Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dress alterations are an essential part of the bridal experience. While it may be tempting to think that the process ends with purchasing the dress, the reality is that most wedding dresses require some form of alteration to ensure a perfect fit. This may include shortening the hem, adjusting the bust, waist, and hips, or customising the sleeves, straps, and neckline. The good news is that bridal boutiques often have in-house seamstresses or can recommend trusted tailors, and with enough time and budget, these professionals can work their magic to enhance your gown and boost your confidence on the big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Necessity of alterations | Common and normal for wedding dresses to require alterations |
| Timing | Buy the dress 10 months before the wedding, schedule a fitting 8-12 weeks before, and a final fitting no later than 2 weeks before the wedding |
| Number of fittings | Typically 3 fittings, but depends on the style and size of the dress |
| Cost | Depends on the complexity of the alterations, with hem shortening costing €38-300 and strap adjustments costing €20-50 |
| Complexity | Alterations can be simple, like shortening straps, or more complex, like reworking the corset or cups |
| Customizations | Adding sleeves, straps, a slit, train loops, beading, bustles, buttons, bows, or removing fabric for an open back |
| Seamstress | Seek a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience working with wedding gowns, specifically the type and fabric of your dress |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding dress alterations are normal
Wedding dress alterations are a normal part of the process of buying a wedding dress. It is rare that a wedding dress will fit perfectly without some adjustments, and most dresses will require some alterations to ensure they fit the bride's body perfectly.
There are many different types of alterations that can be made to a wedding dress. One of the most common is hemming, as most wedding dresses are long and may need to be shortened. Adjustments to the bust, waist and hips are also popular, as well as adding or removing lining under sheer sleeves or panels for a more or less modest look. Brides may also want to add a bustle to their dress, which allows them to lift the train and move around the reception more easily. Other alterations include adding sleeves or straps, reworking the corset or cups, or accommodating a pregnancy.
The number of fittings required will depend on the style and size of the dress purchased, as well as the complexity of the alterations. In most cases, it takes around three fittings for a bride's ensemble to be ready to wear. The first fitting is a good opportunity to communicate any desired alterations to the seamstress, and the bride can see and feel what the dress will look like on her wedding day. The first fitting should take place eight to twelve weeks before the wedding, with a final fitting no later than two weeks before.
It is important to do your research and find a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience working with wedding gowns, particularly the type of dress you have purchased. Bridal boutiques will often have an in-house seamstress or be able to recommend a trusted tailor.
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Hemming is a common alteration
Wedding dress alterations are an integral part of the bridal fashion journey. While it may seem like your wedding dress experience is over once you've purchased your dress, your journey is actually far from over. As stylist Cindy Conroy says, "Tailoring your wedding dress is the secret sauce to having perfect confidence on your wedding day."
The ideal hem length varies from person to person. One bride may prefer her hem to "kiss the floor," while another may prefer a mini or midi dress. Regardless of the length, a well-fitted gown should support and shape the bust and accentuate and complement the body's shape.
Hemming a wedding dress can be labor-intensive, especially if the dress has beading and lace trim on the bottom. In this case, the seamstress must first lift the beading and lace trim, hem the dress, and then place the fabric back down.
To ensure that your wedding dress is picture-perfect when you walk down the aisle, it is important to give yourself plenty of time for alterations. Aim to start the alterations process at least two to three months before the wedding, and schedule a final fitting no later than two weeks before the big day.
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Seek a trusted tailor or seamstress
Wedding dress alterations are a normal part of the process of buying a wedding dress and are essential to achieving the perfect fit. It is therefore important to seek a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience working with wedding gowns, particularly the type of dress you are wearing.
Your bridal boutique will either have an in-house seamstress or will be able to recommend a trusted tailor or seamstress to do the job. You can also seek guidance from your bridal stylist, who may be able to recommend a seamstress in your area. When seeking a trusted tailor or seamstress, it is important to do your research. Read reviews, ask for recommendations from bridal salons, and inquire about their expertise in dealing with the specific fabrics, styles, or embellishments of your dress.
Consultations with a seamstress are usually free, and they can help you figure out a plan for alterations. If you know that you are going to train or lose weight for the wedding, a professional seamstress can take your changing body into account when making alterations. It is also helpful to be well-informed about your other style decisions, as a trained seamstress can help perfect your bridal look.
It is recommended that brides come in for their first fitting consultation about 2-3 months before their wedding. This allows ample time to alter the wedding dress, review bustle options, and ensure a flawless fit on their special day. The timeline ultimately depends on the bride's preferences and the extent of the alterations needed. Alterations can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule.
It is also important to bring your day-of essentials, such as your shoes and undergarments, to your fitting appointments to get a true fit.
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Alterations can be personalised
Wedding dress alterations are a normal part of the process of buying a wedding dress. It is unlikely that a wedding dress will fit perfectly without alterations, and these changes are an opportunity to personalise your dress.
During your first fitting, you can discuss your desired alterations with your seamstress. This is a chance to ensure your dress reflects your style and personality. For example, if you want more coverage, you can add sleeves or straps. You can also add a slit, make the dress strapless, or remove fabric to create an open back. If you want to add some sparkle, consider delicate beadwork or other embellishments. If you want to add some colour, consider a custom veil with appliques.
If you want to emphasise your bust, consider adding a lace-up corset, which also provides a customisable fit if you are anticipating weight fluctuations. You can also adjust the bust, waist, and hips to fine-tune the fit of your dress. If you are a "C" cup or larger, you may want to avoid a low backline and instead consider adding boning or mesh for support.
Hemming is a very common alteration, as wedding dresses often come long to accommodate taller customers. You can also adjust the train length to make it easier to move around during the reception.
It is recommended that you start the alterations process two to three months before your wedding, to allow for multiple fittings and adjustments.
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Allow time for multiple fittings
Wedding dress alterations are usually more complicated and time-consuming than the average dress alteration. Bridal salons and seamstresses recommend that you have at least three fittings. The first fitting typically takes an hour, with the tailor assessing the dress and the alterations needed. The bride will meet the artisan fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until her wedding day.
The gown will start to take shape when the fitter starts pinning and tucking the fabric and sculpting it to the bride's body. At the second fitting, the bride should have a better idea of how the gown will fit. If a third fitting is required, the seamstress will fine-tune any last-minute modifications needed to ensure the dress is perfect.
It is recommended that brides schedule their first fitting about two to three months before their wedding. This allows ample time to alter the wedding dress, review bustle options and ensure a flawless fit. The first fitting is also the best time to determine your alterations needs. The timeline ultimately depends on the bride's preferences and the extent of alterations needed.
It is also important to bring your wedding shoes and the undergarments that you will be wearing with your gown to all of your bridal fittings. These items are essential for your fitting and will allow your seamstress to make the alterations as precise as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, every wedding dress needs alterations to some degree. Wedding dresses are often ordered in a standard size and then tailored to the bride's body. Alterations ensure that the dress fits perfectly and meets the bride's specifications.
It is recommended to start the alterations process 2-3 months before the wedding, allowing ample time for multiple fittings and adjustments. Buying the dress 10 months before the wedding is ideal, as it leaves enough time for fittings and tailoring.
Typically, it takes about three fittings for a bride's ensemble to be ready. The number of fittings may vary depending on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule.
Common alterations include hemming the dress to the appropriate length, adjusting the bust, waist, and hips, adding or removing lining for modesty, and bustling the dress to manage the train. Other alterations may include adding sleeves or straps, inserting boning for support, and personalizing with beadwork or appliqués.
Your bridal boutique may have an in-house seamstress or can recommend a trusted tailor. It is important to seek a professional with experience in wedding gowns, particularly with the type of dress you are wearing. Research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from bridal salons regarding their expertise in specific fabrics, styles, and embellishments.
