Your first fitting should feel exciting—not confusing, stressful, or rushed. Whether you’re getting a wedding dress altered, tailoring a suit, or finally fixing that pile of clothes you’ve been meaning to send in, asking the right questions at your first appointment makes all the difference.
These five essential questions will help you understand the alteration process, avoid surprises, and make sure you’re working with an alterations specialist who truly knows what they’re doing. At Tad More Tailoring—serving brides and customers in Rockford, IL and nationwide—we encourage every client to ask these before we ever pick up a needle.
Let’s dive in.
1. What Alterations Do You Recommend for the Best Fit?
This is the first—and most important—question to ask your alterations specialist.
Even if you think you know exactly what you want, a trained eye sees things you may not. Bridal tailoring and formalwear alterations are as much about fit as they are about construction. The right tailor will walk you through what’s possible, what’s necessary, and how each alteration will improve comfort, appearance, and movement.
A great specialist will:
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Explain how the garment should fit your body
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Show you where adjustments will create the biggest impact
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Tell you if something you want isn’t recommended
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Suggest creative solutions you may not have considered
At Tad More Tailoring, we often hear customers say, “I didn’t even know that was an option!”—and that’s exactly why asking this question matters.
2. What Is the Timeline for My Alterations?
Timelines vary widely depending on:
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The complexity of the garment
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Whether it’s a wedding dress, suit, or everyday item
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The season (wedding season books months in advance)
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Whether your tailor offers rush options
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How many fittings are required
For wedding dress alterations, the standard timeline is 8–12 weeks. But many brides book their first fitting 3–6 months before the wedding to reduce stress and leave room for adjustments.
When you ask this question, you’ll also want to clarify:
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When your second and third fittings will be
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How long each appointment usually takes
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Whether the tailor can accommodate last-minute changes
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If your tailor offers rush or emergency fittings
At Tad More Tailoring, we work with customers locally and nationwide, so we clearly outline turnaround time upfront to help you plan confidently.
3. What Will My Alterations Cost?
There’s nothing worse than being surprised by pricing after the work is already done.
A trustworthy alterations specialist will walk you through the cost of each alteration and explain why certain services cost more.
Wedding dress alterations tend to vary widely because no two gowns are the same. Factors that affect cost include:
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Fabrics (lace, beading, satin, crepe, tulle)
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Dress construction (boning, built-in corsets, multiple layers)
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Style changes vs. basic tailoring
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Hem complexity (especially on wedding gowns with lace or trains)
Make sure to ask:
“Can you give me a detailed estimate before any work begins?”
At Tad More Tailoring, we always provide an estimate before starting alterations—whether you’re visiting us in Rockford, IL or using our nationwide mail-in service.
For mail-ins, we send photos, notes, and a digital invoice so you know exactly what to expect.
4. How Many Fittings Will I Need?
Your first fitting is just the beginning.
For simpler clothes, you may only need one visit. But for wedding dress alterations and special-occasion tailoring, multiple fittings are normal—and often essential.
Most brides will have:
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First fitting: Assessment + initial pinning
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Second fitting: Review of changes + fine adjustments
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Final fitting: Confirm fit and finalize the gown
If your body changes (which is completely normal during wedding planning), your tailor may recommend an additional fitting to ensure the dress fits perfectly on your big day.
Asking this question early helps you:
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Plan your schedule
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Understand the process
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Avoid last-minute stress
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Make sure you’re working with a tailor who values precision
5. Do You Specialize in This Type of Alteration?
This question matters more than most people realize.
Not every tailor specializes in:
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Wedding dress alterations
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Vintage gown restoration
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Luxury suit tailoring
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Complex hems
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Corset reconstruction
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Beaded or lace fabric alterations
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Designer pieces
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Nationwide mail-in services
Bridal tailoring is a specialized skill that requires technical knowledge, precision, and experience working with delicate fabrics and high-end construction. Before trusting someone with your gown or garment, ask for reassurance that they know how to handle it.
At Tad More Tailoring, our team works on everything from everyday clothes to Bridal, B2B uniforms, suits, luxury fabrics, and nationwide alterations, so customers know they’re in good hands.
Bonus: Questions Brides Should Always Ask
If your first fitting is for a wedding dress, here are a few additional questions to consider:
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Can my bustle be designed based on my venue and dress style?
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Are you able to alter lace, beading, or appliqués?
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What’s the best undergarment or shapewear to wear to fittings?
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How should I transport my gown after alterations?
These small details make a big difference in comfort and confidence on your wedding day.
Why Asking These Questions Matters
Your alterations specialist isn’t just someone who pins a garment—they’re someone you’re trusting with a major part of your experience. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, a job interview, a performance, or daily life, knowing the right questions to ask ensures:
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No surprises
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No confusion
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No stress
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A perfect fit
You deserve clear communication and expert guidance throughout the process.
FAQ: Questions People Ask Before Their First Fitting
How early should I schedule my first wedding dress fitting?
Most brides schedule 3–6 months before the wedding, with 8–12 weeks needed for alterations.
Can I get alterations done faster?
Some tailors offer rush services. At Tad More Tailoring, rush options may be available depending on the season.
Do you offer nationwide alterations?
Yes. Tad More Tailoring provides mail-in alterations throughout the U.S. with insured labels and fast turnaround.
Ready for Your First Fitting? We’d Love to Help.
Whether you’re preparing for your wedding or updating your wardrobe, our alterations specialists are here to make the process smooth, clear, and stress-free.
Book your alterations appointment today:
https://tmtailor.com/pages/wedding-alterations
Or explore our full range of services at tmtailor.com.
We can’t wait to give your clothes the perfect fit.
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