George Boyle
Wedding dress alterations are a common procedure for brides-to-be. Most wedding dresses require some form of adjustment to achieve the perfect fit and meet the bride's specifications. These alterations can range from simple adjustments, such as hemming or resizing, to more extensive customizations like adding straps, sleeves, or even creating an entirely new design. The process typically involves multiple fittings with a seamstress, who can modify the gown to complement the bride's figure and ensure she feels confident and beautiful on her special day. It is recommended to start the alterations a few months before the wedding to allow for any necessary changes and to ensure a stress-free experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required time | 6-8 weeks |
| First fitting | 2-3 months before the wedding |
| Final fitting | No later than 2 weeks before the wedding |
| Number of fittings | 3 |
| First appointment duration | 1 hour |
| Subsequent appointment duration | 30 minutes |
| Complexity | Depends on the fabric, beading, and size of the dress |
| Customisations | Adding straps, sleeves, train length, lace appliqués, beading, bustles, buttons, etc. |
| Sizing | Determined by the largest measurement |
| Seamstress | In-house or recommended by the bridal boutique |
| Budget | Depends on the number of alterations |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress sizing and measurements
Wedding dress sizing differs from your regular clothing size. Bridal sizing is usually two to three sizes larger than your standard clothing size. Wedding dress sizes also differ from designer to designer, so it is important to refer to a designer's unique bridal gown sizing chart before purchasing a dress.
When measuring yourself for a wedding dress, it is best to measure in your undergarments, preferably the ones you plan to wear on your wedding day. If you have a full-length mirror, stand in front of it on a hard floor or low-pile carpet with your back to the mirror. Your measurement assistant should drape the measuring tape across your back to ensure it is level and proceed with taking your measurements. The tape should be held taut, but not too tight. Measure from the centre of the collarbone to the hem, around the fullest part of the chest, around the narrowest part of the waist, and around the fullest part of the hips. Order based on the bust measurement.
Once your measurements have been recorded, compare them to the designer's wedding dress size chart. If your measurements fall between sizes, it is recommended to size up. However, if you are ordering a ballgown, you may choose to order a smaller size if your hip measurement is the only one that matches the largest size.
After purchasing your wedding dress, you will need to schedule a fitting. It is recommended to buy your dress 10 months before the wedding and schedule a fitting eight to 12 weeks before the wedding. The final fitting should take place no later than two weeks before the wedding. Wedding dress alterations usually take anywhere from six to eight weeks to complete, but the timeline depends on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule. It typically takes about three fittings before a bride's ensemble is ready to wear.
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Seamstresses and tailors
The Importance of Alterations
It is highly recommended that brides have their wedding dresses altered to achieve a perfect fit. Wedding dress sizing is typically based on the largest measurement, which means the dress may need to be taken in to ensure a seamless fit. Alterations are normal and simply ensure the gown conforms to the bride's body.
Timing and Frequency of Fittings
The standard recommendation is to purchase a wedding dress 10 months before the wedding and schedule the first fitting eight to 12 weeks before the wedding. The first fitting appointment is the longest, taking about an hour, and subsequent fittings typically last less than 30 minutes. On average, three fittings are required before the ensemble is ready. It is advised to have the final fitting no later than two weeks before the wedding.
Types of Alterations
The types of alterations that can be made depend on the dress's fabric, style, and embellishments. Common alterations include adjusting the bust, waist, and hips, hemming the dress, adding or removing sleeves or straps, shortening or removing the train, adding a bustle for convenience, and personalizing the gown with lace, beading, or other embellishments. More extensive changes, such as adding a corset or reworking cups, may require additional time.
Working with a Seamstress or Tailor
It is essential to work with a trusted seamstress or tailor who has experience with wedding gowns, particularly the specific type of dress being altered. The bridal boutique often has an in-house seamstress or can recommend a skilled tailor. During the first fitting, it is crucial to be direct about any desired changes and to bring along the wedding shoes and undergarments to ensure an accurate fit.
Complexity and Cost
The complexity and cost of alterations depend on the extent of the changes. Simple adjustments, such as hemming or adding straps, may be less costly than more extensive redesigns. It is important to discuss the desired alterations with the seamstress or tailor to understand the time and budget required.
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Timing and scheduling
The time required for alterations can vary from one to three months, depending on the complexity of the changes and the seamstress's schedule. Simple alterations, such as hemming or taking in the sides, may be completed in a few weeks, while more extensive changes like resizing the entire gown or accommodating a pregnancy may take longer. It is advised to plan ahead, especially during busy seasons like spring and summer, as seamstresses can get booked up.
To ensure a smooth process, it is beneficial to purchase the wedding dress early, allowing ample time for fittings and tailoring. Ideally, the dress should be bought about ten months before the wedding. This provides a buffer for any unexpected delays and ensures the bride's peace of mind.
The number of fittings required can vary from two to three, depending on the complexity of the alterations. The first fitting typically lasts about an hour for the initial assessment, with subsequent fittings becoming shorter as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. It is recommended to have the final fitting no later than one to two weeks before the wedding, as the bride's body is unlikely to change significantly during this period.
To make the most of the alteration appointments, it is essential to bring along the wedding shoes and appropriate undergarments. This allows the tailor to adjust the hemline to the correct length and assess how the dress sits on the body. Additionally, having these essentials at each fitting ensures that the bride can visualize her complete bridal look and make informed decisions about any necessary alterations.
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Customisations and personalisation
Wedding dress alterations are a common and important part of the process of buying a wedding dress. In fact, it is rare for a wedding dress to fit perfectly without any alterations, and most dresses will need some form of adjustment.
There are a variety of customisations and personalisations that can be made to a wedding dress. These can be simple adjustments to ensure a perfect fit, or more extensive changes to the design of the dress.
Firstly, it is important to consider the fit of the dress. Wedding dresses are usually sized according to the largest measurement of the bride, so it is likely that adjustments will need to be made to other areas of the dress. The dress can be taken in or let out to adjust the size, and the bust, waist, and hips can be fine-tuned. It is also possible to add or remove lining under sheer sleeves or panels to create a more or less modest look.
Secondly, there are a number of design features that can be added or removed. For example, straps or sleeves can be added to a strapless dress to provide more coverage or support, or they can be removed to create a strapless style. A bustle can be added to a dress with a long train to make it easier to move around, and a lace-up corset can be added to provide a customisable fit. Other design features that can be added include beading, buttons, lace, and appliqués.
Thirdly, the length of the dress and train can be adjusted. Most wedding dresses are long, so it is common to have the dress hemmed. The train can also be shortened, removed, or bustled to make it easier to move around.
Finally, it is possible to make more extensive changes to the design of the dress. For example, the neckline can be altered, or cups can be sewn into the bodice. It may also be possible to completely redesign the dress, depending on the fabric, style, and embellishments.
It is important to start the alterations process early, as it can take time to make the necessary changes. It is recommended to buy the dress 10 months before the wedding and schedule the first fitting 2-3 months before the wedding, with a final fitting no later than two weeks before. This allows time for any necessary adjustments to be made and for the bride to feel confident in the dress.
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Cost and budget
The cost of altering a wedding dress can vary depending on various factors. The price of different alterations, like zipper repair and letting out, mainly depends on the complexity of the job. Shortening a garment is the easiest, most common, and probably most inexpensive type of alteration, costing around $25 to $45. Altering a wedding dress can be a little more tricky.
It is common for wedding dresses to be designed to be more alteration-friendly than standard, ready-to-wear gowns. It is usually easier and cheaper to take in a dress than to let it out. However, too-large sizes may require remaking, as the cuts will have to be redone, from the neckline and shoulders to the bodice and skirt side seams. Blind-stitched (or invisible) dress hem alterations cost less than top-stitched hems. Alterations requiring more hand sewing take longer and thus cost more.
The thickness and machine requirements of the fabric also contribute to the dress alteration service’s cost. For instance, shortening and hemming a dress made of denim will require a seamstress to use a sewing machine with heavier-gauge needles and threads. Leather is a rare material to use in dresses, so altering a leather dress will usually cost 50% more than a fabric dress.
The skill level of the alteration or tailoring expert you choose also affects the cost of dress alterations. More often than not, professional seamstresses with decades of experience charge more than newer ones. Your location can also affect the cost of booking dress alteration services. A professional seamstress in a big city or state might have higher fees due to business costs such as storefront rental and taxes. Conversely, dress alteration costs are lower in rural areas.
According to Melissa Lynn Oddo, owner of deMelis Atelier and founder of Stitched Collective, it is atypical for a person to fall exactly into the designer's size chart, so alterations to one or more areas of the dress are to be expected. She considers standard alterations to include a hem, bustle, and some type of adjustment to the top or bottom of the gown. The average cost of these standard alterations is between $700 and $1000. However, the price can go lower for simpler alterations or higher for multiple pieces, complex changes, or high-level details.
On a David's Bridal-specific thread, dress alterations cost anywhere from $100 to $500. The average cost of alterations is in the $400-$600 range.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, all wedding dresses can be altered, but the extent of the alterations depends on the fabric, style, embellishments, and body type.
It is recommended that you buy your wedding dress 10 months before the wedding. This will leave enough time for fittings and tailoring.
Wedding dress alterations usually take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to complete. However, the timeline depends on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule.
During your first fitting, you should try on your wedding dress for the first time. Be direct with your seamstress about how you envision your dress looking and feeling, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Bring along the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day.
