befitted brides
You found your dream dress.
TIME TO #GETBEFITTED.
BeFitted provides end-to-end wedding dress services from taking your measurements to order your dress, to highly-specialized tailoring to get the perfect fit of your dress, to preserving your dress using museum-grade techniques after the party is over.
Step 1: Book a Fitting
Select an open slot on our booking page. Book early if possible; we may not be able to accommodate if you need your dress within 3 months. You'll get an automatic confirmation with details on how you should prepare for your first fitting - yay!
A friendly reminder - Booking an appointment does not guarantee that we will be able to alter your dress for you. Estimates only are $50, and this fee is waived for dresses put down the same day.
Step 2: The First Fitting
For your first fitting, you will have 30 minutes blocked off with us one-on-one (please limit yourself to one guest!). We'll have you change into your wedding dress (with your chosen undergarments and shoes), and then get you in front of a mirror so that you can see the dress. From there we will walk you through how the dress could fit better, using dressing pins to give you an idea.
We will then walk you through a quote, have you review and sign our tailoring agreement, and put down 50% of the base quote amount as a deposit. We’ll end by scheduling your second fitting and emailing you a confirmation and emailed receipts.
Step 3: The Second Fitting
At your second fitting, we will block off another 30 minutes for you in a one-on-one session with us. We will show you the first round of alterations and get you back into the dress. We will assess the fit of the dress and determine if the dress should be taken in, taken out, or can remain the same. We'll pin up any other alterations that need to be added at that time and make any adjustments.
We will walk you through some steaming and pressing options. We will then coordinate with you to come by for your final fitting when you will pick up the dress!
Step 4: The Final Fitting
At your last fitting, we will get you into the dress one last time and confirm that all fits well.
Then we will share some words of wisdom for dress care and offer some pointed guidance for your specific dress, including bustle instructions.
We’ll end by closing your final balance. Then you will be off on your *marry* way and the dress is yours again!
Step 5: Post-Wedding Care
After you've picked up your dress, and *gotten married* (!!!) we invite you to come back for the full suite of after-care services. We will dry clean your dress for you (and box it too if you’d like!), and have it ready for you within 4-6 weeks.
get in on this!
book a fitting online now
FAQ
Your top questions - answered!
Why is BeFitted the easy right choice for me?
Our favorite question. We differentiate ourselves in a number of ways:
Most importantly, we are simply the most experienced and talented set of hands you could entrust your dress with in the DC-VA-MD region. We only alter wedding dresses and women's formal attire. Our principal has over 30 years of experience sewing wedding dresses. You really can't beat that.
We offer truly private fittings meaning that it will just be us and you, 1-on-1 for your appointment, without any random people walking in off the street to gawk and observe.
You can reach us through modern means - book an appointment online in < 1 min, email, or text us.
We're open on weekends and weeknight evenings, meaning you don't have to leave work in the middle of the day for fitting.
We get most of our brides in and out in 3 total fittings (including the initial consultation) - we won't waste your time or ours by sewing while you're in.
We're a mother-daughter team. We're family. When you become a BeFitted Bride, you become family too. That means we'll always give you a truthful opinion with your best interest in mind.
Oh, and of course we are 5-star rated on The Knot, Wedding Wire, Google, and Yelp:)
How soon will my dress be ready?
The fitting process for wedding dresses typically takes 3.5 whole months. We recommend brides meet with us at least 4 months before the wedding. Book early to save yourself from the head and heartache!
We do take rush orders for brides who need their dresses within 12 weeks (20-40% surcharge added), although this will vary based off season and availability. Should an emergency arise, we can sometimes accommodate brides who need their dresses sooner than a month. This is all dependent however on our schedule and capacity at any given time. Feel free to contact us to see if we can work with you to get your dress prepared in time for your wedding.
However, life happens, and we really do urge brides to meet with us early to be "safe rather than sorry."
Do you have a price list?
No, we do not, and we don't know of any reputable bridal tailoring company that does. Wedding dresses come in about a million different varieties, and so do people. We do not offer quotes over the phone or via email because every bride and dress is different.
If you are wondering how much bridal alterations cost, the best next step would be to book a consultation and meet with us. Consultations are complimentary for brides who put their dresses down that day; otherwise the appointment fee is $50 ($30 for bridesmaids and formal wear clients). After we get you in the dress, we'll give you an electronic document with an estimate for the work. We've conducted hundreds of fittings and the vast majority of brides choose to leave their dresses with us the same day!
No show appointments and late cancellations will incur the standard appointment fee.
Appointments for measurements are a flat $30 appointment fee for both brides and bridesmaids.
Can I do a walk-in appointment?
All BeFitted clients are seen by appointment only. Meeting with our clients one-on-one allows us to get to know you better, hear your story, and get a stronger understanding of your vision for your dress and what is most important to you. It also allows us to give you our full attention. Each of your bridal fittings with BeFitted is private, and we do not see other clients when we are with you.
Are there restrictions on dresses you alter?
Not usually - we will alter any dress regardless of where it was purchased, as long as the dress retains its structural integrity and can be worked with. The only exception is vintage dresses. BeFitted does not alter dresses that are vintage, keepsake, or heirloom. Some dresses that are older or are samples may not support the changes you'd like seen, in that case, we will be honest with you and let you know if we would not be able to you tailor your dress.
If you would like to customize your dress (adding or removing sleeves, adding beading, etc.), please bring these materials including the fabric with you to your first appointment.
Please note that BeFitted does not sell dresses and we only alter them.
How many guests can I bring with me?
You are welcome to bring one guest with you to your fitting. Obviously the decision to bring someone with you is up to you, but we have seen many brides, and we promise that having your mom + your sister + your best friend + your roommate + your long lost cousin with you will never play out as dreamy as it does in your head. If you choose to bring someone along for the fitting, ask someone who knows you well and can be real with you. Please do not bring little ones with you if possible; our studio is not child-safe and we cannot be held liable for injuries. You will be held responsible for any damage done to our space.
The majority of brides come solo. We think this is a smart decision. If you need an honest second opinion, we'll be happy to give it to you.
Can I have my dress steamed and pressed?
Absolutely, and you’ll be surprised what a difference finishing touches can make on the final look and feel of your gown. We will dry clean your gown to get it clean and pristine, and can steam or press your dress for a surcharge. We also offer spot-cleaning services to ensure your dress achieves that brilliant white look. Ask us about cleaning, boxing, and preservation after your wedding if you’d like a keepsake box.
There are certain situations where we cannot dry clean your dress due to the material or fragility of the garment. In those cases, we will let you know - full disclosure - should you ask.
Can I store my dress?
Yes! After we’ve performed the desired alterations on your dress, we can keep your dress in the back of our studio for a flat fee of $50 for up to 60 days. If at any point you would like to see the dress or take it home with you, we’d be happy to arrange that for you should you contact us in advance.
What are your payment policies?
We take cash, check, and credit card. You will not be able to take a dress home with you if there is an outstanding balance on it. The deposit is non-refundable.
What is the best way to contact you?
We get a lot of phone calls. If we’re unable to pick up the phone when you ring, feel free to text us and we’ll connect with you when we have a free moment.
The best way to reach us is email. We’re internet people. We typically respond within a few hours and can give more exhaustive responses than over text.