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 it is through our review and ready for pick 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 for 45 days or you can pay for additional storage through our cost-effective packages.)
- If you opt for additional storage (or if your alterations date is within your 45 day window), 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, determine where your dress will go from there – if you have opted for additional storage at TWD, please schedule your drop off.
- If you have decided to keep your dress with you, please think and plan for a final press/steam, so your dress is wedding day ready! (Remember if you need a final touch up, we do offer that service and also have cost-effective packages that include this service.)
- If you have opted for storage at TWD after the fitting, 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 storage options and final press/steam of their gown, regardless of where alterations take place. We have 3 tiers of packages available for purchase that all include long term storage through the wedding day and final press/steam of their wedding dress. With all packages, please note that we need to be kept in the loop by scheduling 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
- Ever After Alterations: Howell, MI. 517.304.5896
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!