Next Steps
Congratulations (again!) on saying YES to the dress! So you may be wondering, what now? Well, the next thing to start thinking about when it comes to the dress is alterations. But first, here is a general timeline for your wedding dress:
Wedding Dress Timeline
- Say YES! TWD orders your dress. (Or if you purchased a dress off the rack, we will store your dress for you until you are ready to pick it up.)
- Then it’s a waiting game. Most of our dresses will take about 6-7 months to arrive in shop. However, some do arrive earlier than that. (Keep in mind that if you are a bride who had a quick wedding date and we gave you an ETA on your dress, then that is when to expect it! Please don’t panic!)
- While waiting, research and book alterations. (Lots more info on that below.)
- We will text you when your dress is here! Then we will send you an email with lots of information on what to do next.
- Most brides then schedule a time to come in and try on their dress at the shop.
- At that point, you can take your dress with you or leave it here for storage. (We offer complimentary storage of your wedding dress through the wedding day.)
- Pick up dress for alterations appointments. (Please schedule your pick up at TWD ahead of time.)
- Go to fittings as prepared as possible. Again, read below!
- At final fitting, decide if you want to keep your dress with you or store at TWD. If planning to bring it back to TWD, please schedule your drop off.
- If you have decided to keep your dress and it does not need a final press/steam, then your dress is wedding day ready!
- If you have decided to store your dress at TWD, don’t forget to schedule the pick up date. Most brides pick up their dress a few days before the wedding day. Because it will be freshly pressed/steamed, you may want to think about logistics. Many brides plan to take their dress right from TWD, direct to where they plan to be getting ready on the wedding day, depending on if they have access to that place in the days leading up to the day.
- Pick up dress!
- Get married!
Tips for Alterations
- You will need your shoes for your fitting!
- You will want to bring any undergarments you plan (or are considering) wearing under your dress.
- Most wedding dresses require about 3 fittings to achieve a perfect fit.
- All seamstresses have their own timeline for when it makes sense to set up fittings. In general, the ideal timeline starts about 12-15 weeks from your wedding day and ends with a final fitting about 2-3 weeks from your big day.
- Be sure to go over any and all changes you plan to make to your dress during your first fitting so your seamstress can plan to get the things done in a manner that makes sense.
- Remember that the pricing of your alterations will likely depend on the complexity of the gown – things like beading, lace, and number of layers of the hem. Most alterations range from $600-$1,000, but can certainly go up in cost, depending on what needs to be done or if there are customizations.
All TWD brides are eligible to take advantage of our unlimited storage and FREE final press/steam of their gown, regardless of where alterations take place. Just note that we need to be kept in the loop – please schedule all drop offs and pick ups ahead of time.
Preferred Seamstress List
- About the Fit Alterations with Nelly: 142 Brighton Lake Rd, Brighton, MI. 810-275-8583
- Sarah Kolis Designs: Northville, MI. Book fittings online at sarahkolis.com
- Bella Alterations: 39050 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia, MI. 734-779-1290
- Sewn to Precision with Sandy: Commerce Twp, MI. 248.462.0180
- Bonnie Bentley Alterations: Farmington Hills, MI. 248-471-7394
Please note that About the Fit Alterations with Nelly prefers that our brides book their fittings as soon as they purchase their gown in order to reserve their spot. She is exclusive to TWD and likes to plan her next fitting season out as soon as she can!