Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dress alterations are an essential part of achieving the perfect fit for your big day. Whether you've bought off-the-rack or had your dress made to measure, alterations ensure your dress fits your body and your vision. The process typically involves three fittings, with the first taking place around three months before the wedding. During these appointments, a seamstress will pin and adjust your dress to your specifications, whether that's adjusting the hemline, adding straps, or taking in the waist. The cost of alterations varies depending on the complexity of the changes, but it's important to choose an experienced professional who can handle your dress with care. With their expertise, you can walk down the aisle confident that your dress is not only stunning but also comfortable and made for you.
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What You'll Learn
Hemming the length of your dress
Hemming the length of your wedding dress is a common alteration. This involves adjusting the hemline so that you can walk, dance, and move with ease on your special day. It is often done to floor-length gowns so that you don't accidentally step on or trip over the fabric of your dress. However, this adjustment isn't just for long dresses; a wedding dress seamstress can also adjust the hem on mini and midi lengths so that it hits just where you want it to.
When deciding on the length, it is important to consider the type of shoe you plan to wear on your wedding day. Bring your wedding shoes to your fitting so your seamstress can hem your dress to the perfect length. If you are wearing flats, you may want to switch to heels for the reception, which will lift the hem of your dress. If you are wearing heels, you may want to change into flats, which will lower the hem. If you are wearing a floor-length dress, the hem should gently graze the floor, allowing you to move around comfortably.
The process of hemming a wedding dress can vary depending on the style and fabric of the dress. For example, if your dress has intricate lace or embellishments at the bottom, you may want to preserve as much length as possible to showcase these details. If your dress has a train, you may want to leave it unhemmed, but this can look unfinished, especially if there is no lace or beading to cover the raw edge. A bagged hem, or Hong Kong hem, is a technique where the outer fabric is sewn to the lining fabric at the hem, with the seam edges inside the garment.
Hemming a wedding dress typically involves measuring, pinning, and sewing the fabric to the desired length. It is important to do your research and choose a trusted tailor or seamstress who has experience working with wedding gowns, especially if your dress has intricate details or multiple layers of fabric. Give yourself enough time for multiple fittings and adjustments, and don't be afraid to speak up if you want the length adjusted.
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Adjusting the bust
Wedding dress alterations are an essential part of the dress shopping process. While it is uncommon to find a wedding dress that fits perfectly, a few small tweaks can make the dress feel custom-made. Adjusting the bust is a common alteration, as each body is unique and the fashion industry cannot possibly make 100% fitted items for everyone.
When adjusting the bust of a wedding dress, it is important to first take measurements of the bust and the dress. If there is extra space in the bust, the side seams can be adjusted to take in the fabric. It is important to take equal measurements from both sides so that the dress hangs correctly. More fabric may be taken in at the top of the bust than at the bottom. Once the measurements are marked, the excess fabric can be pinned, and the seams can be adjusted accordingly.
If the bust of the dress is too tight, the seam ripper can be used to gently remove the seams. Again, this process should be done on all four sides: front right, front left, back right, and back left. After making adjustments, the seams can be closed, and the dress can be turned inside out to check the placement of ribbons and new seams.
It is recommended that brides seek a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience working with wedding gowns and the specific fabric, style, and embellishments of their dress. Bridal boutiques will often have an in-house seamstress or be able to recommend a trusted tailor. It is also important to bring the wedding shoes and undergarments to the fitting so that the tailor can adjust the hemline to the correct length and assess how the dress sits on the body.
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Taking in the waist
The easiest way to take in a wedding dress at the waist is to put the dress on inside out and pin the waist where you want to take it in. Chalk can be used to mark the pinned area. After removing the pins, carefully sew along the chalk line, then turn the dress right side out. Pinning allows you to see how much fabric needs to be taken in and how the dress will fit once altered. You could also try fusible tape, but this is only a temporary solution.
Another method to take in the waist of a wedding dress is to add vertical darts on the front and back. Darts are small folds of fabric that help to create shape and a more tailored fit. They are easy to add, and if you don't like how they look, you can always remove them.
If you are taking in the waist of your wedding dress yourself, it is important to remember that multiple fittings may be required. The first fitting will typically last about an hour as the tailor assesses the dress and the alterations needed. Subsequent fittings should be shorter as the dress gets closer to the perfect fit. Depending on the complexity of the alterations, you may need to budget for the cost of the adjustments.
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Adding straps or altering the neckline
Adding Straps
If you have basic sewing skills and equipment, it is possible to add straps to a strapless wedding dress. You can decide what kind of straps you want, such as straight back straps or cross back straps, and choose a fabric that matches your dress. If you are using lace, hand-stitching is recommended over machine sewing to avoid snags. You can also add decorative straps with lace or a different texture to add interest to a simple dress. If you are unsure, consider getting the straps professionally tailored.
Altering the Neckline
Altering the neckline can be a more complex process, as it may require the expertise of a skilled seamstress to preserve the original beauty of the dress. A popular option is to transform a straight neckline into a sweetheart neckline, which forms a soft heart shape across the bust for a romantic and feminine look. Another timeless option is the bateau neckline, which extends along each collarbone, drawing attention upwards towards your face. You can also add coverage with an off-the-shoulder neckline or incorporate a soft mesh for a sexy yet supportive look.
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Choosing a tailor or seamstress
Altering a wedding dress is a highly skilled job, and it is important to choose a tailor or seamstress who has experience working with wedding gowns. The right professional will ensure your dress fits you perfectly, enhancing the lines of your body and giving you confidence on your special day.
Firstly, decide whether you need a seamstress or a tailor. Seamstresses are experts in sewing, working primarily with seams, fabrics, and hemlines. They can make adjustments to the length of your dress, sleeves, and other small changes. Tailors, on the other hand, specialize in creating or altering custom-fit clothing. If you are looking for a complete transformation or have a unique design in mind, a tailor is your best option.
Next, determine your exact needs. Do you want simple alterations, or do you want to drastically change the layout of your dress? Once you know what you want, you can start looking for a professional who specializes in that area.
When choosing a tailor or seamstress, it is important to do your research. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and inquire about their expertise with the specific fabrics, styles, and embellishments of your dress. Check that they have experience working with wedding gowns, particularly dresses similar to yours. You can ask them how many years of experience they have and how many wedding gowns they have altered. It is also a good idea to choose someone you find easy to communicate with, who understands your vision and can explain any limitations.
While cost should not be the primary factor, it is important to consider your budget. Ask for a rough estimate of the work you need to be done, and bear in mind that complex alterations will cost more and take longer to complete.
Finally, remember that you are not obliged to use the in-house tailoring service of the store where you bought your dress. You may find that independent seamstresses or tailors offer excellent work at a lower price. However, if you do choose to go with an in-house service, they may be more likely to rectify any issues that arise.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dresses are made in generic sizes, so it's rare that a bride's body will perfectly match a designer's dress. Alterations ensure that the bride's wedding dress fits her perfectly, meets her specifications, and makes her feel her most beautiful.
Your bridal salon may offer tailoring services in-house, which is a huge time-saver. If not, they will likely be able to recommend a trusted professional who specialises in wedding dress alterations. Before entrusting your wedding dress to an alterations specialist, be sure to do your research and seek a trusted tailor or seamstress with experience working with wedding gowns, particularly the type of dress you are wearing.
Aim to start the alterations process at at least two to three months before the big day to allow for multiple fittings and adjustments. It's super important to call whoever will be doing your alterations to find out their preferred timeline.
Bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day, as these can greatly impact the fit of your gown. Donning a pair of stilettos will require your wedding dress hemline to be a different length than if you're opting for a pair of flats.
