Huntsville Living April 2024 | Page 9

Planning Your Alterations

WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS TIMELINE

8-10 Months Before Your Wedding : Purchase Your Dress

The rule of thumb is that you should start shopping for your wedding dress about a year in advance or shortly after you ’ ve finalized your date and wedding location , whichever comes first . You might have to shop around a bit to find your perfect dress , but if you purchase it about eight months before your wedding day , you ’ ll have plenty of time leftover for alterations .

4 Months Before Your Wedding : Your Dress Arrives

Once you ’ ve purchased your wedding dress , it can take anywhere from four to six months for it to arrive ( made-to-order process ). Spend that time researching local seamstresses , shopping for wedding day undergarments , and finalizing your accessories so they ’ re purchased / delivered and ready to go for your first fitting .

3 Months Before Your Wedding : First Fitting

Aim to have your first alterations appointment on the books at least three months before your big day . This will be the lengthiest appointment since it ’ s when most of the work will be done on your dress . Your seamstress will add pins to the hemline , straps , waist , and any other areas that need adjusting , so don ’ t be alarmed if it doesn ’ t look like your dream wedding dress right off the bat . This is also when you should speak up if you want to make any major changes to the style .

1 Month Before Your Wedding : Second Fitting

Traditionally , your second alterations fitting will take place about a month or two after the first appointment . If your dress didn ’ t need much altering in the first place , you might be able to get away with this being your final fitting . Otherwise , it ’ s a chance for you to see how the dress fits after the first round of alterations and for the seamstress to make any additional adjustments .

2 Weeks Before Your Wedding : Final Fitting

The final fitting should be scheduled around two weeks before your wedding day . At this point , your body and weight are generally the same as they will be on your wedding day , so this appointment will give you the most accurate fit . It ’ s a big moment — this is when you ’ ll see the dress exactly as it will look when it ’ s time to get married .

If everything is good to go , you ’ ll be able to take your dress home with you on the same day as your final fitting . The dress should already have a garment bag from the designer but be sure to ask your

HUNTSVILLE LIVING | APRIL 2024 | 9