Now that you’ve said “Yes to the Dress” and you are officially a J. Andrew’s Bride here is everything you need to know about the alterations | fitting process.

Please note there is a $50 booking deposit to reserve your time with the seamstress & this will be applied to your alterations cost. If you cancel within 24-hours of your appointment or no show the deposit is applied as your cancellation fee and is nonrefundable. Booking another appointment will result in an additional $50 deposit.

The 1st Fitting |
Your gown has arrived, and you’re close enough to the big day to avoid any major changes in size or fit. For most brides, this is about 2-3 months before the wedding date.

This is a crucial step in your journey! Don’t forget to bring your wedding shoes to this appointment. However, if your gown was ordered with a specific length measurement, hold off on committing to those shoes until you’ve tried them on with your gown. Why? Because we measure for length to save you time and money on hemming. Keep in mind, there’s always a ½ to 1” tolerance in those measurements, so you might need to switch up your shoes to ensure a graceful (and trip-free!) walk down the aisle.

This is also known as the “Pinning” fitting, lasting about an hour to an hour and a half. You’ll discuss how the gown feels, what adjustments you’d like, and any customizations to make it uniquely yours. Customizations, like adding dreamy hand-sewn lace sleeves, are an extra touch of magic but do come with additional costs (around $500+ on average).

The Work-in-Progress Fitting |
After your 1st fitting, you’ll book this appointment to check on the progress of your gown. At this stage, you’ll try it on to evaluate the fit of the alterations already completed. There might still be extra fabric in the seams, pins in place, or lace appliques not yet sewn down. It’s all part of the process—trust it!

The Final Fitting |
This is where the magic happens! Your final fitting is typically scheduled one month before your wedding date. Why a month out? Because, ladies, we know how our bodies love to keep us guessing every 28 days. Let’s just say that the last thing you need is a surprise snug fit on your big day! Scheduling the final fitting a month prior ensures we know how everything will fit when you’re at the same point in your cycle as the wedding date.

At this appointment, your gown will be perfectly tailored to YOU! This is the moment you’ll see exactly how you’ll look walking down the aisle, and trust us, it’s a magical moment. Bring a loved one along to learn how to bustle your gown—what’s a bustle, you ask? (Scroll down!)

DO THE BUSTLE! Your bridal gown train is designed to WOW as you walk down the aisle and have your moment at the altar. But then it’s party time! Having a seamstress sew hidden hooks & eyes or ribbons to allow your train to sweep up and let you dance the night away!

GET TO KNOW YOUR SEAMSTRESS

On average, our seamstresses will spend 15-25 hours working on a single gown and sewing many details by hand.

GET TO KNOW SACHIKO Sachiko grew up in Japan and learned to sew at a young age when she grew taller than the average Japanese woman. She is close to 5’8! So, when she wasn’t able to buy clothes to go to the Disco she had to make her own, yes Disco music is her jam! We lovingly call her Disco Sachiko! Sachiko has been a Bridal Seamstress with J.Andrew’s Bridal since 2005. You are truly in good hands with Sachiko and your gown will be fused with disco music and good vibes so it’s ready for the dance floor!

GET TO KNOW ANNA Anna grew up in Paris France. She has been working with J.Andrew’s Brides since our doors opened in 2005. We always say she doesn’t use a sewing machine; she uses a magic wand. At your final fitting with Anna you’ll wonder how she did it because you wont’ even see a single stich or thread out of place.

GET TO KNOW CHRISTIAN Extraordinaire Christian is a true gem in the bridal industry, bringing years of expertise and a deep passion for creating the perfect fit for every bride. As the owner of her own successful alterations store in Carrollton, she has honed her craft and gained a stellar reputation. But it’s her love for bridal that brings her to J. Andrew’s Bridal, where she pours her heart into helping brides look and feel their absolute best on their special day. She approaches each gown with care, precision, and a touch of artistry that transforms it into a flawless masterpiece.

We hope that helps prepare you for your alteration’s appointments, if you still have questions or concerns, please let us know we are here to help! Text us 833-915-2368