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Annie & Javi
Master October 2015

Thoughts on going to first dress fitting alone?

Annie & Javi, on August 6, 2015 at 6:58 PM Posted in Wedding Attire 0 23

I have my first official dress fitting on Monday; I'm really nervous about my gown actually fitting my body even though I've lost some weight, but I'm also a bit nervous about the lace I intend on adding to my dress and I also kind of wanted input on what bustle to go with. The seamstress already has me scheduled in and I have to make these decisions on Monday, I don't really have any time to contemplate the decisions afterward. As of right now I have no one to go with me and I'm kind of bummed and I'm definitely second guessing about making these decisions alone. I've made practically every decision alone up until this point; planning has been a breeze but when it comes to my wedding gown and me wearing it, that is a whole different ballpark. Should I ask someone to accompany me even if I don't hold their opinions very high just so I have back-up or do I just suck it up and go alone?

23 Comments

Latest activity by Monica SC, on August 8, 2015 at 5:40 PM
  • C
    Devoted April 2016
    C ·
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    If you lived closer to me, I would totally go with you!! (Sorry, is that weird?)

    I haven't started alterations on my dress yet so I cannot speak from experience, but here are some general thoughts.

    Are you getting your alterations done in the shop where you bought the dress? If so, one (or more) of the customer service ladies at the bridal shop may be able to help you. I always found them to be very helpful (I almost always went dress shopping alone, and actually picked my dress when I was alone).

    If it's a salon or shop that's large (like David's Bridal or Alfred Angelo), there may be other brides and families there that would be willing to offer their opinion (assuming you would value the opinions of strangers). This happened to me at Alfred Angelo, and it was a little awkward at first, but VERY helpful in the end!

    Is there someone that you would want to go with you who can't because of distance? If so, you could always Skype with them while you're at the appointment. Personally, I would do this before I would take someone who's opinion you don't really trust or value.

    Could you ask the seamstress to give you just a day or two to think about the decisions? I know things have to move quickly, but it might help put your mind at ease if you're able to stop, breathe, and think things out; rather than being pressured to make a final decision on the spot.

    Just some ideas. Hope they are helpful!

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  • annakay511
    Master July 2015
    annakay511 ·
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    I took my mom with me - it was nice to have a second set of eyes. I would take a friend or family member with you, if you can!

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  • LB
    Master May 2014
    LB ·
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    I went alone; it was my preference and it turned out well. You mentioned that you don't value this person's opinion...so why would have them with you? It might confuse the seamstress...and possibly you.

    Go alone. Your opinion is the one that counts.

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  • Margaret
    Master September 2015
    Margaret ·
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    I didn't have a choice BUT to go alone. Of course I only needed very minor alterations, but the salon owner and seamstress were there for support and help. Rely on them if you don't have anyone. Trust your instincts.

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  • Original VC
    Master July 2015
    Original VC ·
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    I went by myself, asked the seamstress to take pics, sent them to my parents and a couple fashionista friends (lol), and sat there and chilled while they got back to me. Though all of them were warned that they'd be getting these pics at so and so time, so they were waiting for them and got back to me right away.

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  • JCB
    Master September 2015
    JCB ·
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    I had my mom come with me and we were literally in and out. Maybe the 2nd fitting will be less pointless for her to be there.

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  • Crystal L.
    Master August 2015
    Crystal L. ·
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    I went by myself and it worked out really well, cause I didn't have too many opinions being tossed around, making me second guess myself. If you have someone you really want to go with you, then go for it, but if not, sometimes it can be nice to go alone! Always go with your gut and with what makes you happy! =)

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  • Salita
    Expert September 2015
    Salita ·
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    I went alone and was totally ok with it, sometimes to many hens in the hen house can create more of a stressful situation.

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  • Elyse
    Master September 2015
    Elyse ·
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    I have gone to both of mine alone and plan on going to the last ones alone too. I don't know, I just prefer to go alone. My mom kept asking if I wanted her there but that made me feel more stressed so I stick with my solo plan.

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  • Theresa Beale
    Master November 2014
    Theresa Beale ·
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    I went to all my alterations appointments alone (except the last one) and had no problem (my dress was from Alfred Angelo and I had the alterations there as well). The seamstress suggested a bustle and I figured that as she is the only seamstress for the store she probably knew best (I loved the way it came out and ended up decided to just leave it bustled the whole time instead of having the train "open" for the ceremony). I am sorry you don't have someone who's opinion really matters to go with you; my suggestion is to speak with the seamstress as they usually know what's best and what will work (or not work) for your dress.

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  • MrsMcD
    Expert August 2015
    MrsMcD ·
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    I've gone to all of mine alone. I wanted my mother's opinions didn't overpower mine. I asked the seamstress her opinion and one random customer at my last appt. I absolutely love how it turned out (I changed a lot... the neckline, the back the bottom of the skirt, the # of layers, etc etc). I'm happy I went alone.

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  • Lauren R.
    VIP August 2015
    Lauren R. ·
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    I went to all of my fittings alone with the exception of my last one, when it was almost done. I found I was able to communicate with the seamstress much more easily since there were no distractions. They are the professionals and I didn't think a lot of extra input was necessary - alterations are pretty straight forward.

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  • M
    Super September 2015
    Mec_Happens ·
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    I went alone to my first fitting, and honestly, it was probably better that way. The seamstress helped get me into my long-line bra and though a little awkward, I am sure she has seen tons of half naked women before. I didn't need a whole bunch done and the appointment lasted about half an hour at most once I was in the dress. If you are worried, have them take pictures, but trust me you can see everything in those 360 mirrors. Your alterations person should know best what kind of bustle will work with your dress, so I would trust them.

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  • M
    Super September 2015
    Mec_Happens ·
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    I went alone to my first fitting, and honestly, it was probably better that way. The seamstress helped get me into my long-line bra and though a little awkward, I am sure she has seen tons of half naked women before. I didn't need a whole bunch done and the appointment lasted about half an hour at most once I was in the dress. If you are worried, have them take pictures, but trust me you can see everything in those 360 mirrors. Your alterations person should know best what kind of bustle will work with your dress, so I would trust them.

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  • Anna
    VIP October 2015
    Anna ·
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    I'm going to mine alone, I think. I'm not having anything drastic done, so hopefully it will be ok. FH will have to help me get into my bustier before I go, which should be interesting...

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  • Sarah
    Master October 2014
    Sarah ·
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    I went alone. The seamstress showed me a few different bustles and she agreed with the choice I made. It turned out great, was easy for my friend to do without any practice and stayed well for the entire reception. Don't over think it. It'll be fine.

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  • Reese
    Master July 2015
    Reese ·
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    I would try to find someone to go with you. It's not the end of the world if you can't, but I think it would put you more at ease. My mom came to every fitting until the last one. She was with my sister while she was having her baby. At first I thought I would be fine by myself, but the day before the fitting I realized I was pretty worried about it. Luckily my cousin, who was also a bridesmaid, was able to come with me. I felt so much better just knowing someone would be there with a second pair of eyes.

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  • Brigit
    Master October 2015
    Brigit ·
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    I am going alone, i will just ask to get pictures taken. but i feel ya.

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  • Annie & Javi
    Master October 2015
    Annie & Javi ·
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    Thanks ladies! Right now I'm intending on flying solo, thankfully last night my brother offered to go with me; growing up with three older sisters he admits he is very in touch with his feminine side and I actually highly value his opinion lol! He was actually the one who helped me pick the specialty lace for my gown, however I feel kind of bad dragging him along because he works in a shop without AC and usually comes home covered in grime and completely sweaty. Not exactly the best idea dragging him into a bridal salon lol!

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  • Michele Spadaro
    Michele Spadaro ·
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    Fine Greetings!

    If it's not possible to be accompanied by a friend, please remember that if it's an outstanding Bridal Salon -- with expert seamstresses -- they are experts in their field. They do this, every single day, and they should really be able to expertly guide you on the alterations/tailoring of the gown, so that it totally flatters you and fits your body like a glove.

    But, still, I sure understand that it's nice to have company and feedback from a friend! If not, you will be in good professional hands.

    Most Sincerely,

    Michele

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