You said yes to the dress, your special ordered designer wedding dress has arrived to our store, and now it's time to start thinking about alterations. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the alteration process to put you at ease and make the process as seamless as possible.
1. HOW LONG DOES MY WEDDING DRESS TAKE TO ALTER?
Alterations typically start on average two to three months before the wedding day. Depending on the design of the gown and the extent of the alteration, it may take more or less time for your dress to be altered. Bella Bridal Gallery offers in-house alterations, so we can work with you one on one to discuss the schedule for your specific dress, and if you are an out of town bride, we can coordinate your fittings around your schedule.
2. HOW MANY FITTINGS WILL I HAVE?
Typically, there are three dress fittings. The dress will be pinned at the first fitting. The second fitting is a check to make sure nothing else needs to be tweaked, and the final fitting will be a check just to make sure everything is perfect before the wedding. 
3. HOW LONG WILL MY FITTING LAST?
The first fitting is the longest appointment, lasting approximately an hour, with the subsequent fitting requiring less and less time as your dress comes closer to completion.
4. WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY FITTING?
Your shoes! You must bring the shoes you plan on wearing on your wedding day to your fittings in order to make sure that the hem is accurate. If you do not have the exact shoes that you plan to wear, bring a different pair with the same exact heel height. If you plan on wearing any specific undergarments underneath your dress, make sure to bring those to your fitting also, as they will change the way that the dress fits on your body.
5. WHAT IF I LOSE OR GAIN WEIGHT?
In the process of getting your dress altered, we can always take the dress in or let it out if you lose or gain weight. Try to be finished actively loosing weight before you start your fittings, but if you are not, let the seamstress know and she will give you a timeline for when is best to start your alteration process.
6. WHAT IF I BOUGHT A SAMPLE THAT IS THE WRONG SIZE?
Sample wedding dresses can be altered a great deal by our professional seamstresses in order to fit you perfectly. It is easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out, so if possible, when buying an off-the-rack gown, choose one that is bigger rather than smaller. If your dress is too small, the dress can be let out to an extent, or matching fabric from the designer can be added to the sample to make it your size. 
7. SHOULD I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO MY FITTING?
It may be helpful to have someone you trust come with you to your first and second fittings just for reassurance, but if possible, someone who is going to help you get dressed on your wedding day should definitely come to the final fitting. This is when the seamstress will show the other person how to help you get dressed and how to bustle your dress for the reception. If it is not possible for someone to come with you, have it video taped so that you can show your bridesmaids later. Keep in mind that bringing a large entourage with you to your fitting appointment may be distracting. There needs to be clear communication between you and the seamstress to ensure that you are getting the proper fit for your dress and you are comfortable on your wedding day.