What should I expect at the fitting session for bridesmaids?

Question

I know this sounds like an odd question - but I'm a bit of an odd (but nice) person. I'm a transgendered person (male to female) who has been asked to be a bridesmaid by my best friend and her fiance. After a lot of worry, I've decided to do it. Often, I present as a woman w/o any problem and shop (and try on) clothes w/o incident. But this sounds different - what's it like? And should I call the shop ahead of time to give them a "heads up"? I'm excited - I really think it will be fun and the bride to be and the other bridesmaids are great w/it - but I'm a little nervous about the shop. Also, should I wear anything special to the fitting - I was thinking about something casual, like jeans and a sweater because I suspect will go out for a drink afterwards. Help, please!

Answer 1

Congrats! I think all women should experience being a bridesmaid at least once. It's a great experience on so many levels.

I assume the dress has been picked out, you have been measured, the dress has arrived, and now you need to be fitted. You need to bring all undergarments and shoes that you plan to wear on the wedding day. You'll have a private area to change into these undergarments and the dress. The seamstress will gather extra bits of fabric and mark them with pins where she needs to sew. Then you'll very carefully take the dress off and change back into your regular clothes.

In my opinion, two people need a heads up. The seamstress, since she will be tugging and grabbing and adjusting fabric, and a bridesmaid or the bride, who will help you remove the dress when it has all the pins in it. You could take the dress off yourself, though...just be really careful.

Now, if you're only getting measured for the dress so that they can order it, then just come in your normal clothes, plus whatever bra you plan on wearing. A shop person will wrap a tape measure around your chest, waist, hips, and butt, and will record the measurements. This is done over your clothes, and they're pretty good about maintaining personal space while measuring.

Answer 2

You can pretty much wear whatever you choose. NORMALLY, during a fitting, all that happens is that the seamstress will take your measurements....normally at the bust, waist, hips, and from under your arm, to the floor. Any good seamstress should start from there, and once the dress is close to being complete, they will call you back in, and have you try the dress on. Any alterations to the dress will be made then if need be. I don't think you need to trouble yourself with calling with a "heads up"....they won't be seeing you naked, or near naked, so they won't know the difference. Good luck, and have fun!

Answer 3

There's nothing special to know. You'll have your own dressing room and stuff. Everyone will just be trying things on to see what size fits them best then you go pay for your dress. No worries. I'm sure everything will be just fine.
I say go casual unless the bride requests something different.
I am about to go for a second fitting for a brides maids dress for my friend's wedding and we are all going to dress up in little cocktail dresses and go eat sushi and have martini's afterwards. So, just ask the bride. She'll tell you everything. :) Most of all, HAVE FUN!!!!

Answer 4

ummm a little weird, but they take your measurements. you may be trying on dresses. make sure you wear the bra you will be wearing at the wedding since this will give you the best idea as to what the dress will look like the day of. i wouldnt call the store ahead of time as this will most likely creap them out.