alterations fittings

Everything you need to know about your alterations appointment, including what to bring, what to wear, and what to expect.

What to Expect

1

Before Your Appointment

We’ll be in touch prior to book your first alterations fitting, which is typically scheduled around 6 weeks before your wedding date. Every bride's journey is different, so depending on your circumstances, such as planned weight changes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. We'll recommend the best time to begin your alterations to achieve the perfect fit.

Please review our preparation list and gather everything you'll need to bring with you to your appointment.

Please get in touch if you have any questions hello@yourstrulybridal.co.nz

2

During Your First Fitting

Your first fitting is allocated 1 hour. We’ll begin by getting you into your gown, where your alterations specialist will assess the fit and begin pinning and adjusting your dress.

This is your opportunity to work closely with your alterations specialist to achieve the perfect fit, so don't hesitate to share any questions.

Once all adjustments have been pinned, you'll have the chance to check everything over and make sure you're happy with the fit. We’ll then finish by trying on any accessories you've brought, allowing you to see your complete bridal look come together.

3

Timeline & Next Steps

We’ll provide you with a timeline for your alterations and schedule your next fitting appointment. Most alterations take approximately 4–6 weeks to complete, and we aim to have your final gown handover 1–2 weeks before your wedding day.

This allows time for any final adjustments and ensures your gown is perfectly ready for your special day.

4

Second Fitting/ Handover

At your second fitting, you’ll put your gown on again so we can check the final fit, length, and ensure everything feels perfect. If any further adjustments are needed, an additional fitting may be required.

Once you’re happy with your gown, we’ll walk you through all the important details before taking it home. We recommend bringing someone with you if possible, as it can be helpful to have an extra set of ears to remember details such as how to bustle your gown.

Once everything is complete, your gown is ready to take home, and it’s officially all yours!

What to bring

Prepare for your fittings with these essential tips

Wedding Shoes

Bring the exact shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. This is essential, as your seamstress will use them to hem your gown to the correct length. If you don't have your shoes at your first fitting, an additional fitting may be required.

Your wedding undergarments

Bring any shapewear or undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day. This allows your gown to be fitted perfectly to your final bridal look and ensures your chosen pieces work beautifully with your dress. This can include shapewear, underwear, bras, or stick-on bras.

Jewellery & Accessories

This is the perfect time to see your complete bridal look come together. Bring any accessories you plan on wearing on your wedding day, including veils, jewellery, neck scarves, or capes. Your alterations fitting is also the ideal time to adjust the length of any accessories, such as veils, neck scarves, or capes, to ensure everything is perfect for your day.

Makeup and Fake tan

Please avoid fake tan to help protect your gown during fittings and keep it looking beautiful for your wedding day. You are welcome to wear makeup during your fitting at your own discretion; however, please be mindful that makeup can transfer onto the gown. Some brides find it beneficial to schedule their makeup trial on the same day as their fitting so they can see their complete bridal look together.

Payment for alterations

Payment for your alterations is required at your first fitting before alterations begin. Your bridal consultant will have provided you with an estimated alterations cost when you purchased your gown. Please note we do have a surcharge on Paywave.

Bring the right people

Less is often more. We recommend bringing trusted people whose opinions you value. A smaller group creates a calmer environment, allows you to focus on how you feel in your gown, and helps you stay present during the fitting while your seamstress works through the details with you.

Customisations

If you are adding sleeves or making any small customisations to your gown, please bring any inspiration images or fabrics where needed. We recommend speaking with your bridal stylist before your fitting to confirm what is possible and whether a separate appointment is required. Please note, we do not offer full customisations, only small changes that can be completed through alterations.

Hair

If your hair covers the back or details of your gown, we recommend wearing it up during the fitting. This allows your seamstress to work easily around the dress while pinning. Once the fitting is complete, you can let your hair down to see your full bridal look if that is how you plan to wear it on your wedding day. Some brides love to schedule their hair trial on the same day as their fitting so they can see their complete bridal look come together.