Franklin Dean
Wedding dress alterations are a common concern for brides-to-be, especially with the rise of online orders and second-hand purchases. The good news is that wedding dresses can be made bigger, but the process and cost will depend on various factors. Most wedding dresses are designed with extra fabric along the seams, allowing for adjustments. Seamstresses can work with these seam allowances to let out the dress, but the amount of adjustment possible depends on the construction and available seam allowance. Another popular method is to replace the zipper with a lace-up corset back, providing an adjustable fit. However, significant size alterations may affect the dress's overall proportions and intricate designs, so it's recommended to buy bigger rather than smaller.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a wedding dress be made bigger? | Yes, in most cases, wedding dresses can be altered to a larger size. |
| Techniques | Seam allowance adjustments, adding panels, replacing a zip with a lace-up corset, adjusting the back |
| Factors impacting feasibility | Style, material, embellishments, initial size difference, original construction, available seam allowance |
| Average cost | $300+ for general alterations |
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What You'll Learn
Seam allowance adjustments
To determine if your wedding dress can be let out, turn it inside out and measure the seam allowance from the seam stitching to the end of the fabric. If the seam allowance is 1/4 inch or less, letting out the seams may not be possible, and other alteration options should be considered.
If your dress has sufficient seam allowance, a seamstress can undo the stitching on the side seams and let out the seams to make the dress bigger. This method typically allows for increasing the dress size by one or two sizes. If more space is needed, the seamstress may also let out the zipper allowance or add a zipper extender at the back.
It is important to note that the colour of the fabric in the seam may differ from the rest of the dress after letting it out, which can be noticeable. Additionally, fabric matching may be challenging if the bodice is made of panels and additional panels need to be added. Nevertheless, with skilled seamstresses and tailors, there are usually options to adjust the size of your wedding dress.
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Corset backs
A wedding dress can be made bigger by adding a corset back. This involves removing the back zipper and replacing it with a lace-up corset, which offers more flexibility in sizing for the waist and bust than a traditional zipper. This alteration method can be particularly useful if the dress fits well everywhere except the back, which cannot be zipped up.
To add a corset back, the zipper needs to be removed down to the spot where it can no longer be zipped up. The zipper should be cut about half an inch above this point, folded over, and sewn. The next step is to determine the number of loops needed for the corset, which are typically spaced about 1 to 1.5 inches apart. The loops can be created by sewing bias strips together and then sewing them onto the dress, or by hand-stitching smaller ribbon loops, which does not require removing the zipper. A modesty panel can also be added by pinning and stitching it to the inside left edge of the dress opening, which will stay in place once the corset is laced and tied.
Adding a corset back to a wedding dress can be a relatively simple alteration, but it may be costly, and it is recommended to consult a professional seamstress or tailor specialising in wedding dresses. It is important to consider the fabric and structure of the dress, as well as the potential for fabric matching issues when making alterations.
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Fabric type
Silk is a popular choice for wedding dresses, with different types of silk available, including dupion, gazar, and chiffon. Dupion is a heavy, pure silk fabric with a rough, organic texture and a stunning sheen. It is thicker and more durable than traditional silk but still drapey, effortless, and breathable, making it ideal for any time of year and a variety of wedding gown styles. Gazar, made from wool or silk, has a smooth and crisp look, similar to organza. Silk chiffon, on the other hand, is a lightweight, sheer, and transparent fabric often used as an overlay, in layers, or as an accent detail. It has a floaty and ethereal vibe, perfect for bohemian-style weddings.
Other popular fabric options for wedding dresses include satin, crepe, Mikado, tulle, organza, and taffeta. Satin is a heavy fabric that may be uncomfortable for summer weddings, while crepe and Mikado are lighter-weight alternatives. Tulle is a soft, stretchy, and knit fabric that is affordable and low-maintenance. Organza is a sheer, lightweight fabric similar to silk gazar, and taffeta is a more structured fabric that can be used to create dramatic silhouettes.
When choosing a fabric for a wedding dress, it is important to consider the season and formality of the wedding, as well as the desired silhouette and style. For example, a heavy satin gown may be uncomfortable for a summer wedding, while a sheer chiffon dress may not be warm enough for a winter wedding. Additionally, the fabric's durability should be considered, as it will need to withstand a full day of wear, including dancing and other activities.
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Second-hand dresses
While it is possible to make a wedding dress bigger, it is significantly easier to get a second-hand dress altered to be smaller than bigger. This is because a second-hand dress has likely already been altered by the previous owner, and the larger seam allowance that a new dress typically includes may have been trimmed out during these previous alterations.
If you are set on a particular second-hand dress that is too small, there are still options. For example, a seamstress could add panels to the bodice of the dress, although fabric matching may be an issue. You could also discuss with a tailor that specialises in wedding dresses whether the back of the dress could be altered to be a low back.
If you are considering buying a second-hand dress, it is important to ask the seller for a picture and a measurement of the seam allowance, and to check whether all seams are the same. This will help you to understand whether the dress can be altered to fit you.
There are many online marketplaces for pre-owned wedding dresses, such as Stillwhite, Borrowing Magnolia, Nearly Newlywed, and WeddingWire. These sites offer a wide range of styles, colours, and silhouettes, and allow you to find your dream dress at a fraction of the cost of a new dress. Buying second-hand is also a more sustainable option, ensuring that your dress will not be a 'one-and-done' deal.
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Boutique experiences
Wedding dress shopping can be a stressful experience, especially if you're concerned about finding a gown that fits you perfectly. The good news is that bridal boutiques are equipped to handle such situations and ensure that you feel comfortable and confident on your special day. Here are some insights into what you can expect from boutique experiences when it comes to making a wedding dress bigger:
Expertise and Guidance:
Boutiques often have in-house seamstresses or tailors who are skilled in assessing the feasibility of modifications. They can provide valuable guidance on what alterations are possible without compromising the integrity of the dress. These experts will work with you to ensure your dress fits your body perfectly and meets all your specifications.
Flexibility in Sizing:
Boutiques understand that sizes can vary across designers, and they may have limited sizes available for each dress. However, they have various techniques to ensure you can still experience your dream dress. They may use seam allowance adjustments, where extra fabric along the seams is let out to accommodate a larger size. The amount of adjustment depends on the original construction and available seam allowance, with larger sizes generally offering more flexibility.
Corset Backs and Modesty Panels:
Another popular method to increase the size of a wedding dress is by adding a corset back. This involves replacing the zipper with a fabric panel and lacing, providing an adjustable fit while adding elegance to the design. A modesty panel can also be added underneath the lacing to ensure the dress is bigger and adjustable, accommodating any weight changes before the big day.
Discreet Panels:
In cases where there isn't enough fabric to let out the dress, discreet panels can be added to make it bigger. This ensures that any adjustments blend seamlessly with the original design, maintaining the beauty of your gown.
Fabric Considerations:
Boutique seamstresses will also consider the fabric of your dress when advising on alterations. Certain fabrics, like chiffon or organza, may be more challenging to alter significantly compared to more forgiving materials like satin or lace.
Cost of Alterations:
It's important to discuss the cost of alterations with your boutique, as it can vary. Typical wedding dress alterations can range from $150 to $600, but bigger customizations may cost up to $1,000. The cost may depend on whether the boutique charges a flat fee or individual alteration fees.
Remember, finding a reputable and experienced seamstress or tailor through a boutique is crucial to ensuring your wedding dress alterations are skillfully executed, enhancing the beauty and fit of your gown for that special walk down the aisle.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wedding dresses can be made bigger. However, the process and cost will depend on the dress's original construction, available seam allowance, style, material, embellishments, and initial size difference.
Two popular methods for increasing the size of a wedding dress are seam allowance adjustments and adding a corset back. The former involves letting out the dress to accommodate a larger size, while the latter provides an adjustable fit and adds elegance to the dress.
The amount a wedding dress can be enlarged depends on various factors, as mentioned above. A skilled seamstress will be able to advise on what alterations are possible without compromising the dress's integrity.
Yes, it is generally easier and more cost-effective to alter a dress to a smaller size than to make it bigger. It is recommended to buy a dress closer to your current size to minimize the need for extensive modifications.
If possible, try on the dress in person to see how close it is to fitting and if there is any seam allowance to make it bigger. Ask the seller for pictures and measurements of the seam allowance and whether all seams are the same. Remember that fabric matching may be an issue if additional panels need to be added.
