Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are often long gowns that reach the floor, and while it is common for dresses to be hemmed, sometimes they need to be lengthened. This could be due to a change of footwear, a second-hand dress, or a tall bride. There are several ways to lengthen a wedding dress, including adding a ruffle to the hem, adding a second layer such as a petticoat or underskirt, or letting out the existing hem. These methods can be achieved cheaply, with the cost of fabric, and a seamstress can advise on the best option for your gown style.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of general alterations | $300+ |
| Hemming | Common alteration |
| Hemming cost | $300 |
| Letting out the hips | $300 |
| Adding length to a short dress | Sew in a ruffle, add a second layer, or let out the hem |
| Thick fabric | Duchess satin or taffeta |
| Thin fabric | Lace, organza |
| Hemming thick fabric | Wide hem sewn in with invisible stitch |
| Hemming thin fabric | Rolled hem |
| Walking on carpet or grass | Avoid long dresses |
| Walking in a long dress | Avoid fabric rolling under the foot |
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$22.41 $24.9
What You'll Learn
Seek a professional tailor for advice
Wedding dresses are often altered to fit a bride's height, shoe choice, and body type. While there are some DIY techniques to make a wedding dress longer, seeking a professional tailor's advice is always a good idea.
Firstly, a professional tailor who specializes in wedding gowns will be able to recommend an appropriate length for your dress's particular style. For example, a ballgown-style wedding dress should only cover your shoes enough to prevent tripping. This means that your shoes should not be visible except when you are taking steps. A very long dress at the front can be a tripping hazard, which would be disastrous on your wedding day. A professional tailor will know that the dress should be about one inch from the floor and slope downwards towards the back.
Secondly, a professional tailor will have the tools and knowledge to ensure that your dress is the perfect length and style for your body. They will be able to make recommendations for the gown's length while it is on your body. For example, if you plan on changing into more comfortable shoes after the ceremony, bring them to your fitting so that the tailor can take this into account when altering your dress.
Thirdly, a professional tailor with experience working with wedding gowns will be able to advise on the specific fabric, style, or embellishments of your dress. Thick, opaque fabrics such as duchess satin or taffeta may have a wide hem sewn in with an invisible stitch, whereas thin fabrics such as lace and organza usually only have a rolled hem, which will not give you any additional length.
Finally, a professional tailor will be able to provide peace of mind and ensure that your dress is in capable hands. Wedding dress alterations are an essential part of the dress shopping process, and a skilled seamstress or bridal alterations specialist is crucial for achieving a perfectly tailored wedding dress.
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Add a ruffle to the hem
Adding a ruffle to the hem of a wedding dress is a beginner-friendly modification that can add length to your gown. This method is best suited for dresses with sheer or lacy outer layers.
First, lay your dress flat and measure the hem from one side seam to the other. This will give you the length of your hem. For a denser ruffle, double this measurement again to get the length of fabric needed for your ruffle strip. Cut your fabric into strips if necessary, and join the strips at the raw edges to make a loop. Sew with a long stitch length and a ¼” seam allowance or serge. Press the seam open if you used a sewing machine.
Next, fold up the bottom hem of your dress by 5/8” and press with a warm iron. Try on your dress and decide how deep you want your ruffle to be. The deeper the hem, the more length it will add to your dress.
Now, attach the ruffle to the bottom of the dress. Lay the dress flat and mark the raw edge where it folds on both sides. These marks will be used to align the top edge of the ruffle to the bottom edge of the dress. Place the dress and ruffle right sides together and pin at the side seam markings, then pin at the centre front and centre back. Work around each quarter of the ruffle edge, pinning and evening out the gathers as you go. Sew the top of the ruffle to the dress using a sewing machine, or sew and then serge.
Finally, gather the extra ruffle fabric between each set of pins and sew it down. Make small folds with the ruffle fabric, removing each pin as you reach it. Remember to ensure that the dress fabric is laying flat beneath the ruffles and folds. Continue gathering and sewing until you reach the end, then backstitch or chain off to complete the seam.
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Lengthen with a wide hem
Lengthening a wedding dress with a wide hem is a simple process that can be achieved on a budget. This method is ideal for dresses made from thicker, opaque fabrics such as duchess satin or taffeta, which often feature wide hems.
First, carefully unpick the existing hem of the dress using a seam ripper to delicately pluck out the invisible stitches. This step will ensure that the delicate fabric of the wedding dress is not damaged. Next, determine how much length you need to add to the dress. Cut two strips of fabric that match the dress in colour and washing instructions. The width of these strips should match the width of the hem, with an additional 1/2" to allow for a seam. The length of the strips should equal the desired length of the dress, plus an extra 1" to ensure a neat finish.
Once the fabric strips have been cut to size, fold and press the edges to create a neat seam. Sew the strips together on the short ends, and then sew one of the long edges to the raw edge of the dress. Fold the new band of fabric to the back of the dress and hem it in place, sewing it securely to the inside of the skirt. This method will add length to the dress while maintaining its elegant appearance.
If you are not confident in your sewing abilities, it is recommended to consult a professional tailor who can advise on the best lengthening technique for your gown's style and fabric. With their expertise, they can help you achieve the perfect fit while staying within your $50 budget.
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Wear a long petticoat underneath
If you want to make your wedding dress longer without altering the dress itself, consider wearing a long petticoat underneath. A petticoat is an undergarment worn under a dress or skirt, which can be very full and voluminous or more slip-like. In bridal fashion, it is an additional layer of fabric worn under a wedding dress to add volume and shape to the skirt.
Petticoats are particularly well-suited to ball gown-style wedding dresses, which often feature an underskirt to give the classic, full silhouette. However, they can also be worn under A-line dresses, depending on the desired look. Some A-line dresses may not require a petticoat as they have the perfect amount of volume on their own, while others may benefit from the extra structure a petticoat provides. If you're considering a petticoat for an A-line dress, it's important to try it on first, as the extra bulk may not suit all styles.
If you opt for a petticoat, you can choose one in a contrasting colour to add a unique touch to your ensemble. Petticoats are also easily removable, making it easier to move around at your reception. This is particularly useful if you plan to change into a taller heel, as you may need the extra length provided by the petticoat during the ceremony.
When choosing a petticoat, consider the fabric of your wedding dress. For example, if your dress is made of a thick, opaque fabric like duchess satin or taffeta, it may have a wide hem that can be let out for extra length. On the other hand, thin fabrics like lace and organza usually have rolled hems that won't provide any additional length.
You can find petticoats in a variety of sizes and styles, and it's a good idea to try on a few options to see what works best with your dress. You can even order a cheap petticoat to test out the look, and then upgrade to a higher-quality one if you like the effect.
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Hem from the inside layers out
Hemming a wedding dress is a common step in the alterations process, as most wedding dresses will need to be hemmed to fit the bride's height. The easiest way to think about hemming a wedding dress is to work from the inside layers out. The layers will get just a bit longer as you work your way out.
Start by hemming the lining to the top of your foot. This layer should be just above your foot to avoid any fabric rolling under your foot and being stepped on. If your dress has crinoline layers, these should be a tiny bit longer than the lining, but still above your foot. Crinoline is a bit stiff and can easily get caught on things like grass, especially if the dress is too long.
If your dress has gradient tiers, you might be able to get away with hemming just the last layer. If you only need to shorten the dress by an inch or two, making this adjustment to the final layer may not be noticeable. However, if you need to shorten the dress by more than that, you might need to divide the amount to be shortened by each layer.
Hemming a wedding dress can be tricky, so if you're not confident in your sewing abilities, consider taking the dress to a professional tailor. They can advise you on the best course of action for your gown style and help you achieve the perfect fit.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to note that general alterations for a wedding dress can cost $300 or more. If your budget is $50, you may need to do the alterations yourself. If your wedding dress is made of a thick, opaque fabric such as duchess satin or taffeta, it may have a wide hem sewn in with an invisible stitch. You can use a seam ripper to carefully remove the stitches, which will give you some additional length.
Thin fabrics, such as lace and organza, usually only have a rolled hem, which will not give you any additional length. In this case, you could consider pairing your dress with a second layer, such as a long petticoat or underskirt, which will provide your dress with the desired length while keeping the gown's fabric intact.
If your dress has sheer or lacy outer layers, you can add a ruffle of soft organza, tulle, or lace to the hem. Cut a long, thin panel of fabric and ease stitch across one side. Pull the top threads taut to gather the fabric, and then sew the ruffle to the gown's hemline.
