What to Bring to Your Bridal Alterations Appointment

Your first alterations appointment is not the day to "figure it out." It's the day to show up with decisions—because your seamstress can only tailor what you actually plan to wear. The fastest way to waste a fitting is to arrive without shoes, with a different bra than you'll wear on the wedding day, and with five conflicting opinions in the room. 

Here's the short version: bring your ceremony shoes (or the exact heel height), your undergarments (or a clear plan for built-in support), and anything that changes your overall silhouette. 

Here is your definitive checklist to ensure your first fitting is productive, and your dress ends up fitting like it was made just for you!

Bride holding wedding shoes in a fitting room preparing for alterations.

1. The Non-Negotiables: Shoes and Shapewear Plan

Start here: choose your ceremony shoes and commit. Hem decisions live and die by heel height. If you plan to switch shoes for the reception, tell your seamstress now so your hem and bustle don't fight your feet later. You also need your exact undergarments—whether that's a strapless corset, a bodysuit, or a plan to sew in cups. If you haven't locked these down yet, browse our Shoes and Intimates & Sleepwear collections so you show up prepared.

2. The "Makes It Faster" Extras

Bring your reality to the appointment. Are you getting married outdoors on grass? On sand? Is your venue full of stairs? That context changes what "perfect length" means.  Also, bring any jewelry or accessories that might snag on delicate lace, so your seamstress can plan around them and ensure your veil or headpiece works seamlessly with your neckline.

3. What NOT to Bring: Entourage Chaos and 8 Shoe Options

We love a supportive bridal party, but an alterations fitting requires focus. Bringing five conflicting opinions into the room is a recipe for anxiety and expensive, last-minute design changes.  Keep your guest list small. And please, leave the backup shoe options at home; your seamstress needs the shoe to start pinning!

Local Search Tip: Prepping if You're Traveling

If you're traveling to a seamstress in another city, double-check your packing list before you hit the road.  Forgetting your heels when your tailor is an hour away means you'll have to reschedule or risk an inaccurate hem.

The Bottom Line

When you give your seamstress the whole story—and the exact foundation pieces you plan to wear—your dress will fit your body and your day perfectly. 

Ready to prep for your fitting?

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