Planning your bridal shapewear commission: a practical guide
Three appointments, one toile, and the questions to ask before you begin
A bridal shapewear commission is the most involved work the studio takes on, and the one where planning ahead makes the biggest difference. Three appointments spread over six to eight weeks, a toile fitting in the middle, and construction built around a specific dress means there are more moving parts than a standard commission. This guide covers what to expect at each stage.
The first appointment: consultation and measurements
The first appointment is a conversation as much as a measurement session. We will ask about your dress. Its neckline, back opening, and skirt volume. And take a full set of measurements. If your dress has arrived, bringing it to this appointment is useful. If it has not, a photograph or a sketch from your dressmaker is enough to begin.
This appointment typically runs 60 to 90 minutes. By the end of it, we will have a clear picture of what the garment needs to do and will be able to give you a realistic timeline for the remaining appointments.
- Bring your dress if it has arrived, or a photograph if it has not
- Wear or bring the shoes you plan to wear on the day
- Note any specific concerns about comfort or coverage you want to discuss
The toile fitting: where the construction is adjusted
Two to three weeks after the first appointment, the toile fitting takes place. The toile is a test version of the garment made in a neutral cotton-spandex. We will ask you to move around in it. Sit, stand, reach, turn. And will make adjustments to the pattern based on what we see.
Most toiles require two or three adjustments. Common ones for bridal pieces include adjusting the back opening to align with the dress's zip or button line, and modifying the underbust band height to sit cleanly below the dress's bodice seam.
The final fitting: the completed garment
The final fitting takes place in the completed garment, usually one to two weeks before the wedding. At this point, the garment should fit correctly from the first try-on, because the toile adjustments have already been incorporated into the pattern.
If there are any small adjustments needed. A hook-and-eye repositioned, a strap shortened. We will make them before you leave. The aim is for you to walk out of the final fitting with a garment that is ready to wear on the day, with nothing left to worry about.
For a spring 2027 wedding, November or December 2026 is a good time to start the commission. For a summer 2027 wedding, January or February works well. If you are unsure whether the timeline fits your situation, send a message and we will give you a straightforward answer.