodice sits, sometimes by more than you’d expect. Bring exactly what you’ll wear on the day.
Many gowns already have built-in cups or structure, so you may not need a bra at all. If you haven’t bought undergarments yet, wait until we’ve seen the gown on you. We’ll tell you what it needs.
- Choose smooth, seamless styles in a tone close to your skin.
- Avoid padding or shapewear you’re unsure about. If it isn’t what you’ll wear on the day, leave it at home.
3. Accessories that change the look
- Belt or sash. It affects where the waist sits.
- Jewellery or headpiece. Useful when we’re discussing a neckline or strap change.
You don’t need them all at the first fitting, but bring anything that touches the gown or changes its proportions.
4. Your inspiration
If you’re thinking about a change, such as sleeves, a new neckline or a different bustle, bring photos or screenshots. Note what you love about each one: the coverage, the drape or the shape. You don’t need the technical words. Show us, and we’ll translate.
5. Details about your day
Tell us about your venue and plans. A ceremony on grass, a long walk outdoors or a night of dancing can all change how we finish the hem and bustle.
6. One or two trusted people
Bring the person whose opinion you value most, and keep the group small. Too many voices make it harder to hear your own. For your final fitting, bring the person who will bustle your gown on the day, so we can teach them.
A few things to avoid
- Fresh self-tanner, body oil or heavy makeup. They transfer onto fabric and are difficult to remove from silk, satin and lace.
- Deodorant that hasn’t dried. It can mark the bodice lining.
- Rushing. Allow enough time to stand, walk, sit and move in your gown while we pin.
When to book
Plan your first fitting two to three months before the wedding, and book your consultation three to four months out. See our process and our bridal alterations timeline.