Now that you have the perfect dress, you need to have it tailored to fit your frame perfectly. Here are some tips for getting your wedding dress altered:

1. Schedule your first fitting appointment three months before your wedding. Plan on having two to four fittings before your wedding. Remember, if you anticipate weight gain or loss before your wedding, don’t have your dress fitted too early.
   
2. Wedding gowns are intricate and highly structured. If your bridal salon or boutique doesn’t offer fittings on site, be sure to go to a professional seamstress with experience working with wedding dresses. Your wedding's fashion should always be in the hands of the pros.
   
3. Remind your attendants to schedule alterations for their wedding bridesmaid dresses. Bridesmaid dresses aren’t as complicated as wedding gowns, but often require minor adjustments at the bodice and hemline.
   
4. Bring your lingerie and shoes to all of your fittings. Your tailor needs to know exactly how high your heels are in order to ensure that your dress’s hemline sweeps the floor properly. Some dresses can have a bra pad sewn into them while others require a specialized bra.
   
5. If your dress has a complicated bustle, bring one of your attendants to your fittings. Your seamstress will show your attendant—generally your maid of honor—how to fasten the bustle properly.

Check Out Storing Your Gown Before Your Wedding
Check Out Getting Into Your Dress on Your Wedding Day
Check Out Wedding Dress Embellishment Lingo