Can You Alter A Bridesmaid Dress That's Too Big?

Bridesmaids' dresses are often made to fit a wide variety of body shapes and heights, which means they may require some extra adjustments to get the perfect fit. If your dress is too big in the bust, there are several ways to alter it. You could try using safety pins to hold the dress in place, or, if you have some tailoring knowledge, you could try taking in the dress by a few inches. If the dress is too big all over, you could try adjusting the hem using duct tape or hemming glue, or creating a new hemline by cutting off the excess length. If you're unsure, it's best to consult a professional tailor or seamstress, who will be able to advise on the best course of action. They will also be able to advise on the cost and timeline of alterations, which can vary depending on the type of alteration, the fabric, and your location.

How to know if your dress is too big

If you're wondering whether your bridesmaid dress is too big to alter at the bust, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that taking a gown one to two sizes down is common and should still maintain the original design. However, the closer the dress is to your actual size, the better, as significant alterations may be expensive and may not be possible without affecting specific design details.

• Pay attention to the darts: Check if the darts, which are the seams from the side seam to the bust, fall at the right place. The darts should end at the apex of the bust, also known as the bust point. If the darts fall below your bust, it's a sign that the dress may be too big.
• Notice the shoulder seams: Ensure that the shoulder seams hit the corner of your shoulder. If the seams fall past your shoulder and onto your upper arm, it's an indication that the dress is too large. Ill-fitting shoulder seams often mean that the rest of the dress won't fit properly either.
• Ensure the waistband hits your natural waist: On dresses with a defined waistline, make sure the waistband sits at your natural waist, just above your belly button and below your rib cage. If the waistband sits lower, it can make the overall dress seem too large for your frame.
• Consider the bust fit: A bridesmaid dress should have a perfectly fitting bust. If the bust is too big, it can ruin the beauty of the dress. Safety pins can be used for minor adjustments, but more significant alterations may require trimming and darting.
• Assess the overall fit: Try on the dress and pay attention to how it fits your body. If the dress doesn't fit you perfectly, alterations are likely needed. Consider whether you feel comfortable and confident in the dress, especially if you'll be standing, dancing, and posing for photos during the wedding.

Remember, it's always a good idea to consult a professional tailor or seamstress for advice and guidance on altering your bridesmaid dress. They can assess the specific fit and make the necessary alterations to ensure your dress fits like a glove!

What to do if your dress is too big

If your bridesmaid dress is too big, don't panic! There are several alterations you can make to ensure your dress fits you perfectly. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do if your dress is too big:

Assess the Situation

First, identify which parts of the dress are too big. Is it just the bust, or is the whole dress oversized? Knowing exactly what needs to be altered will help you decide on the best course of action.

Quick Fixes

If the dress is only slightly too big, there are some quick fixes you can try. Wearing higher heels, for example, can help with the length. You can also use safety pins to hold in the fabric at the bust, waist, or hips. If the waist is too big, you could also try adding a belt to cinch it in and give your dress a new look.

Seek Professional Help

If your dress requires more extensive adjustments, it's best to consult a professional tailor or seamstress. They will be able to take in the dress and make it fit your body perfectly. This is especially important if the dress has a unique or custom style, as alterations can be tricky and may ruin the dress if not done properly.

Plan Ahead

Allow enough time for alterations by scheduling your fitting at least a month before the wedding. If you think your dress needs extensive adjustments, schedule your first fitting about six weeks in advance. That way, you'll have time for a second fitting and any necessary adjustments.

Be Mindful of Costs

Keep in mind that the cost of alterations will depend on their complexity and the fabric of your dress. Simple fixes like hemming or shortening straps will likely cost less than major alterations like taking in the sides. Beading and sequins will also increase the cost due to the time and skill required to work with these materials.

Prepare for Your Fitting

To ensure an accurate fit, bring the shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on the wedding day to your fitting. If you plan to wear shapewear or a particular style of bra, bring those along too.

Remember, it's important to feel comfortable and confident in your bridesmaid dress. Don't wait until the last minute to address any fitting issues. With some alterations and the help of a professional, you'll be all set for the big day!

Quick fixes for a big bust

It is important to get the bust right as it is one of the most critical parts of a bridesmaid dress. Here are some quick fixes for a big bust:

• Use safety pins to hold the dress in the front area but away from the front and back view. You can hold it around the armpits so that the area stays covered. If the pinning has to be done more towards the centre, it is advisable to secure it at the back rather than the front and let your hair do the magic of keeping it hidden.
• Use a strapless push-up bra or extra cups to fill in the extra room.
• Add a belt that complements the dress and wraps around to give you the right fit.
• Trim and dart the bust area to fit correctly. Be careful with the measurements so that you don't cut it too much and end up with a tight bust, which is uncomfortable and unhealthy. Measure the bust length you need, subtract it from the size you have, divide it by four, and trim out from all four sides, leaving the joining allowance. Then join back the fabric, and you will have a perfectly fitting bust.
• Take in the bodice at the side seams so that the dress fits properly over your bust.
• Shorten the straps if your gown has them.
• Use a French curve or fashion ruler to draw a curved line on a bodice pattern extending out from the seamline just below the armscye seamline. Add a seam allowance, and ease this extra length into the side seam to create more room for a full bust.

When to seek professional help

While it may be tempting to skip alterations or attempt them yourself to save money, it is recommended that you take your bridesmaid dress to a professional seamstress or tailor. They will be able to ensure a confidence-boosting, flawless, and custom fit that will make you feel comfortable and confident on the big day.

Delicate or heavily embellished fabrics require extra care and attention, and sometimes even special types of needles or thread. Seamstresses have spent years honing their craft and are experts at handling garments with the utmost care.

Taking in a dress is much easier than letting it out, so always go for the larger size if you are in between sizes. Most bridesmaid dresses can be taken in by up to two sizes without affecting the original design. However, the closer to your actual size, the better; the gown will look best when it is closest to how it was designed, and you will save money on alterations.

If your dress is too small, it may be possible to let it out a size, but any more than that and your tailor will have to get creative. You should expect to pay for the extensive time this will take, and be open to some design changes.

If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, consult with your stylist and tailor for sizing concerns before ordering. It is also important to note that if you plan on losing weight before the wedding, it is very difficult to know where this weight loss will occur. Most brides will lose some weight during the process, but it's generally an amount that can be accounted for in alterations.

If you are unhappy with your dress fit after alterations, get a second opinion. It may be that another seamstress will be able to make the adjustments you require.

How much alterations cost

The cost of alterations varies depending on the complexity of the job, the type of dress, and the location of the service. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay between $75 and $150 for dress alterations, but prices can be higher in some cities, with tailoring costing up to $240.

The price of alterations also depends on the type of dress. Formal dresses are usually more expensive to alter than casual dresses due to differences in garment construction and fabric type. Formal dresses are often made from silk, chiffon, or polyester, which are harder to work with than the cotton or rayon typically used for casual dresses.

Some common alterations and their typical costs are:

• Taking in/out sides up to sleeves: $25-$135
• Adjusting shoulders/straps: $15-$55
• Shortening/lengthening sleeves: $20-$55
• Replacing a zipper: $20-$45

It's worth noting that tailors and seamstresses typically charge a flat rate for hemming, regardless of the amount of material they need to work with.

If your dress is too big, taking it down one to two sizes is common and should be relatively straightforward. However, the closer the dress is to your size, the better, as significant alterations can be costly and may not be possible without changing specific design details.

Frequently asked questions