George Boyle
Wedding dress alterations are often done to achieve the perfect fit and enhance the overall appearance of the dress. This can be done by adjusting the bust, taking in the waist, and altering the hips. However, some brides may want to alter their wedding dress to wear it on another occasion. This can be done by shortening the dress, removing lace details, beading, or sleeves, or changing the neckline. The cost of altering a wedding dress can vary depending on the complexity of the alterations, the fabric type, and any additional embellishments, but it typically ranges from $150 to $800. It is recommended that brides have their first fitting consultation about 2-3 months before their wedding to ensure ample time for alterations.
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What You'll Learn
Shorten the length to ankle, midi or mini
Shortening a wedding gown can make it more wearable for occasions other than a wedding. One option is to keep the dress floor-length but remove the train. Alternatively, the dress can be shortened to ankle, midi, or mini length. This can make the dress more versatile and easier to style. For example, a shortened wedding dress can be worn with a roll-neck underneath or a jumper, jacket, or blazer on top. It can be paired with heels for a formal event or with boots for a more casual look.
When altering the length of a wedding gown, it is important to consider the type of fabric and any embellishments, as these factors can affect the complexity of the alterations and the cost. The number of fittings required will depend on the style and size of the original dress, as well as the number of changes needed. Typically, a bride can expect to attend two to three fittings.
The cost of shortening a wedding gown can vary depending on the salon and the specific service. Some salons charge per service, such as a flat fee for shortening the gown, while others charge a flat fee that covers all alterations. It is recommended to seek guidance from a bridal stylist, who can provide valuable insights into what adjustments will enhance the fit and overall look of the dress.
It is important to choose a reputable seamstress or tailor who has experience with wedding dress alterations. Many seamstresses work out of their homes or have their own businesses, while others work for a bridal shop. It is advisable to check if appointments are necessary and to plan the timeline accordingly, especially during high-traffic wedding seasons like spring and summer when seamstresses may be booked in advance.
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Remove lace, beading or sleeves
Removing lace, beading, or sleeves from a wedding gown can help to simplify the design, making it more suitable for everyday wear. This can be done by stripping the gown back to a simple silk design, which can then be styled with accessories.
Removing Lace
Lace sleeves can be removed or adjusted to achieve a perfect look and feel. The overall shape and design of the wedding dress impact how the lace sleeves can be altered. Some dresses feature bodices that limit sleeve alterations without affecting the fit of the entire gown. Brides should plan for at least 6–8 weeks if major sleeve alterations are needed. The cost of altering lace sleeves varies depending on the detail work and whether additional fabric or embellishments are needed.
If lace sleeves are too loose, they can be taken in by adjusting the seams. If they are too tight, additional lace or illusion fabric can be inserted for flexibility. Shortening the sleeves involves trimming excess lace while repositioning decorative elements to maintain the design. For better comfort, sleeve width can be adjusted by increasing the armhole size or adding underarm gussets.
Removing Beading
Beading is another feature that can be removed or added to a wedding dress. This is considered a custom change and can be requested during an alterations appointment.
Removing Sleeves
There are several ways to alter the sleeves of a wedding dress. A simple way to create cap sleeves or off-the-shoulder sleeves on a strapless wedding dress is to get matching chiffon or tulle, gently layer it into the width and shape you desire, and stitch it into the bodice. The fabric can be spread over your shoulder to create the "cap" style or draped beautifully around your arms. Even if your wedding dress isn’t strapless, you could still pair the off-the-shoulder sleeves with a spaghetti-strap bridal gown.
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Adjust the bust, waist and hips
Altering the bust, waist and hips of a wedding gown is a standard procedure to ensure the gown stays in place. This process involves a bridal seamstress or tailor, who will make adjustments to the dress as needed or requested.
The bust can be adjusted by adding soft mesh at the neckline or backline, providing support while maintaining a sexy look. This is a common request, as some women prefer a plunging neckline, while others opt for a more conservative higher neckline.
Taking in the waist is another standard alteration. Wedding dress sizing is determined by the largest measurement of the bride's body, so it is common for the waist to be taken in to ensure a perfect fit. This is a simple process for a skilled seamstress, as it is easier to remove fabric than to add it.
Adjusting the hips is another standard alteration to ensure the gown stays in place. This alteration will help to create a made-to-measure finish, ensuring the bride feels her most beautiful on her wedding day.
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Change the neckline
Altering the neckline of your wedding dress is a great way to make it more wearable and versatile. It can be customised to reflect your unique style and personality. The cost of altering the neckline can be as low as $50, but it can also cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the complexity of the design and the fabric type.
One popular option for altering the neckline is transforming it from a straight neckline to a sweetheart neckline. A sweetheart neckline forms a soft heart shape across the bust, creating a romantic and feminine look. This alteration can flatter various body types and add a touch of elegance to any dress style. An elegant bateau neckline is another timeless option that extends along each collarbone, drawing attention upwards towards your face.
If you prefer a more covered look or want to adapt your dress for different seasons, you can consider adding sleeves to your wedding dress. Long sleeves can provide warmth and elegance for autumn or winter weddings. When adding sleeves, you can infuse your unique style and personal flair into the gown.
It is important to find a good seamstress who can alter the neckline of your wedding dress. They will be able to advise you on the best way to alter the neckline to achieve the look you desire. Depending on the style and size of your dress, you may need to attend two to three fittings to ensure the perfect fit.
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Add beading or straps
Adding beading or straps is a great way to customise your wedding gown and make it stand out. It can also be a cost-effective way to transform your dress, with some salons charging as little as $50 to cut a new neckline or add straps, and $225 to shorten a gown.
If you want to add beading to your wedding gown, you can either do it yourself or consult a seamstress. Beading can be attached in a few different ways. Some beads are attached to a mesh netting fabric and then sewn into the gown, while others are connected in one long chain of thread, laid against the gown, and tacked every few inches. Another way is to attach the beads singly, one by one, which is the most labour-intensive method. If you are removing beads, you can use a seam ripper or small scissors to clip the thread, then gently pull on the thread to find the next bead.
If you want to add straps to your gown, it's important to consider the width of the straps and choose beading that is as close to this width as possible. You can then hand-sew the beading on top of the straps. If your gown already has straps, you may want to remove them and add new beaded straps, as this will give a nicer finish. Adding beading or straps can also help to make your gown more comfortable, as beaded straps can help to prevent a strapless gown from sliding down.
Whether you add beading or straps, it's important to consider the overall design of your gown and how these additions will fit in. For example, if there is no other beading on the dress, adding beaded straps may look a little odd. However, you can always add beading to other parts of the dress later on if you change your mind.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of alterations depends on the complexity of the changes, the fabric type, and any additional embellishments. On average, expect to pay between $150 and $800, but costs can range from $50 to $1,000.
The time required depends on the complexity of the alterations and the seamstress's schedule. It is recommended that brides come in for their first fitting consultation about 2-3 months before their wedding.
Common alterations include adjusting the bust, taking in the waist, adjusting the hips, hemming the length, and adjusting the neckline.
Your bridal boutique will either have an in-house seamstress or they can recommend a trusted tailor. You can also search for a bridal seamstress in your area, but be sure to read reviews to ensure your dress is in good hands.
Absolutely! Simplifying details that make the dress feel too bridal, such as removing lace, beading, or sleeves, can help make it more wearable for other occasions. Shortening the length can also make it feel less bridal. You can also dye the fabric or add accessories to change up the look.
