Junior Rasmussen
Custom alterations are an essential part of the wedding dress shopping process. Bridal salons and seamstresses recommend at least three fittings, with the first taking place three months before the wedding, the second a month before, and the final fitting two weeks before. The first fitting is the longest, especially if extensive customizations are being made, such as adding sleeves, straps, or beading, or altering the neckline, train length, or silhouette. The cost of these alterations varies, with some salons charging per service and others a flat fee. While it is easier to take in a wedding dress that is too big, a professional seamstress can also let out a dress that is too small. Custom alterations ensure that a bride's dress fits her body perfectly and reflects her unique style.
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What You'll Learn
Customisations and adjustments
The first step is to find a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience working on wedding gowns, particularly the type of dress you have. Bridal salons can recommend in-house seamstresses who have likely worked on the same dress or similar styles. The first fitting is when the fitter starts sculpting the dress to your body, and this appointment usually lasts about an hour.
Customisations can include adding off-the-shoulder straps, sleeves, changing the train length, adding lace appliqués, beading, bustles, buttons, or a belt. You can also add a corset or boning for a customisable fit if you anticipate weight fluctuations. These customisations can be made by the seamstress during the alterations process, or directly through the designer before the dress arrives at the bridal store.
Other adjustments include resizing the dress. While it's easier to take in a dress, a professional seamstress can let out the seams by one to two inches if your dress is too small. For more significant size increases, they can add a lace-up corset back or fabric panels. Hemming is another common alteration to ensure the dress doesn't drag on the floor, and so you can walk and dance without tripping over.
The number of fittings will depend on the number of changes, but brides typically attend two to three fittings. The first fitting is when the seamstress starts pinning and tucking the fabric to your body, and you can discuss any custom changes. The second fitting should give you a better idea of how the gown will fit, and the third is for last-minute modifications.
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Achieving the perfect fit
Most dresses can be let out by one to two inches, but if you need to go up several sizes, a seamstress can add a lace-up corset back or fabric panels to the sides of the bodice. If you have lost weight, the dress will be taken in at each fitting, and if you have gained weight, the seams can be opened to release extra fabric. If there is not enough fabric to work with, more can be ordered from the designer.
The number of fittings you will need depends on the number of changes to the dress, but most brides will need two to three fittings. The first fitting will be the longest, at around one hour, and this is when the fitter will start pinning and tucking the fabric to sculpt it to your body. The second fitting will give you a better idea of how the gown will fit, and the third (if required) will be for any last-minute modifications.
It is recommended that you start the alterations process at least two to three months before the wedding, and that the final fitting takes place one to two weeks before the big day, as your body is unlikely to change much in the final weeks. It is also important to bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear to each fitting, as these can affect the fit of the dress.
As well as achieving the perfect fit, alterations can be made to add design elements that make the dress more comfortable or more in line with your vision. This could include adding straps, sleeves, a train, beading, buttons, or a bustle to make it easier to move from the ceremony to the reception.
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Cost and timing
The cost of custom alterations to a wedding dress can vary depending on the type and extent of the changes. On average, brides should expect to spend around $1,000 on alterations, but this can range from $50 to $1,000. Some salons charge per service, which can be upwards of $200 for specific alterations, while others charge a flat fee of around $500 to $900 to cover all the changes.
The type of customisation will affect the cost. For example, adding straps to a wedding dress should cost no more than $200, whereas adding lace or beading to those straps will increase the price. Hemming a wedding dress usually ranges from $125 to $450, while adding a bustle averages between $75 to $175. Adding a corset to the back of a wedding gown is a standard alteration, typically costing between $100 and $300. More extensive changes, such as adding sleeves, train length, lace appliqués, beading, buttons, or adjusting the silhouette, can cost a few hundred dollars.
The timing of the alterations is also important. Brides should aim to start the alterations process at least two to three months before the wedding to allow for multiple fittings and adjustments. The first fitting will typically last one hour, with subsequent fittings taking less time as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. The final fitting should take place one to two weeks before the wedding, as the bride's body is unlikely to change significantly during this time.
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Choosing a seamstress
Wedding dress alterations are typically done by a professional seamstress or tailor. It is important to choose a skilled and reliable seamstress to achieve a perfectly tailored wedding dress. Here are some tips for choosing a seamstress:
- Experience: Ensure that the seamstress has experience working with wedding gowns, specifically with the type of dress you have. They should have expertise in dealing with the specific fabrics, styles, and embellishments of your dress.
- Recommendations and reviews: Ask for recommendations from bridal salons, recently married friends or family members, or colleagues. Check online reviews on sites like Yelp or the seamstress's website to hear about other brides' experiences.
- Communication: Choose a seamstress who understands your vision and can explain the limitations of your garment and fabric. Effective communication ensures that they can bring your dream dress to life.
- Samples of work: Look for examples of their altered pieces to gauge their skill and style. This can help you determine if they are the right fit for your desired alterations.
- Price quotes: Call around and get price estimates from different seamstresses. Inquire about their prices for specific alterations, such as taking in the sides or shortening the dress. This can help you compare rates and fit your budget.
- Timeline: Discuss the timeline for alterations with the seamstress. Major changes to the design or accommodating a pregnancy may require budgeting extra weeks for the process.
- In-house vs. independent: You can consider using the in-house seamstress at the shop where you purchased your dress. They may have better access to replacement fabric and matching buttons. However, independent seamstresses who specialize in wedding attire can also provide excellent alterations at more affordable rates.
Remember, alterations are an essential part of the wedding dress process to ensure your gown fits perfectly and makes you feel your best on your special day. Take the time to find a trusted and experienced seamstress who understands your vision and can deliver the desired alterations.
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Accessories and styling
Customisations can include changing the neckline, adding or removing sleeves, adding a bow, or a detachable train. Adding a belt or other accessories is another way to personalise a wedding dress without making extensive modifications.
For brides who want to add some sparkle to their dress, customisations can include beading, lace appliqués, and buttons. For a figure-hugging silhouette, specialised corsets can be installed. Customisations can also include adding a bustle, sewing cups into the bodice, or raising the hem.
For brides who want to stand out, adding a unique sleeve or shrug can be a great way to make a statement without making drastic changes to the dress. Customisations are also a great way to ensure a dress is functional and wearable, such as adjusting the strap length or taking in the side seams.
The possibilities for customising a wedding dress are endless, and a skilled seamstress or bridal stylist can help bring a bride's unique vision to life, ensuring the dress is not only a perfect fit but also a reflection of the bride's individuality and style.
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Frequently asked questions
Aim to start the alterations process two to three months before the wedding to allow for multiple fittings and adjustments.
The cost of custom alterations varies depending on the type of work required. Simple tasks like cutting a new dress neckline may cost around $50, while more complex changes like adding lace or beading can cost a few hundred dollars. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee.
Common custom alterations include hemming the length of the dress, altering the neckline, adding sleeves or straps, and resizing the dress.
Bring the shoes, undergarments, shapewear, and jewellery you plan to wear on your wedding day, as these can impact the fit of your gown.
The number of fittings depends on the number of changes required, but brides should typically expect two to three fittings. If extensive customizations are being made, an additional fitting may be necessary.
