Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often altered to fit the bride's body perfectly. One of the most common alterations is hemming, which shortens the length of the dress to fit the bride's height. Brides who are concerned about appearing too tall can consider various methods to minimize their height in their wedding dress. This includes choosing a silhouette that complements their body shape, such as an A-line or ball gown style, and considering a dropped waist to balance out a short torso and long legs. Additionally, bringing the shoes that will be worn on the wedding day to fittings is crucial, as it ensures the hem is altered correctly.
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What You'll Learn
Hemming your dress
Hemming your wedding dress is a crucial step in ensuring that your gown fits you perfectly. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to keep in mind when hemming your wedding dress to minimize height:
Choosing the Right Shoe Height
Before deciding on the hem length, it is essential to consider the type of shoe you plan to wear on your wedding day. Bring the exact pair of shoes or shoes with similar heel heights to your dress fittings. This will ensure that your bridal consultant can accurately measure and determine the necessary hem length. Keep in mind that changing your shoe choice after alterations may result in your dress being too short or too long.
Standard Hem Length
Wedding gowns typically come in standard sizes, including a standard length for the skirt. For brides who are average height or shorter, hemming the dress is often necessary to prevent tripping on the extra fabric. Even if you are tall, you will likely still need a hem based on your height and shoe choice. The dress should be hemmed to just graze the floor when you are standing still.
Custom Hem Length
Some bridal designers offer custom hem lengths, but this option usually comes with an additional fee. Ordering a custom hem length based on a specific heel height can be risky, as changing your shoe choice may result in the dress being too short. It is generally safer to order the dress with a slightly longer hem and then hem it to the correct length if you switch to a shorter heel.
Final Fittings and Alterations
During your final fittings, ensure that you try on your dress with all the accessories and underwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will give you an accurate idea of the dress's fit and appearance. Take pictures at each fitting to help you remember the details and communicate any desired changes to the seamstress.
Hemming Techniques
When hemming your wedding dress, consider the fabric and embellishments. If the dress has a lace hem, keep in mind that lace can create the illusion of a shorter length due to its scalloped edge. If you are comfortable with needlework, you can hand stitch the hem yourself, especially if it only needs to be raised by an inch or two. However, if the hem needs to be raised by more than two inches, you may need to cut off the excess fabric and finish the edge before stitching the new hem.
Remember, each dress is unique, and these instructions may need to be adjusted based on the specific style and fabric of your wedding gown.
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Choosing the right silhouette
The right silhouette can make a big difference in minimising height in a wedding dress. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect style:
First, consider your body shape and the specific areas you want to accentuate or draw attention away from. If you have a short torso and long legs, a dropped waist style, such as a mermaid silhouette, can help even out your torso-to-leg ratio. On the other hand, if you have a short torso and long legs, an A-line or full ball gown style with a short waist can provide better balance. Additionally, consider the overall fit of the dress; a well-fitted dress will conform to the lines of your body and give you a made-to-measure finish.
Another way to minimise height is to create the illusion of a longer torso. A dropped waist can achieve this, and it may also narrow your shoulders, especially when paired with a high neckline. Detailing on the bodice, such as embroidery, beads, or sparkles, will also draw people's eyes up and away from the length of the dress.
If you're comfortable with heels, they can be a great way to add extra height and create a stunning silhouette. Bring your preferred heels or a similar pair to your bridal appointments so that your consultant can measure the length of your gown accurately. Keep in mind that dresses can always be taken up but not usually let down, so it's better to err on the long side.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for alterations. Bridal boutiques typically have in-house seamstresses or can recommend trusted tailors. During your fittings, ensure you try on your dress exactly as you would wear it on your wedding day, including the same shoes and underwear. This will give you a detailed idea of how your dress will look and fit, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments.
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Opting for custom measurements
Know Your Body Shape
Understanding your body shape is crucial when opting for custom measurements. Consider your torso and leg proportions. If you have a short torso and long legs, a dropped waist style, such as a mermaid cut, can help even out your silhouette. On the other hand, if you have a longer torso and shorter legs, an A-line or full ball gown with a short waist can provide a more balanced look.
Choose the Right Silhouette
The silhouette of your wedding dress plays a significant role in minimising height. Embellishments and detailing on the bodice, such as glittering beads, embroidery, or illusion sleeves, draw attention upwards, away from the length of the dress. Additionally, consider a lace-up back and stretch fabrics or knit linings, as these allow for more adjustability and forgiveness in the fit.
Hemming and Length Alterations
Hemming is a common alteration for wedding dresses, as it ensures the gown doesn't drag on the floor or cause tripping. When opting for custom measurements, consider the height of the shoes you plan to wear on your big day. Bring those shoes or a pair with a similar heel height to your fittings so that the seamstress can accurately measure and hem your dress. Keep in mind that it's generally easier to shorten a dress than to lengthen it, so it's better to err on the longer side if you're unsure.
Timing and Multiple Fittings
Custom measurements and alterations take time, so plan accordingly. It's recommended to order your wedding dress eight months to one year before the wedding, as you may need to account for multiple fittings. Most brides will need two to three fittings to fine-tune their dress, and last-minute adjustments may be necessary to ensure a perfect fit.
Work with a Professional Seamstress
Your bridal boutique should have an in-house seamstress or be able to recommend a trusted tailor. Work closely with the seamstress and speak up about your preferences and any concerns. It's essential to try on your dress at each fitting with all the accessories and underwear you plan to wear on the day, as this will give you an accurate idea of the final look and fit.
Remember, opting for custom measurements is a great way to ensure your wedding dress flatters your height and body shape. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and communicate your vision clearly to your bridal team.
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Picking the right shoes
Heel Height
If you want to minimise your height, opting for lower heels or flats is a good choice. Kitten heels or block heels can provide a little extra height while still being comfortable and stable. If you're used to wearing higher heels, you may prefer a taller pair of shoes to elongate your legs and achieve a sleek profile, especially if you're wearing a short wedding dress. However, consider bringing two pairs of shoes—one with a higher heel and one with a lower heel or flat—to change into throughout the day. This way, you can have the best of both worlds and dance the night away comfortably.
Dress Length
The length of your wedding dress will also impact how visible your shoes are and how much they impact your height. If you're wearing a full-length dress, you can wear whatever shoe style you feel most comfortable in, as the dress will mostly conceal your shoes. However, if your dress is shorter, the height of your shoes will be more noticeable, and a taller heel may be desired.
Shoe Style
The style of your wedding shoes is another important consideration. Open-toe or closed-toe shoes can be chosen based on your preference and the season of your wedding. For a summer wedding, open-toe shoes can be a romantic and stylish option, while closed-toe shoes may be more suitable for winter. If you want to add a trendy touch, consider incorporating the Pantone colours of the year or opting for blue, which has been gaining popularity. Matching the material of your shoes to your dress, such as lace or satin, can also create a coherent and elegant look.
Comfort
Comfort is a crucial factor in choosing your wedding shoes. Remember that you'll be wearing your wedding shoes for an extended period, so select a pair that you can walk and stand in comfortably. If you're not used to wearing heels, consider opting for flats or lower heels to ensure you can move with ease throughout your special day.
Timing
Lastly, don't leave picking your wedding shoes to the last minute. It's recommended to start browsing and trying on shoes early to find the perfect pair that complements your dress and personal style. Bring your chosen shoes to your dress fittings so that any necessary alterations can be made, ensuring your gown looks and feels amazing on your big day.
Remember, while the right shoes can enhance your bridal aesthetic, comfort and practicality are essential to enjoying your wedding day to the fullest.
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Using accessories to balance height
When it comes to wedding dresses, alterations are key to ensuring the perfect fit. While most dresses will need to be hemmed to match the bride's height, there are other ways to balance out your frame and draw attention away from your height. Here are some tips for using accessories to achieve this:
Firstly, consider your silhouette and choose a style that complements your body shape. If you have a short torso and long legs, a dropped waist or mermaid-style gown can help even out your torso-to-leg ratio. On the other hand, if you have a longer torso and shorter legs, an A-line or full ball gown with a short waist can provide a more balanced look.
Secondly, don't forget about your wedding shoes. Bring the exact pair or a pair with a similar height and style to your fittings so that your seamstress can hem your dress accordingly. Stilettos, wedges, or platforms can help add height, while also ensuring your dress is the right length.
Additionally, take advantage of bridal accessories. A well-chosen veil or other accessories can help draw attention and balance out your overall look. When trying on dresses and attending fittings, bring along any accessories you plan to wear on the big day. This will help you and your seamstress visualize the complete outfit and make any necessary adjustments.
Remember, tailoring your wedding dress is essential to feeling confident and ensuring it conforms to your body perfectly. Don't be afraid to speak up during fittings and advocate for the look you desire. It's your special day, and you deserve to feel like the best version of yourself!
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Frequently asked questions
When trying on wedding dresses, bring the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day so that the seamstress knows how to hem your gown. If you haven't chosen your wedding shoes yet, bring a pair with a similar heel height.
A-line, ball gown, or empire-waist styles are more adjustable than fit and flares, mermaids, or sheaths. If you have a short torso and long legs, consider a dropped waist to help even out your torso-to-leg ratio.
Don't panic. Wedding dresses often don't fit perfectly after the first or second alterations. Be your own advocate and speak up to ensure you get the perfect fit.
Most brides require two to three fittings, but this depends on the number of changes your wedding dress requires.
