Common Questions to Ask During Your Wedding Dress Fitting

Your bridal appointment is one of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process. Finding your perfect wedding dress is just the beginning of your bridal fashion journey, so it’s crucial to ensure that your dress fits like a dream for your special day.

Outside of your first bridal appointment, when you say “Yes!” to the dress, you’ll need to return to your chosen bridal boutique for alterations to transform your gown into a custom masterpiece that’s flattering to you. During these appointments, it’s important to ask all the right questions to ensure the planning process is smooth and you can have the dress of your dreams.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of questions to ask during your wedding dress fitting. Being prepared with these questions will ensure nothing is overlooked, and your dress will be absolutely perfect when you walk down the aisle.

Logistical Questions

First, let’s begin with a few logistical questions that you’ll definitely need to ask, especially during your initial bridal appointment when all the fun begins.

How Long Do Alterations Take?

One of the most important questions to ask at a wedding dress fitting is about the timeline of the process. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, as it involves coordinating numerous vendors and events. That’s why it’s important to understand how long wedding dress alterations will take, as this guarantees your dress will be ready in time for your special day.

Here at Savvy Bridal, we recommend allowing at least two to three months for the alteration process. However, this timeline can vary depending on several factors, including:

• The complexity of your dress design
• The extent of alterations needed
• The boutique’s current workload
• Seasonal demand (peak wedding seasons typically require more lead time)

Ask your seamstress specifically about your dress and its particular requirements. Some intricate gowns with beading, lace, or multiple layers require additional time for proper alterations. Understanding this timeline early helps you schedule your fittings appropriately and avoid unnecessary stress as your wedding date approaches. 

How Many Fittings Are Required?

The number of fittings needed will vary from bride to bride, especially considering that each will have her own bridal style and type of dress. However, for the most part, brides require at least two to three fittings to perfect their gown.

When asking this question at your wedding dress fitting, consider:

• First Fitting: This is where major alterations are pinned and discussed, including hemming, taking in or letting out the bodice, and adjusting straps.
• Second Fitting: At this appointment, you’ll try on the dress with the major alterations completed to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
• Final Fitting: This is when you’ll confirm everything is perfect and learn how to bustle your dress if needed.

Some brides with simpler alterations might only need two fittings, while others with more complex requirements might need four or more. Clarifying this expectation based on your dress and body type will help you plan accordingly, especially if you’re traveling far for fittings or have a busy schedule.

How Much Is the Deposit?

You’ve likely already thought about your wedding dress budget. However, you may not have factored in the cost of alterations when creating it. Because of this, it’s important to know ahead of time the financial aspects of your dress alterations to correctly budget your wedding expenses.

When discussing wedding dress questions related to cost, be sure to ask:

• What percentage of the deposit is required to begin alterations?
• When is the final payment due?
• What payment methods are acceptable?
• Are there any additional charges that might arise during the alteration process?

Deposit requirements will vary depending on the bridal shop. Some shops may require 50% to 100% of the estimated alteration costs before beginning work. This protects both you and the boutique by ensuring commitment to the process.

Always be sure to get a detailed receipt that outlines what alterations are included in your quote and what might incur additional fees later.

What Should I Do During an Emergency?

Unfortunately, there can be hiccups in the wedding planning process. Because of this, it’s wise to discuss contingency plans during your fitting in case an emergency happens. To do this, ask about the boutique’s policies regarding:

• Last-minute weight fluctuations
• Unexpected stains or damage to the dress
• Rush alterations if needed
• Contact information for emergencies outside business hours

Many bridal boutiques have experience handling wedding emergencies and can provide reassurance about their ability to accommodate unexpected situations. Knowing there is a plan in place can significantly reduce your stress if something does go awry before your wedding day.

Personalized Questions

In addition to logistical questions, there are likely a few personalized questions you’ll want to ask during your wedding dress fitting.

What Style Does the Stylist Suggest?

Whether you’re still picking your gown or fine-tuning your look with alterations, our professional stylists at Savvy Bridal have extensive knowledge and experience with different body types, dress styles, and accessories.

When asking wedding dress questions about styling, consider the following:

• Are there any alterations that would enhance my body shape?
• Should the hemline be adjusted based on my venue (such as a beach wedding, where you’ll want to keep your dress from becoming too dirty)?
• Would structured undergarments improve the fit of my dress?
• Are there any design elements that could be customized to better suit my style?

The stylist might suggest subtle changes, such as adding cups for support, adjusting the neckline slightly, or modifying sleeves to better flatter your figure. These expert recommendations can make a significant difference in how your dress photographs and how comfortable you feel throughout your wedding day.

What Accessories Work Best With My Chosen Dress?

Your wedding dress is the centerpiece of your wedding attire, but accessories complete the look. During your fitting, ask about:

• Veil options, length, and style recommendations
• Jewelry that complements the neckline and design details
• Headpiece options that enhance your hairstyle plans
• Shoe height considerations for proper hemming

Many brides are surprised to learn that certain dress styles pair better with specific accessories. For example, a detailed dress with heavy beading often looks best with simpler jewelry, while a minimalist gown can handle more statement pieces. Your stylist can provide valuable guidance based on your dress’s specific design elements.

How Do I Preserve My Gown?

Different fabrics require different care both before and after your wedding. During your fitting, ask fabric-specific wedding dress questions about:

• How to properly store the dress until the wedding day
• Whether steaming or pressing is recommended for wrinkles
• How to handle and transport the dress to your venue
• How to ship or pack your wedding dress if you are traveling

Understanding the specific care requirements for your dress’s fabric will help ensure it looks pristine on your wedding day and can be preserved beautifully afterward. After your big day, consider wedding dress preservation and cleaning services.

Your wedding dress fitting appointments are valuable opportunities to ensure your gown is absolute perfection for your special day. By coming prepared with these questions to ask at a wedding dress fitting, you’ll feel confident that no detail has been overlooked.

At Savvy Bridal Boutique, we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive fitting services to all our brides in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Ft. Lauderdale. Contact us today to schedule your wedding dress fitting. We look forward to being part of your wedding journey and helping you create memories that will last a lifetime!