Deborah Chan
Wedding dress alterations are a common concern for brides-to-be, especially with the rise of online orders, and it is possible to make a wedding dress bigger. The first step is to consult a professional seamstress or tailor, who can assess the dress and recommend feasible modifications. While some dresses can be let out at the seams, others may require a corset back or additional fabric panels. The cost of these alterations can vary, but it is generally more challenging to increase the size of a dress than to make it smaller, and certain fabrics are more forgiving than others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Techniques | Seam allowance adjustments, corset backs, replacing a zip with a lace-up corset, adding discreet panels |
| Considerations | Style, material, embellishments, initial size difference, fabric type, stitch marks, cost |
| Recommendations | Consult a professional, purchase a dress closer to your current size, buy bigger rather than smaller |
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What You'll Learn
Consult a professional seamstress or tailor
Consulting a professional seamstress or tailor is highly recommended when considering making alterations to a wedding dress. They possess the expertise to assess the feasibility of modifications and provide valuable guidance on what adjustments are possible without compromising the dress's integrity. Their experience enables them to work with the dress's original construction, available seam allowance, and fabric type to determine the best course of action.
Skilled seamstresses are adept at working with seam allowances, which involve utilising the extra fabric along the seams to let out the dress and accommodate a larger size. They can advise on the amount of adjustment possible, as it depends on the original design and the available fabric. For dresses with limited seam allowance or insufficient fabric, discreet panels can be added to increase the size while preserving the dress's original appearance.
Professional tailors can also offer solutions such as replacing a zipper with a lace-up corset back. This method not only adds elegance to the dress but also provides adjustability, ensuring a perfect fit even if your weight fluctuates before the big day. A tailor can guide you on the suitability of this option based on the style and design of your dress.
Additionally, a reputable seamstress or tailor will provide realistic expectations and honest advice. They may suggest purchasing a dress closer to your current size to minimise extensive alterations, or they can recommend experienced colleagues if they are unable to accommodate your specific requests. Their expertise ensures that any modifications are skillfully executed, enhancing the beauty and comfort of your wedding gown for your special day.
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Assess feasibility of modifications
The feasibility of modifications to make a wedding dress bigger depends on several factors. Firstly, the amount of extra fabric available in the seam allowances will determine how much the dress can be let out. Most wedding dresses are designed with extra fabric along the seams, allowing for adjustments. Generally, larger sizes offer more flexibility due to the extra fabric. If there isn't enough fabric to let out, discreet panels can be added to make the dress bigger.
The style, material, embellishments, and initial size of the dress also play a role in determining the feasibility of modifications. For instance, intricate designs or delicate fabrics may be challenging to work with when making significant size alterations. Certain fabrics, such as chiffon or organza, might be more difficult to alter extensively compared to more forgiving materials like satin or lace.
Another option for making a wedding dress bigger is to replace the zipper with a lace-up corset back. This method provides adjustability and can add elegance to the dress. However, in some cases, the dress style or fabric may not be suitable for this type of alteration.
It is crucial to consult with a skilled and experienced seamstress or tailor who can assess the dress and provide guidance on the feasibility of modifications. They will be able to determine the best course of action while ensuring the integrity and beauty of the gown are maintained.
Additionally, it is important to approach any alterations with realistic expectations. Purchasing a dress closer to your current size can minimize the need for extensive modifications. While alterations can be made, it is generally easier to take down the size of a dress than to increase it.
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Choose a forgiving fabric
When it comes to making a wedding dress bigger, the fabric you choose is crucial. Opting for a forgiving fabric will make the alteration process much smoother and ensure a seamless expansion.
Forgiving fabrics, such as satin or lace, offer more flexibility for alterations compared to stiffer materials like chiffon or organza. These fabrics drape and flow beautifully, allowing for subtle adjustments without compromising the dress's overall structure and design.
When choosing a fabric, consider its weight, drape, and stretch to ensure it complements the original dress. For instance, if your wedding dress is crafted from lightweight cotton, opt for a fabric with similar characteristics rather than a heavy velvet insert, which would look out of place and hang differently.
Additionally, consider the colour and texture of the fabric. While finding an exact match can be challenging, it's worth exploring options that closely resemble the original. If you're feeling adventurous, you can embrace contrast by intentionally choosing a different colour or pattern, creating a unique and modern look.
It's important to remember that the amount of fabric you'll need depends on the desired expansion area and extent. As a general rule, add an extra inch to your measurements for seam allowances. For instance, if you require an additional 2 inches at the waist, cut a fabric piece that is 3 inches wide.
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Replace a zip with a lace-up corset
If your wedding dress doesn't fit, one way to make it bigger is to replace the zip with a lace-up corset. This is a common alteration and can gain you a few inches in the back.
Firstly, put the dress on and mark the highest point where it can be zipped up. Make sure you can sit down in it. If there is a hook and eye at the top of the zipper, remove it and keep it safe to sew back on later.
Next, you will need to determine how many loops you need for your corset. Typically, they are spaced about 1.5 inches apart, but this can vary depending on the amount of space for the corset back. Don't forget that you will need loops on both sides, so once you've decided on the number of loops for one side, double it for the other.
Now, you can start sewing. Sew a seam 1/4 inch from the open edge the full length of the strip, making a tube. Turn the tube right side out. There are a couple of ways to do this: use a safety pin to close one end of the tube and push it through to the other end, or sew one end closed and use a turning stick to push it through to the other side.
Once the tube is turned right side out, measure the back opening length and decide how close together you want your loops. Pin the modesty panel's left edge to the inside of the left edge of the dress opening, overlapping by 1/2 inch. Top stitch along your stitching for the corset loops to stitch the modesty panel into place. The modesty panel is only sewn to one side and will stay in place once the corset is laced and tied.
Finally, thread the ribbon through the loops, lacing it up like a shoelace – back and forth through every other loop. You can also add a hook and eye or sew on a snap to one side of the modesty panel for extra security.
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Add discreet panels
Adding discreet panels is a great way to make a wedding dress bigger without altering the original design and shape of the gown. This method can be used to make the entire dress bigger or to target specific areas such as the bust, waist, hips, or back.
When adding panels, it is important to choose a fabric that matches or complements the original dress. Consider the weight, pattern, and texture of the fabric to ensure a cohesive look. Work slowly and carefully, and double-check your measurements to ensure they are precise before adding any fabric.
One option for adding discreet panels is to incorporate gussets, which are triangular fabric inserts added to areas requiring more movement, such as the underarms or sides of the bodice. Gussets can be added to the side seams or the back of the dress, providing extra room without affecting the overall look.
Another option is to add side panels, which can make the entire dress bigger without altering the waist, bust, and sleeves. These panels can be inserted inconspicuously in the side seams or along the back zipper for a seamless appearance.
If you are adding panels to the back of the dress, consider replacing the zipper with a lace-up corset. This not only adds extra room but also provides adjustability to accommodate any weight changes leading up to the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to make a wedding dress bigger. One common method is to replace the zip with a lace-up corset back, which adds flexibility and elegance to the dress. Another way is to let out the dress, which involves using the extra fabric from the seams to increase the size. Discreet panels can also be added to the dress to make it bigger.
The amount of fabric that can be let out depends on the original construction and the available seam allowance. Generally, larger sizes have more extra fabric and hence offer more flexibility. Most dresses have a seam down each side under the arm, and each of these seams can be let out by around 1-2 cm.
The cost of making a wedding dress bigger can vary. General alterations can cost $300 or more, and lace or beads can make it even more expensive. It is recommended to budget at least $1000 for alterations.
