AMBLE PIN CUSHION www.amblepincushion.co.uk/bridalprom Once you’ve found the perfect outfit, it’s important that it fits just right. Norma Arthur from Amble Pin Cushion tells us how to prepare your bridal party for their first dress fitting: “Arrive at your appointment with the dresses in full-length gown bags, which are useful for storage and to minimise handling during the alterations process. Your bridal party needs to have the correct underwear and shoes (or at least shoes of the correct height) for their first fitting, as these affect their posture and, therefore, how the dresses will fit. Take these, as well as petticoats, hoops, belts, and any other loose accessories, back home, leaving only the items requiring alteration with the seamstress. Remember to bring all these items back to subsequent appointments or you may be asked to reschedule. “Whether you’re the bride or a bridesmaid, you may be more comfortable having a companion help you to undress, dress, and have fastenings done up. This also gives them valuable practice for the big day itself. However, you will need to expect that there will be physical contact by the seamstress in order that she can do her job, and you may well be seen in your underwear. The seamstress will do their best to make fittings private and relaxed and to reassure anyone who is feeling a little nervous. Check if the seamstress would like you to wear a mask at your fitting for everyone’s comfort and safety. Where alterations are required to several bridesmaid dresses from the same group, it’s helpful if the bride is the companion at each fitting. It is generally not appropriate to bring children with you to fittings. “Your measurements (and even your weight) may be taken at your first fitting, and, unless it has been discussed and agreed, the seamstress will not expect any significant variation from the original measurements between fittings. If a bridesmaid is trying to lose weight for the wedding, it will obviously cause issues with the fit of the dress if any weight loss continues beyond the first fitting, so discuss with your seamstress how close to the wedding you can leave your first fitting and get dates into diaries. Some dress styles, such as a corset back, are easier to accommodate fluctuating weight than others, like a low back or figure-skimming gown.” Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images Getty Images FLOWERS 53 DRESSING THE WEDDING PARTY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=