Lyla Dejesus
Getting a wedding dress tailored is an essential step in ensuring that you look and feel your best on your special day. Off-the-rack dresses may not always provide a perfect fit, as every body is different. Thus, tailoring allows you to customize your dress to flatter your unique shape and reflect your personal style. To achieve this, it is crucial to find a reliable and skilled tailor with experience in bridal alterations. The process typically involves multiple fittings, during which the tailor will assess and modify your dress to meet your desired specifications. It is recommended to start the alterations at least two to three months before the wedding, bringing along your wedding shoes and undergarments to achieve the perfect fit. The cost of alterations can vary depending on the extent of the changes, ranging from simple hem adjustments to more complex design modifications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Finding the right tailor |
| What to bring | Wedding shoes, undergarments, and any accessories you plan to wear with your dress |
| Number of fittings | 3-4 fittings |
| First fitting | Takes about an hour |
| Second fitting | Adjusting the bodice and working on the hem |
| Third fitting | Finalizing everything |
| Fourth fitting | Trying the dress on one last time and picking it up |
| Cost | $50 to $1,000 |
| Cost of salons | $225 to shorten your gown, $150 to resew seams |
| Flat fee | $500 to $900 |
| Design changes | $50 to cut a new dress neckline, a few hundred to add lace or beading, reshape the silhouette, or change the fabric |
| Time to buy a dress | 10 months before the wedding |
| First fitting | 8-12 weeks before the wedding |
| Final fitting | No later than 2 weeks before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Finding a tailor
Bridal Boutique Recommendations:
Many bridal boutiques have in-house seamstresses or tailors who can alter your gown. If your boutique doesn't have this service, they often have trusted professionals they can recommend. This can be a convenient option, as they are likely familiar with the styles and fittings of the dresses they sell.
Online Directories and Marketplaces:
Online resources like The Knot Marketplace allow you to browse experienced tailors and seamstresses in your area. Simply input your location and filter by "Alterations" to find local professionals. This can be a great way to discover skilled artisans and compare their services.
Word-of-Mouth Recommendations:
Ask around in your circle of friends and family, especially if someone you know has recently been married or had a similar tailoring need. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insights into the quality of a tailor's work and their reliability.
Online Research and Reviews:
Conduct online research to find tailors or seamstresses in your area, and don't forget to check their reviews. Reading testimonials from previous clients can give you a good idea of their skill, customer service, and whether they are worth considering for your wedding dress alterations.
Schedule Ahead:
Keep in mind that wedding dress alterations can take time, so it's essential to buy your dress early and schedule fittings accordingly. Aim to purchase your gown about 10 months before the wedding and start the alterations process at least 2-3 months before the big day. This allows for multiple fittings and any necessary adjustments.
Remember, finding a skilled and reliable tailor or seamstress is key to ensuring your wedding dress fits you like a glove and makes you feel your most beautiful on your special day.
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What to bring to fittings
Wedding dress alterations are an essential part of the bridal fashion journey. To make the most of your wedding dress alteration and fitting process, try out some different postures and movements to optimise fit, comfort, and structure. Walk around the room, sit, and dance to see how the dress feels in action. It is also helpful to bring someone close to you to make the experience more fun and relaxing, and to offer another perspective on how your accessories look with your dress.
- Shoes: Bring the exact shoes or a pair of similar height that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will help determine the length of your gown.
- Undergarments: Bring the shapewear and underwear you plan to wear on the big day. This will ensure the proper fit of your dress.
- Accessories: Bring any accessories you plan to wear, such as jewellery, gloves, a veil, or a tiara. This will help you and your tailor visualise your overall wedding day look.
- Notes: Bring a pen and notebook to jot down the details of the alterations, future alteration appointments, and any other notes about your experience.
- Maid of Honour or a Trusted Friend or Family Member: It is good to get a second opinion, and your maid of honour can learn how your gown works so she can help you get ready on the day.
Most wedding dresses are made in generic sizes, so it is rare that a bride's body will perfectly match a designer's dress. Therefore, alterations are an important step in achieving a dress that fits you like a glove and makes you feel your most beautiful.
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Timing and scheduling
It is recommended to buy your wedding dress early, leaving ample time for fittings and tailoring. On average, the first fitting should be scheduled about two to three months before the wedding. This allows time for any necessary alterations and ensures a flawless fit. If you are making significant changes to the design or accommodating a pregnancy, it is advisable to budget a few extra weeks.
The subsequent fittings will assess the alterations made and finalise any remaining adjustments. The final fitting typically takes place one to two weeks before the wedding. This timing ensures that your body is unlikely to undergo significant changes in the final weeks leading up to the big day.
It is important to note that the timing of your fittings may also depend on the availability and preferences of your chosen seamstress or tailor. Some professionals may have specific schedules they adhere to, so it is advisable to communicate with them directly to determine their preferred timeline.
Additionally, consider bringing along the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to each fitting. This will enable the tailor to assess the dress's fit and hemline accurately.
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Types of alterations
Wedding dress alterations are typically done during a fitting with a professional seamstress or tailor. The number of fittings varies, but three to four is common, with the first one taking place around eight to twelve weeks before the wedding, and the final one no later than two weeks before. The cost of alterations can range from $50 to $1,000, depending on the complexity of the alterations, the fabric type, and any additional embellishments. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee.
- Hemming: This is the most common alteration. It ensures the gown doesn't drag on the floor and prevents tripping. The ideal hem varies from person to person, but it generally depends on the silhouette of the dress and the height of the bride's shoes.
- Adjusting the bodice: This can include taking in the dress to conform to the bride's body, adjusting the bust, and tightening the shoulder straps.
- Adding a slit or train: This can be done to create a more dramatic look and feel to the dress.
- Changing the straps: This can be done to add off-the-shoulder straps or to create a strapless look.
- Adding sleeves: This is a popular alteration, especially for brides who want more coverage.
- Resewing seams: This may be necessary if the bride has lost or gained weight and the dress needs to be taken in or let out.
- Adding lace, beading, or other embellishments: These changes can be made to add more detail to the dress, but they can be labour-intensive and increase the cost.
- Reshaping the silhouette: This may be necessary if the bride's body shape has changed or if the dress is not flattering to their figure.
- Changing the fabric: This is usually only done if the original fabric is damaged or if the bride wants a completely different look.
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Cost of alterations
The cost of wedding dress alterations can vary depending on several factors. The average cost of dress alterations in the US ranges from $50 to $200, with wedding dress alterations ranging from $50 to $1000. Some salons charge per service, which can range from $25 to $225 for shortening a gown, while others charge a flat fee of around $500 to $900 for all the alterations needed to ensure a perfect fit. Design changes can also affect the cost, with prices ranging from $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the complexity of the change.
The skill level and location of the seamstress or tailor can also impact the price. Professionals with decades of experience tend to charge more, and those in big cities or states may have higher fees due to business costs. The complexity of the dress also matters; the more elaborate the design, the higher the cost. For example, altering a dress with intricate lace or beading will require hand sewing, which takes longer and costs more. Similarly, the thickness and machine requirements of the fabric can increase the cost of alterations. For instance, leather dresses usually cost 50% more to alter than fabric dresses.
It is worth noting that some boutiques include alteration costs with the purchase of a wedding dress, while others have in-house seamstresses or can recommend trusted tailors. It is generally recommended to start the alterations process at least two to three months before the wedding, with three to four fittings being the standard. The first fitting is for assessing the dress and the alterations needed, while the subsequent fittings make adjustments until the final one, where the bride tries on the dress one last time.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to buy your wedding dress 10 months before the wedding and schedule a fitting eight to 12 weeks before the wedding. The first fitting will typically last about an hour, and each subsequent fitting should take less time. It is also suggested to start the process at least four to six months before the wedding, especially if your dress requires extensive alterations.
Bring your wedding shoes, undergarments, and any accessories you plan to wear with your dress. Wearing the same shoes you'll be wearing on your wedding day ensures the hem length is accurate, while the right undergarments can help achieve the desired silhouette.
The cost of tailoring a wedding dress can vary depending on the specific alterations needed. Some salons charge per service, while others charge a flat fee. Expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $1,000 on wedding dress alterations.
