Dress Fitting - How Early is TOO early?

I think it depends on how much alterations you're anticipating. You could also call the shop and ask how they run around the holidays

I would keep the first fitting and ask for available dates after that so you can plan accordingly also.

It will depend on the work you are getting done and the seamstress. The first lady I met didn't take on alterations less than 4 months out. She had this whole schedule for alterations and fittings. Needless to say, I did not go with her. The seamstress working on my dress now is starting with the hemming and bustle. She is also taking in the straps and underarm. We aren't planning on taking in any other areas until a month to month and a half away from my date because she she mentioned, it is easier to take the dress in, then out. From your first fitting, your seamstress will suggest what needs to be done and when yo do it. Keep your appointment.

I'd keep your fitting appointment! Most people suggest 2-3 months for alterations, so 3 months is not too early (especially with holiday time off thrown in there)!

My dress actually fits me like a glove, but I am on the shorter side. I'll get a bustle and I'm sure a little length will be taken off, but other than that I don't believe it should be drastic.

I think that will be fine. After that first appointment they can do things that don't depend so much on your weight (hem, bustle, cups, straps, etc). They did all of those things at my first fitting (was May 6th) and also took the dress in. At the second fitting (3 weeks before wedding) they took the body in further and are making a couple tweaks. I'll pick it up on Saturday, a week before the wedding.

ETA, keep the first fitting.

@Sabrina, I would be careful with that order.. if you hem the dress, then need to take in the top, your dress could end up being too short. Most seamstresses will take in the top first then do the hem.

I started mine 3 months out. i have my 3rd fitting tomorrow, and likely 2-3 more to go. My dress was complicated lace and I lost a lot of weight so I needed a lot done to it.

Three months is totally fine. I thought I was on top of things, and had my fittings over January-March for my July wedding. I just had to take the dress back earlier this month because I lost weight. Double the alteration cost!

It's probably not too far out? I think 1-2 months prior is probably best...but that can push it because some alterations are more drastic than others.

You may not run into that problem as much being that your wedding is in January, probably won't be a lot of dresses needing altered at that point.

I'm crossing my fingers that this is okay! Haha thanks ladies. I'll keep my appointment.

I would be concerned about how much I eat during the holidays lol! If your dress isn't super fitted I wouldn't worry about starting in October, especially since you may need more alterations after that

@FutureMrs.G, being that I am 5'0 exactly lol, there is no possible way to make my dress too short. The dress itself is a perfect fit except the length and the shoulder straps. My seamstress is worried to take it in anywhere because my weight has gone up and down within the last 9 months or so. Most likely I won't get it taken in anywhere else because the fit is fine as is.

My first alteration was in the beginning April and the final fitting was like the 26th of that month. I wanted to have the dress done in time to take home for my April 30th shower. We had to strategically plan what stuff we would take on what trips. I didn't want the stress of flying up with it three days before the wedding either. My seamstress thought I was a little early at first but after explaining the travel bit she didn't mind. I totally get wanting it done before the holidays!

@sabrina, totally makes sense! I'm 5' as well I needed a LOT taken in on my dress though, so that definitely made a difference.

My wedding was June 10. I had my first fitting on April 8. I picked up the dress on May 10, and I didn't need anymore work done.

If you think you need a lot of work, I'd say October is probably an okay place to start.

I'm exactly 5'4 and this is a ballgown. The top of the dress fits me perfectly. The only thing they may need to take in on top is under the arms due to my smaller than average chest lol. The length will be hemmed and a bustle will be added, that's it. Is October still too early?

@Engineerinlove haha same! But I know me, and I'm super strict on what I eat every day already. I can only imagine with the thought of not fitting into my dress because of overeating during the holidays is motivation enough to stray away from cookie trays!

I don't think it's too early, especially because of the holidays. We had a January wedding too!

I actually started mine at the end of November and had to pay a separate rush fee....so I think you're good.

Thanks, @MMB. I'm happy another January bride could help me with this one.

@FutureMrs.G, whoop whoop for short brides LOL. Isn't it a nightmare? UGH! I was trying so hard not to trip. My dress is all lace and it is super beaded so hemming is all we can do. I just pray I don't fall.

@Katie, keep your first fitting. Your seamstress will advice you on what needs to be done and when.