When to start bridal alterations and what to expect

Perfection takes time

So you’ve found your dress, the one that makes you feel like no other dress has made you feel before in your life, but you trip over it every step and the strap is driving you nuts every other second when it falls off your shoulder. Throughout the alterations process is when the real magic happens! Here at Coconut Silk, me (Maddi) and Monica believe every gown is as unique as you are, meaning every fit journey looks different too. To make sure we have enough time to really make your dress perfect, starting the process at least 3 months before your wedding date helps everything run smoothly and ensures there’s no stress or drama a week before or even on your wedding day.

Every stitch tells a story, your story

When we say ‘3 months before your wedding’ what we mean is you are booked and ready to go! Booking your first fitting early guarantees your space in our calendar during busy wedding months. Even if you already have your dress, we can guide you on the best timeline for your fittings. This also means having your wedding shoes secured and ready to go! Imagine your gown fits perfectly on the bodice, you come in for your first fitting (without any idea of shoes) and we don’t know how much to bring up your hem! It’s super important to have them on hand or have at least some shoes with the same height heel you will be getting. The perfect hem sits on the floor while you’re standing still, and when you walk, the tip of your toe pokes out from beneath. Such an elegant silhouette and really elevates the final look!

What happens at each fitting?

So not many of us have been through this process, right? Most of us at least have dropped off some jeans at the dry cleaners with instructions of ‘5cm off the hem please’ to stop them dragging on the floor in the rain! But with a wedding gown, this can look a lot different!

First fitting – You (and maybe your entourage) come into our lovely studio to pin, discuss and plan your adjustments. You will put your dress, shoes and any undergarments on and we will chat about how your dress feels on, and address and fit issues you have. I usually start the pinning from the top and work my way down to the hem, starting with straps. After its all pinned we can see how it feels again, and if you are happy to go ahead, a £50 deposit is required when you leave your dress in our capable hands. During this time there is also opportunity to try on our selection of veils and hair accessories if you haven’t already bought these!

Pinning and refining every detail for the perfect fit

Second fitting – This is an exciting one! This one typically take place a month or so after your first fitting. You can finally see your dress take shape and start to compliment your body more. At this stage, nothing is cut (unless previously agreed) so you have the control to

decide the next step. We will refine silhouettes and details and discuss any further fittings if needed!

Final Fitting – The Magical moment! Your gown fits you beautifully and you can picture yourself walking down the aisle as everything is sorted and your dress is steamed and ready to go! This is a great opportunity to try on your wedding jewellery, just to make sure it all works together and you are happy with each element of your bridal look. Payment is needed here before you take your dress home with you and we can inform you of the best way to transport and what to do at home to reduce chance of wrinkles. Usually, this fitting is around a week before the wedding day.

Each step is deigned to be calm, personal and enjoyable! WE are here to listen to your concerns, ease your mind and get you excited to wear the most important dress of your life! It’s a special part of your bridal journey and nothing makes me happier than seeing the smile on brides faces as they look in the mirror at the final fitting, envisioning marrying the love of their lives!

Why starting early matters

Each wedding dress is unique, even if it’s a dress I’ve worked on 10 times, it never turns out the same! Alterations take time and precision so giving yourself time helps avoid last minute stress and ensures there’s time to make everything perfect! Especially during peak seasons (usually April-August) we see many brides but still want to make sure every bride has time with us and the dresses are tended to with professionalism and precision. No one likes a tight deadline!!

For brides on a quick schedule, we do offer rush services subject to availability. We want to be able to give every bride the best experience so reaching out to us to talk this through Is really going to help both us and you for peace of mind!

The final fitting moment. Where confidence meets perfection

The Coconut Silk Bridal experience!

If you asked either of us what our favourite part of this job is you would probably get the same answer! Seeing a bride glow in their dress and knowing they feel confident, beautiful and excited beats any other feeling! We are here for your experience and will do absolutely everything possible to make your bridal dreams come true! Whether that be Monica sourcing you the perfect accessory, what you’ve been dreaming of since you were young or me adding an extra sparkle to your nearly perfect dress, just so it exceeds all your expectations. We are here to make you feel truly beautiful on your big day. And we LOVE doing it!

Maddi xx