A Seamstress’s Timeline
Of all the questions brides ask me, the most common one is also the simplest: “When should I bring my dress in?” It’s a good question, because timing makes a real difference. Come too early and your dress may need re-adjusting. Leave it too late and you’ll be rushing at a time when you should be enjoying the build-up.
After more than twenty years of altering wedding dresses here in the North East, this is the timeline I recommend.
6–12 months before: choose your dress
Most boutique gowns take several months to arrive once ordered, so this is the stage to make your choice. If you’re buying online, ordering a sample, or wearing a family gown, it’s worth getting in touch early anyway. I can look at the dress and tell you honestly what’s possible before you commit.
If you’re inheriting a gown, this early conversation is especially useful. Older fabrics, delicate lace and vintage construction sometimes need extra care and time.
4–5 months before: book your first fitting
You don’t need to have your fitting yet, but you should get it in the diary. Spring and summer are the busiest months for weddings, and fitting slots fill up quickly. Booking ahead means you get the dates that suit you, not whatever is left.
2–3 months before: first fitting
This is the ideal time for your first appointment. It’s close enough to the day that your measurements will be settled, but leaves plenty of room for the work to be done properly by hand.
At this fitting we’ll:
- talk through how you want the dress to look and feel
- pin the dress on you, in your wedding shoes and underwear
- agree the alterations, from a simple hem to re-shaping a bodice
- discuss extras such as a bustle, straps or cups
4–6 weeks before: second fitting
By now the main work has been done. We check the fit, make any fine adjustments and make sure you can sit, walk and lift your arms comfortably. Most dresses need two or three fittings in total. Heavily structured or beaded gowns sometimes need one more.
1–2 weeks before: final fitting and collection
This is the lovely part. You try on your finished dress and we check every detail one last time. If someone will be helping you into the dress on the morning, bring them along. I’ll show them how the fastenings and bustle work, so there’s no panic on the day.
What if my wedding is sooner than that?
Don’t worry. Shorter timelines are often possible, depending on the dress and the work involved. Get in touch as soon as you can and I’ll tell you honestly what can be done.
A few tips to make it easier
- Buy your shoes before your first fitting. The hem is measured to your exact heel height.
- Choose your underwear early. Different bras and shapewear change how a bodice sits.
- Don’t buy a size too small. It’s always easier to take a dress in than to let it out.
- Bring your accessories to the last fitting – veil, belt and jewellery – so we can see the whole look together.
Your dress should feel like it was made for you, and the right timeline is what makes that possible.
If you’re planning a wedding in Newcastle or anywhere in the North East, I’d love to hear about your dress. Book your consultation today and let’s get your fittings in the diary.
