Prepare for Your Visit

A Step-by-Step Roadmap to the Perfect Fit

Fittings and alterations are a new experience for many brides, but we’re here to make the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible! Follow this roadmap to ensure a stress-free journey to your dream gown.

Step 1: The Essentials Checklist

Before your first visit, gather these important items:

  • Your event shoes: Bring them to every fitting for the most accurate adjustments.

  • Undergarments and shapewear: Ensure you bring what you plan to wear on your big day.

  • Method of payment: Payment is required at your first fitting.

Step 2: First Fitting
(3+ Months Before Your Wedding)

🕒 Duration: About 1 hour

💡 What to Expect:

  • We’ll pin your dress and discuss all necessary alterations and any custom design elements.

  • Our experienced seamstresses will listen carefully to your vision to ensure your gown reflects your personality and fits flawlessly.

  • You'll receive an itemized list of planned work, and full payment for alterations will be due at this time.

  • We’ll schedule your second fitting, typically 6-8 weeks later.

✨ Pro Tip:
Have a light meal before your fitting to ensure a comfortable and accurate session. AND do not forget your shoes and undergarments!

Step 3: Second Fitting
(6-8 Weeks Before Your Wedding)

🕒 Duration: About 1 hour

💡 What to Expect:

  • Try on your gown with completed structural alterations.

  • We’ll make additional adjustments as needed and pin final details.

  • This is your chance to share any input on the fit and design—our team wants your gown to be perfect!

✨ Pro Tip:
Have a light meal before your fitting to ensure a comfortable and accurate session. AND do not forget your shoes and undergarments!

Step 4: Final Fitting  
(1-2 Weeks Before Your Wedding)

🕒 Duration: About 30-60 minutes

💡 What to Expect:

  • Final adjustments will be complete, and we’ll ensure everything fits to perfection.

  • We’ll demonstrate how to put up your bustle and encourage you to bring someone to learn the process.

  • If you have accessories like veils or custom pieces, this is the perfect time to coordinate everything together.

✨ Bustle Tip: Practice bustling your gown at home after your final fitting to feel confident on your big day!

About That Bustle:
Everything You Need to Know

A bustle lifts the train of your dress off the ground, keeping it clean and allowing you to move and dance freely on your wedding day. It’s typically put up between the ceremony and reception, with most photos taken before it's in place. Since bustling can be tricky, we recommend designating a helper—bring them to your final fitting for a demonstration and practice at home for confidence.

Most wedding dresses don’t come with a bustle, so our expert seamstresses will create one tailored to your dress and needs. Using hand-sewn buttons, loops, or ties, we’ll design a style that complements your gown and ensures durability—perfect for a night of dancing!

Pricing Guide

Bridal alterations typically range:

  • Basic Adjustments: $450–$750

  • Complex Alterations: $850–$1,200+

  • Custom Design Elements (sleeves, bows, beading): Varies by project

The price depends on the complexity of the dress and the specific alterations you'd like to make. Here are a few specific things that impact the cost of alterations: 

  • How many layers of fabric

  • Type of fabric: very delicate, lace, beaded, etc

  • Boning or horsehair

  • Custom design alterations (adding sleeves, bows, skirts, etc.) 

  • Condition of gown: Heirloom, vintage, floor sample

The ladies at Forget Me Knot were so welcoming and were able to accommodate the alterations and in a timely manner. Another place said they were unable to make the appropriate alterations to fit her small stature. The same place also made inappropriate comments on her weight and body. Many thin people struggle with rude comments and it's very damaging. I just wanted to thank you at Forget Me Knot for not only your warm welcome, but your kind and positive comments made during her fitting. You have no idea what your alterations and kind words are doing for her self-esteem. Forever grateful to you all!

— E.R.