Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dress alterations are a common phenomenon, and it is possible to make a wedding dress bigger. This is often done by letting out the dress, which means using the extra fabric from the seam allowances to increase the size. However, this method may not work for all dresses, especially those made from delicate fabrics or those that have been previously altered. In such cases, discreet panels can be added to make the dress bigger, but fabric matching may be challenging. Another option is to replace the zip with a lace-up corset back, providing more room and adjustability. While these alterations are possible, they can be costly, and it is generally recommended to buy a dress that is bigger rather than smaller to minimize extensive modifications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feasibility | Depends on multiple factors, including the fabric, previous alterations, and availability of extra fabric |
| Cost | Can be expensive, ranging from $300 to $500 or more |
| Professional Recommendation | Buy bigger rather than smaller, as it is easier to take down the size than increase it |
| Fabric Considerations | Chiffon or organza may be challenging to alter, while satin or lace are more forgiving |
| Seam Allowance | New wedding dresses usually have larger seam allowances, allowing them to be let out up to 1" |
| Secondhand Dresses | May have been previously altered, making it more challenging and expensive to resize |
| Online Orders | Sizing may not always be accurate, and the dress may not fit as expected |
| Solutions | "Letting out" the dress by using fabric from inside the seams, adding panels, or replacing a zip with a lace-up corset |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress alterations can be expensive
The fabric of the wedding dress also influences the cost of alterations. Alterations for gowns made of silk or satin are more expensive because they require delicate hand stitching. Similarly, dresses with intricate details, such as lace, beadwork, or embellishments, will likely incur additional charges. Redesigning or customizing a wedding dress can cost anywhere from $200 to over $1000, depending on the complexity of the changes.
It is recommended to plan alterations 4-5 months in advance to avoid additional rush fees, which can be more than $25 per service. It is also important to bring your undergarments, shoes, and accessories to each fitting to ensure the alterations account for your complete wedding look. Additionally, wearing the right shoes during the fitting will help the seamstress adjust the hem to the correct length.
To avoid last-minute financial surprises, it is crucial to discuss the type and number of alterations needed and get a detailed receipt or written agreement outlining the work and associated costs. Shopping around for quotes from different seamstresses or tailors can also help manage expectations and budgets.
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Seek a professional seamstress or tailor
If your wedding dress is feeling a little snug, don't panic. The first step is to seek a professional seamstress or tailor. An experienced seamstress will be able to assess the dress and advise on the best course of action to ensure a perfect fit. They will consider the dress's design, fabric, and seam allowance to determine the feasibility of modifications. For example, a dress made from chiffon or organza may be more challenging to alter than one made from satin or lace.
When consulting with a seamstress, be sure to bring the dress with you and try it on if possible. This will allow the seamstress to see how close the dress is to fitting and identify any areas that need adjustments. They will also be able to advise on the potential costs of alterations, which can vary depending on the complexity of the work required.
One common method of making a dress bigger is by "letting it out". This involves using the extra fabric found in the seam allowances to increase the size of the dress without making any structural changes. Most dresses have seams under the arms that can be let out by around 1-2 cm, providing a little extra room. However, this method may not be suitable for all dresses, especially those with delicate fabrics, as it can sometimes leave visible stitch marks.
In some cases, discreet panels can be added to the dress to increase its size. A skilled seamstress can match the fabric and style of the original dress, ensuring a seamless look. Additionally, replacing a zip with a lace-up corset back can add extra room and provide adjustability for future fluctuations in size.
It is important to remember that making a wedding dress bigger may come with challenges and expenses. The feasibility of alterations depends on multiple factors, including the dress's design, fabric, and available seam allowance. Therefore, it is always best to consult with a professional seamstress or tailor to ensure the integrity of the dress is maintained.
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Buy bigger, not smaller
It is generally recommended to buy a wedding dress that is bigger rather than smaller, as it is easier to alter a dress to be smaller than it is to make it bigger. Wedding dresses can be made bigger, but it may be a complex and costly process.
When buying a wedding dress, it is important to consider the possibility of weight fluctuations and leave some room for adjustments. If you buy a dress that is too small, you may end up spending a significant amount of money on alterations, and even then, it may not be possible to achieve the perfect fit.
Fabric type is an important consideration when assessing the feasibility of making alterations. Dresses made from certain fabrics, such as chiffon or organza, may be more challenging to alter significantly compared to those made from more forgiving materials like satin or lace. Additionally, the structure and style of the dress should be taken into account. A dress with a zip closure, for example, may be more difficult to alter than one with a lace-up corset, which offers some adjustability.
If you are considering purchasing a second-hand wedding dress, keep in mind that it may have already been altered by the previous owner. This could limit the options for further alterations, especially if you need to make the dress bigger. In some cases, the previous alterations may have removed the extra fabric in the seam allowances, making it more challenging to let the dress out.
To ensure you make an informed decision, it is advisable to consult a professional seamstress or tailor. They can assess the dress and provide guidance on the modifications that are possible without compromising the integrity of the garment.
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Letting out a dress: using fabric from inside seams
Before letting out a wedding dress, it is important to determine whether it is possible to do so. The dress should have been sewn with extra fabric at the seams, which can be used to let it out. Turn the dress inside out and examine the side seams. If there is extra fabric at the side seam, it will be folded along the seam. Removing the stitches will unfold the extra fabric. If the dress has an enclosed seam with two lines of stitching, removing the first line of stitching will grant access to some extra fabric.
Once it has been determined that the dress can be let out, the amount of extra fabric required needs to be calculated. This can be done by turning the dress inside out and trying it on. Using a marking pen, mark the fabric from the top of where it starts to get tight to the bottom where it starts to fit more comfortably. This will indicate how much of the seam needs to be removed.
Next, remove the seam at one of the sides of the dress, starting at the top mark and ending at the bottom mark. Care should be taken not to rip any of the fabric while removing the stitches. If the dress has an enclosed seam, no further sewing is required. However, if the dress had an extra amount of folded fabric, the fabric will need to be sewn back up.
It is important to note that letting out a dress will only provide a few extra inches of room, as no additional fabric is being used. Additionally, the colour of the fabric in the seam may differ from the rest of the dress, making it obvious that alterations have been made. Wedding dress alterations can be expensive, so it is recommended to consider the budget before proceeding with any changes.
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Discreet panels can be added to make a dress bigger
Wedding gowns are often small, and it is usually necessary to go at least one dress size up from what you would normally wear. It is much better to buy a dress that is too big rather than too small. However, if you find yourself in a situation where your wedding dress is too small, there are ways to make it bigger.
The process of adding fabric panels can be challenging, especially if you have little experience in sewing alterations. However, with patience and attention to detail, you can successfully make your dress bigger and ensure a comfortable fit. It is important to have some basic sewing skills and the right tools on hand before beginning the process. You should be comfortable using a sewing machine and a seam ripper. Accurate measurements are vital to successfully enlarging a dress. Always double-check your measurements to ensure they are precise before adding any fabric. When choosing fabric to add to your dress, consider the original fabric's weight, pattern, and texture. Using a lighter or much heavier fabric can result in an unbalanced or awkward appearance. You should also select a fabric that complements the original dress, whether it's a matching colour or a contrasting pattern.
Fabric panels can be added to the back, sides, or underarms of a dress, or you can adjust the dress seams to provide extra room in the bodice, waist, or hips. Stitching these additions neatly and securely is important to maintain the overall look and durability of the dress.
If your dress bodice has darts, you can let them out to make the waist bigger. If your dress has a gathered skirt, you can easily let it out by removing the elastic and replacing it with a larger one.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wedding dresses can be made bigger. However, it is easier to make a dress smaller than bigger.
One way to make a wedding dress bigger is to "let out" the dress, which means using the extra fabric from inside the seams. Another way is to add discreet panels to the dress.
Most dresses have a seam down each side under the arm, and each of these seams can be let out around 1-2 cm.
The cost of making a wedding dress bigger can vary. Some people have reported costs of $300 to $500 for general alterations, while others have reported costs of $375 for all alterations, including hem length, side panels, bustle, and adjusting the shoulders.
