A Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Into Your Gown

It’s your wedding day! Everyone is gathered, the clock is ticking, emotions are running high. It’s time to get into your wedding gown, and we’re here with a few helpful tips to make that moment as smooth as your freshly-steamed gown :) Here we go:

Step 1:

Make sure that the gown is prepped: bustle is down, and steaming is completed (both gown, veil, and accessories) prior to hair and makeup.

Step 2:

When it’s time for the bride to get into her gown, wash hands thoroughly before handling the gown. This goes for anyone who will be in contact with the gown, including the bride.

Step 3:

Make sure the gown is completely unzipped, and open the bodice as wide as possible for the bride to step in. Once her feet are on the floor, gently pull up the bodice until it is in place.

Step 4:

Check the interior of the gown for any foundational elements, such as an inner bra hook or corset, and fasten them at this point.

Step 5:

When the gown is ready to be zipped, first fasten the hook and eye at the top of the zipper. Proceed to gently zip the gown, holding the base of the zipper taught.

*Word of advice, a properly fitted gown will feel snug. Often it is helpful to have two people zipping a gown: one person holding the zipper closed, and one pulling the zipper up.

Step 6:

Once the gown is zipped, we want to give her back a more settled look and eliminate any pinching. Gently run your fingers from the center back outward to ensure a smooth look and comfortable fit.

Step 7:

Lastly, button any bridal buttons. Not all buttons have loops, but fasten the ones that do (most commonly the ones along the zipper). A crochet hook or Bobbi Pin can be helpful for this process.

Step 8:

Finally, attach any accessories the bride wants/needs at this point in her bridal look, and assign someone the very important task of keeping track of any pieces that will be added/swapped later in the day. It’s common for a bride to walk down the aisle in a veil, and later swap it out for a neck scarf or glove for cocktail hour…for example.

You did it! The bride looks fab and is feeling calm and cool for her trip down the aisle.