George Boyle
Resizing a wedding dress is a common task for seamstresses and tailors, who can ensure that a bride's dress fits her perfectly and meets her specifications. Wedding dresses can be resized to be bigger or smaller, and the process usually involves multiple fittings. The number of fittings will depend on the number of changes required, but it typically takes around two to three fittings before the dress is ready to be worn. The cost of resizing a wedding dress can vary, ranging from $50 to $1,000, depending on the type of alterations needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fittings | 2-3 fittings |
| Cost | $50 to $1,000 |
| Common alterations | Hemming the length, resizing bust, waist, hips, and back |
| Making the dress smaller | Taking in the seams |
| Making the dress bigger | Letting out seams, adding fabric, adding gussets or panels |
| Weight loss | Consult a seamstress to understand how much the dress can be altered |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a wedding dress bigger
Wedding dresses can be altered to be bigger, and there are a few methods that can be used to do so. It's important to consult with a professional seamstress or tailor about the feasibility of modifications and what can be done to enhance the beauty of your gown.
One of the primary methods for increasing the size of a wedding dress involves seam allowances. Most wedding dresses are designed with extra fabric along the seams, allowing for adjustments. A skilled seamstress can let out the dress to accommodate a larger size. The amount the dress can be let out depends on the original construction and the available seam allowance. Generally, there is more flexibility in larger sizes due to the extra fabric.
Another popular method is to add a corset back. This involves removing the original closure (usually a zipper) and inserting a panel of fabric with lacing, providing flexibility and an adjustable fit. While this method can increase the size of the dress, there are limits, and the extent of enlargement depends on factors such as the style, material, embellishments, and initial size difference.
In some cases, discreet panels can be added to make the dress bigger when there isn't enough fabric to let out the seams. Additionally, certain fabrics are more forgiving for alterations. For example, materials like satin or lace may be easier to work with than chiffon or organza.
It is recommended to purchase a dress closer to your current size to minimise extensive modifications. While weight loss is an option for some, it is generally easier to take down the size of a dress than to increase it.
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How to make a wedding dress smaller
Resizing a wedding dress can be a tricky process, and it's usually easier to make a dress smaller than it is to make it larger. If you're looking to resize a wedding dress, here are some detailed instructions to help you make it smaller.
First, you'll need to take some measurements. Use a measuring tape to measure your bust, waist, and hips. These measurements will help you determine how much you need to adjust the dress. Put on the dress and identify the areas that need to be taken in.
Next, turn the dress inside out and put it back on. This will allow you to pin out the excess fabric at the seams and darts. Use safety pins if the dress pulls on, especially if it doesn't have a zipper. Mark your changes on the wrong side of the fabric with chalk or a marking tool. You can also use sewing pins to mark the amount you'll be taking in at the bust, waist, and hips. Repeat this process for each area that needs adjustments.
After you've marked all the necessary adjustments, it's time to start sewing. Use a sewing machine to create a new seam along the pinned and marked lines. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can hand sew, but it requires a high level of skill and experience. Sew along the lines you drew, creating new seams in the dress. Repeat this process for each side of the dress.
Finally, try on the dress to ensure that you're happy with the new seam lines. If not, you can carefully sew the seams again, paying close attention to your measurements. If the dress is still too large, create a new seam closer to the interior. If it's too small, you'll need to let out the dress by sewing another line further out and then unpicking your previous seam.
While it is possible to make a wedding dress smaller on your own, it's important to note that professional tailors are skilled in these adjustments. Consider consulting a tailor, especially for significant alterations, to ensure the best possible outcome for your special day.
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Hemming a wedding dress
Before beginning the hemming process, it is important to determine the desired length of the dress. The bride's height, shoe choice, and type of shoe will all impact the length of the dress. It is recommended that brides order their wedding dresses eight months to one year before their wedding day, allowing ample time for alterations. When determining the length, it is important to consider that fabric can always be cut away, but it cannot be added back. Therefore, it is better to order a dress that is too long rather than too short.
If the wedding dress has a train, the process becomes more complicated. In this case, it is advisable to seek professional help or, at the very least, proceed with caution. Pinning the hem all the way around can help ensure that the desired length and train aspect are achieved before cutting. It is also important to consider the type of fabric and the amount of fabric involved, as these factors can influence the hemming process.
When it comes to actually hemming the dress, there are a few different approaches. One method is to mark the hem with thread tacks or tailor's tacks, which can help guide the hemming process without leaving permanent marks. Another approach is to use a professional rolled/narrow edge foot to create a clean, finished edge. However, this method can be tricky, and some prefer to do a "manual" narrow edge to achieve a similar look.
It is generally recommended to hire a professional seamstress or tailor to hem a wedding dress, especially if the dress has intricate details or multiple layers. While it is possible to hem a wedding dress yourself, there is a risk of making mistakes that could ruin the dress.
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Resewing seams
Letting Out the Seams:
Before you begin, inspect the dress to ensure it has extra fabric at the seams, as this is necessary for letting out the seams. Wedding dresses often have this allowance for alterations. Identify the seams you need to adjust, such as the side seams and armpit seams, and carefully use a seam ripper to remove the stitching without damaging the fabric. Try on the dress with the opened seams to assess if letting out the seams provides the desired fit. If satisfied, use your sewing machine to sew along the new seam line, securing the fabric in place.
Taking In the Seams:
Try on the dress and use sewing pins to mark the amount you want to take in at the bust, waist, and hips. Draw a new seam line based on these markings and your body measurements. Pin the fabric along this new line, ensuring you mark each side seam. Use your sewing machine to sew along the pinned line, creating a new seam. Flip the dress right side out and try it on again to ensure a snug fit. If the side seams are bulky, carefully trim off the excess fabric from the inside of the dress.
Gussets:
If your wedding dress needs more room in the bust area, you can add gussets to the side seams. Open the side seams and try on the dress to assess if adding width at the bust improves the fit. If so, sew diamond-shaped gussets into the side seams to provide more fabric and ease in this area.
Remember, when resizing a wedding dress by resewing seams, always work with care and patience. Take accurate measurements, and if in doubt, seek guidance from a professional tailor or an experienced sewer.
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Adding a gusset
Adding gussets is a great way to resize a wedding dress, especially if you need to enlarge certain areas, such as the bust, waist, or hips. Gussets are panels or pieces of fabric inserted into the dress to provide extra room and improve the overall fit and comfort.
When adding gussets to a wedding dress, it is important to consider the placement of the gussets. Gussets are typically added to the side seams under the arms, with the wide end of the gusset placed in the area that needs extra room. This allows you to enlarge the dress without altering the waistline or neckline. If you need to add more room to the bust area, for example, the gusset will start under the armpit and end at the waist seam.
To create a gusset, you will need to carefully measure the area where you need to add the extra fabric. It is recommended to start with a rectangular piece of fabric and then adjust it into a triangular or diamond shape as needed. The fabric should match the dress as closely as possible, and any details on the gown, such as trim, tucking, ruching, beading, or lace, should be duplicated in the gusset area to help it blend in seamlessly.
When choosing the fabric for the gusset, consider factors such as the desired style, thickness, and stretchiness. Common materials for gussets include cotton, polyester, silk, and lace. Cotton is a popular choice for its breathability and softness, while lace adds a delicate and romantic touch to wedding dresses. Thicker fabrics like cotton or polyester provide more support, while thinner fabrics like silk or lace offer a lightweight feel. If you need the gusset to stretch, choose a fabric with good elasticity, such as polyester or stretchy lace.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of resizing a wedding dress can vary depending on the extent of the alterations and the charging model of the seamstress or bridal boutique. Simple services, such as shortening a gown, can cost around $225, while more complex alterations, like resewing seams, can cost around $150. Some salons may charge a flat fee, ranging from $500 to $900, for all the alterations needed to ensure a perfect fit.
On average, you can expect to attend two to three fittings for your wedding dress alterations. However, the number of fittings may vary depending on the style and size of the original dress and the number of changes required.
Most wedding dresses can typically be altered by up to two sizes. Taking in a dress is generally considered easier than letting it out. However, this also depends on the fabric and construction of the dress. It's recommended to consult a seamstress to determine the extent to which a dress can be resized.
