Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dress alterations are a common way to ensure your dress fits you perfectly on your big day. But alterations can also be a great way to repurpose your wedding dress post-wedding, so you can wear it again and again. Whether it's simplifying details that make it feel too bridal, shortening the length, or adding a splash of colour, there are plenty of ways to alter your wedding dress so you can get more wear out of it.
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What You'll Learn
Shorten the length
Shortening the length of a wedding dress is a common post-wedding alteration. This can be done by removing the train, shortening the hem, or both.
Removing the train
Wedding dress trains can be bustled, meaning they can be lifted and secured to make it easier for the bride to move around. This can be done with a series of hooks, buttons, or ribbons. There are different styles of bustles, including the American or over bustle, where the train is gathered up and fastened over the rest of the skirt, and the ballroom bustle, where the train is folded beneath the skirt and fastened at several points so it is completely hidden. Alternatively, the train can be removed entirely.
Shortening the hem
Shortening the hem is the most common wedding dress alteration, as it ensures that the gown doesn't drag on the floor while walking or posing for photos. The ideal hemline should gently graze the floor when the bride is standing still. However, it's important to note that dressmakers often manufacture wedding dress hems extra long to fit taller brides, so shortening the hem may be necessary even if the bride didn't plan on altering the dress post-wedding.
Cost considerations
The cost of shortening a wedding dress can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations and the number of layers or ruffles in the dress. Simple hemming can cost around $75, while more complex alterations can cost upwards of $200. It's important to get multiple quotes from different seamstresses or tailors before deciding, as prices can vary significantly.
Timing considerations
It typically takes about three fittings before a bride's ensemble is ready to be worn, so it's important to plan ahead and schedule enough time for alterations. Additionally, the bride may need to lose weight or gain weight to fit into the altered dress, so this should also be considered when planning the timing of the alterations.
In conclusion, shortening the length of a wedding dress is a common and feasible post-wedding alteration. Whether removing the train, shortening the hem, or both, it's important to consider the cost and timing of such alterations and to work with a trusted seamstress or tailor to ensure the best results.
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Remove the train
Wedding dress trains have been around since medieval times, initially signifying wealth—the longer the train, the wealthier the family. Today, they add formality and fluidity to dresses and give the illusion of height. However, some brides opt to remove the train, especially if they are having a garden or beach wedding, or if they are petite, as a long train can look disproportionate.
If you are considering removing the train from your wedding dress, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you may want to consider the design of your dress and whether there are any decorations or embellishments on the train that you want to keep. If so, you may want to opt for a bustle instead of completely removing the train. A bustle is a series of hooks, buttons, or ribbons that lift the train, allowing the bride to move around comfortably. There are different styles of bustles, including the American or over bustle, where the train is gathered and fastened over the skirt; the ballroom bustle, where the train is folded and hidden beneath the skirt; and the French or under bustle, where the train tucks neatly beneath the skirt.
If you decide to go ahead with removing the train, you will need to cut off the fabric and hem the dress to your desired length. It is important to note that the weight of the train fabric can affect the way the skirt hangs, so you may need to adjust the hem to ensure the dress hangs evenly. You may also want to consider what to do with the fabric you remove—some brides choose to use it to create a veil or another accessory.
Finally, it is important to choose an experienced seamstress who can advise you on the best course of action for your specific dress and handle any special stitching or beading that may be affected by the alteration.
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Simplify details
Simplifying the details of your wedding dress is a great way to make it more wearable for future occasions. This can be achieved by removing intricate details such as lace, beading, or sleeves, transforming it into a simple silk design that can be styled in various ways.
One of the most popular ways to simplify a wedding dress is to shorten it. You can opt to keep it floor-length and remove the train, or go for a more dramatic change by cutting it to ankle, midi, or mini length. Shortening your dress takes away the bridal element, making it more versatile for different events. You can layer it with a roll-neck underneath or pair it with a jumper, jacket, or blazer for a casual look. For a more formal event, style it with heels, or go for a relaxed brunch vibe with boots.
Another way to simplify your wedding dress is to alter the neckline. Changing the neckline can give your dress a completely different feel and make it more suitable for everyday wear. A high neckline, for example, can be transformed into a more open, playful style, allowing you to pair it with various items in your wardrobe.
It's important to find a skilled seamstress or bridal alterations specialist who can guide you through the process and ensure that your dress is altered to your specifications. They will be able to advise you on the complexity of the changes and provide a cost estimate. The cost of simplifying your wedding dress will depend on factors such as the complexity of the alterations, the fabric type, and any additional embellishments that need to be removed or modified.
Remember, by simplifying the details of your wedding dress, you're giving it a new lease of life and creating a versatile garment that you can enjoy wearing again and again.
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Adjust the bust, waist, hips
Adjusting the bust, waist, and hips of a wedding dress is a common alteration to ensure a perfect fit. This process can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule. It is recommended that brides have 2 to 3 fittings to ensure the perfect fit, with the gown starting to take shape during the first fitting as the fitter pins and tucks the fabric to the bride's body.
When adjusting the bust, it is important to consider the size and shape of the bride's bust in relation to the dress. If the dress is too tight in the bust, a gusset can be added to the side seams to create more room. This technique is especially useful if the dress has a low backline, as it provides extra support. Additionally, the seamstress can add boning or mesh to provide more structure and ensure the dress stays in place. If the dress is too big in the bust, removing some of the padding in the bra or adding bra cups can help fill out the space and improve the fit.
Altering the waist of a wedding dress can be more visible than adjustments to the bust or back, so it is important to choose an appropriate technique. One option is to let out the darts in the dress bodice to increase the waist size. Another technique is to add a diamond gusset to the side seam, with the widest part of the diamond at the waistline, to create a flattering silhouette. If the waist is too big, the seams can be opened to release extra fabric, or a sash can be added to cinch the waist and improve the fit.
Adjusting the hips of a wedding dress can be more challenging, as gussets added to the hip seams will be visible. One option is to embrace this by using a contrasting colour fabric or creating a ruffle-tiered skirt to make it look intentional. Alternatively, godets can be added or the bottom of the dress can be refashioned to create a different silhouette that accommodates the hips.
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Add lace or beading
Adding lace or beading to a wedding dress is a great way to embellish it and make it more personalised. Brides often add embellishments to their wedding dresses to give them a unique touch.
If you want to add lace to your wedding dress, you can choose between appliques or lace by-the-yard. You can cut the lace by-the-yard into your desired shape and sew it onto the dress by hand. When sewing lace, it is best to use a running backstitch as the seams will not be under much stress. You can also add lace to create an illusion neckline and sleeves for a strapless dress.
Beads are a popular choice for DIY wedding dress embellishments. You can add beads to your wedding dress by sewing them on individually. When choosing beads, consider the weight of the fabric. If you are adding beads to the neckline, leave space under the arms to prevent chafing and discomfort. Adding beads to the neckline, hem, or in a line along the dress will not cause shrinkage, but covering a large area of the bodice with beads might.
You can also add both lace and beads to your dress. For example, you can cut out lace motifs, bead them, and then sew them onto the dress. This can add a touch of sparkle and glamour to a simple dress.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of wedding dress alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the changes, the fabric type and any additional embellishments. On average, prices range from $50 to $1,000.
The number of fittings depends on the style and size of the dress and the number of changes required. Brides can expect to attend two to three fittings.
Simplifying any details that make the dress feel too bridal can help make it more wearable. This could include removing lace details, beading or sleeves, shortening the length, or changing the neckline.
