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Wedding dress alterations are a necessary part of your bridal gown experience and a crucial step in achieving the perfect bridal look. Saying yes to your dress is an amazing experience, but when you see your dream wedding dress at your final fitting, that is when you know it’s real!
The bridal alterations process can be confusing because each store is different:
- Some bridal stores have an in-house seamstress who works in/for their bridal shop.
- Others offer a list of professional seamstresses who they work with and allow you to choose the one that is the best fit for your bridal dress.
In-house seamstresses work for the bridal store and usually they will charge a flat alteration fee. This means that if you only have a few specific alterations needed, you will be paying more than necessary. This type of arrangement can break the budget for your wedding dress costs. However, some brides find it easier to have it all done at one store.
Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo has a list of professional alterations experts who offer exceptional service. In addition, their average cost of wedding dress alterations is far less than the flat fee charge.
*Note: bridal stores that do wedding gown alterations in house with a steep flat rate often use a sales tactic of telling you ‘they alone’ know the construction of the gowns they sell and therefore you must use them to avoid a disaster. This is false. Any professional tailor or alterations specialist who is skilled in altering wedding dresses will be able to get your gown to the perfect fit, regardless of the dress types designer.
Bridal Gown Try On
When your wedding dress arrives at your bridal boutique, your bridal stylist will have you come in for a try on. At this try on, you can see what additional alterations will be needed. If you were sized correctly, and your weight did not change, you should not need too much aside from the most common that we list below. If you have accessories, such as a veil, belt, cape, etc., you can try everything on at this appointment.
Afterwards, you will discuss your wedding dress alterations appointment. These will work differently as each store has their own policies.
Timing Of Your Wedding Dress Alteration Appointment
Bridal gown alterations can start anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks prior to your wedding. This will allow plenty of time for standard alterations. You can certainly have them done earlier if it works better with your schedule.
Darianna® Bridal & Tuxedo actually recommends scheduling your first alterations appointment 4-5 weeks before your wedding because you are closest to your wedding shape and weight.
First Fitting
At your first fitting, you will put your dress on and consult with the seamstress on adjustments. The communication must be clear and you must feel confident that she cares about you. She will pin areas where the work will be done. Also, bring your wedding shoes for hemming and bustling purposes.
Depending on the alterations necessary, your first fitting may only include the most common alterations like a take in/let out at the side seams, and a strap or sleeve adjustment. These may be done first because it will affect the length.
If the extent of the adjustments in the bodice are minimal, everything including pinning of the hem and bustle will be done at this first appointment.
Second Fitting
At your second fitting, she will make sure that any earlier work performed is perfect. (If the bodice work was done earlier, then the hem and bustle will be pinned at this time.) Make sure to bring friends or family members with you to your final fitting to go over how-to bustle the gown.
*Note: Consider scheduling this appointment after your hair/make up trial so you can see your entire look coming together!
Additional Fittings
These are scheduled if you wish a few more little tweaks or tucks and are typically done while you wait. Most of the time there is no additional cost involved with these small adjustments.
Types of Wedding Dress Alterations
It is definitely rare that a bride would not need any alterations, so budgeting for these is important. Alterations turn your gown into your perfect dress! These are the most common alterations needed:
Hemming
Hemming is one of the most common wedding dress alterations. It involves shortening (or lengthening) the gown to match your height. The perfect hem should just skim the floor to ensures you won’t trip over your dress, allowing for easy movement.
Bodice Alterations
Bodice alterations focus on the upper part of the dress. These usually include adjusting the bust, waist, and back of the bridal gown. This type of alteration can involve taking in or letting out the dress to achieve the desired fit and silhouette. These are important for achieving a flawless fit and ensuring your gown stays in place.
Sleeve Adjustments
Adding sleeves to a wedding dress or altering existing ones can dramatically change the overall look of the gown. Whether you prefer long, short, or off-the-shoulder sleeves, a skilled tailor can customize your dress to match your vision.
Bustle
A bustle secures the train of your dress to floor length, making it more manageable for walking and dancing. There are various bustle styles to choose from, each providing a unique and elegant look. You will be able to have it pinned different ways so you can choose the best option for your gown.
Take In/Let Out
Many brides measure to different sizes (such as a 10 bust and 14 hip, or a 16 bust and 12 waist, etc.). Weight fluctuations from medications, health issues, weight loss regimens, etc. can lead to a need to take in or let out the dress. Skilled tailors can adjust the gown to ensure an ideal fit on any body type.
Add/Remove Embellishments
If you wish to add extra bead work, appliques, or customize your gown with sentimental embellishments, a talented dress tailor can make it happen. They can also remove embellishments that you may find a little bit distracting or unnecessary.
Adjust The Neckline
Alterations can modify the neckline of your dress, transforming it into a modified sweetheart or scoop, V-neck, or any other desired shape. They can also transform the back neckline of your dream dress if you wish it to be higher or lower.
Add/Remove Shoulder Straps
Customizing the straps of your wedding dress is a way to truly make your dress your own. Adding beaded straps to a strapless gown can dress it up, adding thicker straps can offer more support. Additionally, removing straps can be just the look you want. Better yet, ask your seamstress to make them detachable for two looks — one for the wedding ceremony and the other for the reception!
Resizing the Train
If you find your dress’s train too long or too short for your liking, alterations can adjust its length to create the perfect balance between glamour and practicality.
Finding a Skilled Wedding Dress Seamstress or Tailor
A skilled tailor plays a crucial role by ensuring your wedding gown fits perfectly and looks stunning on your wedding day. This person needs to be familiar with dress construction and is experienced in working with delicate fabrics. Here are some steps and questions to ask to help you find the right one:
- Begin your search for a wedding dress tailor as soon as you purchase your gown.
- Ask for recommendations from friends, in social media bridal groups, your bridal store, etc.
- Research their on-line presence – websites, socials, and on-line reviews.
- Look at their portfolio to see examples of their work. (If you are wearing a family heirloom gown or having it made into a new dress, search for examples of other dresses they have changed. Ask for design ideas they may have for your dress.)
Questions to ask:
- How many years of experience do they have in the field, bridal specifically?
- Do they specialize in different types of alterations?
- How much will it cost? (Many will not be able to give a price quote over the phone, they need to see the dress on you in person to know how much work is needed. You may be able to get general information or a minimum price, but not an exact price.)
- Does the service includes pressing your gown and steaming of your veil or is that is an additional fee?
- What is the procedure on pick up? For instance, how many days prior to your wedding date will it be ready?
- Tell her your wedding date and ask when the best time to schedule your first fitting would be. Skilled seamstresses often have a busy schedule, especially during wedding season, so booking your alterations in advance is the safest option. (You do not want to be rushed in your alteration process as rush charges may apply.)
Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but when you know what to add to your to-do list and when to do it, the process will be so much smoother. Wedding dress shopping should be done 9-12 months prior to your big day. Understanding that wedding dress alterations will be needed, finding a seamstress in advance will give you enough time to make these arrangements. Your dress may need a number of changes or perhaps only a few, but finding the right seamstress will ensure you will have your perfect wedding dress exactly as you want it on your special day!
If you have more questions about wedding planning, please see our comprehensive guide to wedding planning for brides, grooms, mothers, and fathers!