Altering Your Bridesmaids Dress: Should You Do It Yourself?

Being a bridesmaid is a big responsibility, but it's also a lot of fun! One of the most important tasks is to make sure your dress fits perfectly. Bridesmaid dresses are designed to fit a wide range of body shapes and heights, so it's likely you'll need to get it altered to achieve that flawless look. The most common alterations include hemming, taking in the sides, and shortening straps. A skilled tailor can help you achieve that custom look and feel like a million bucks on your friend's big day. While it may be tempting to skip alterations to save money, remember that a well-fitting dress will not only make you look fabulous but also allow you to celebrate effortlessly. So, embrace the journey of alterations and let your tailor work their magic!

Hemming: Adjusting the length of the dress to suit your height

Hemming is the most common type of bridesmaid dress alteration. It involves adjusting the length of the dress to suit your height and choosing the right pair of shoes to go with it.

Bridesmaid dresses are typically designed with a standard length to accommodate a variety of heights. However, this often means that the dress will need to be hemmed to achieve the ideal length for you. The cost of hemming typically ranges from $45 to $90, but several factors can influence the final price. These factors include the number of dress layers, the width of the dress, whether it requires a rolled or horsehair hem, and if the hemming is done from the waist.

When deciding on the length of your dress, consider the wedding location and your personal style and comfort. If the wedding is outdoors, especially on grass or sand, you may want to opt for a hem that sits about an inch above the floor to avoid any tripping. For indoor weddings, a classic hem that just grazes the floor is always elegant. Ultimately, the length of your dress should be based on what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

To ensure an accurate hem length, it is essential to bring the shoes you plan to wear on the wedding day to your fitting. This will allow the seamstress to determine the perfect length for your dress. Additionally, consider the height of your heels and choose a pair that will keep you steady and confident throughout the day.

Hemming your bridesmaid dress is an important step to ensure that you look and feel your best on the big day. By taking into account your height, shoe choice, and comfort, you can achieve a flawless and custom fit that complements your unique style and the overall bridal party look.

Taking in the bust, waist or hips: Tailoring the dress to fit your body shape

Taking in the bust, waist, or hips is a common alteration for bridesmaid dresses. This is where the magic happens and your dress is transformed to fit your body shape like a glove.

Taking in the bust

If your dress is gaping at the bust, a tailor can take in the bodice, usually at the side seams, to ensure the dress fits snugly and securely. This is a great option if you have a pear-shaped body, as it will mean the top of your dress will no longer be too loose.

Taking in the waist and hips

If you find yourself always having to go up a size or two to accommodate your bust, you will be used to dresses with too much room in the waist and hips. A tailor can take in the waist and hips so that the dress fits you perfectly from top to bottom.

What to consider

When taking in the bust, waist, or hips, it's important to note that most bridesmaid dresses can be taken in by up to two sizes. Seam allowances on the dress will dictate how much it can be taken in or let out. As a general rule, it's better to opt for a larger dress than a smaller one if you're between sizes.

When to get alterations done

It's recommended to schedule your fitting approximately one month before the wedding. If you think your dress needs extensive adjustments, book your first fitting about six weeks in advance. This will give you plenty of time for a second fitting and final adjustments.

Cost

On average, bridesmaid dress alterations cost between $75 and $150, depending on the extent of the alterations, the fabric of your dress, and where you live. Taking in the bust, waist, or hips is likely to cost $150 or more.

Shortening the straps: Ensuring the straps are the perfect length

Ensuring your bridesmaid dress straps are the perfect length is crucial for achieving a snug fit and preventing wardrobe malfunctions. Here are some tips and steps to guide you through the process of shortening the straps:

Determining the Need for Alteration

Before making any adjustments, it's essential to assess whether your bridesmaid dress straps require alteration. Try on the dress and check if the straps are too long, causing them to slip off your shoulders. If you constantly need to tug at the straps to keep them in place, they are likely too long and need shortening.

Choosing a Professional Tailor

While you may be tempted to attempt alterations yourself or seek help from a friend, it's highly recommended to engage a professional tailor. They have the expertise and equipment to handle various fabrics and complex alterations skillfully. A skilled tailor will ensure that your dress straps are shortened correctly and lie flat, enhancing your overall look and comfort.

Timing and Cost Considerations

The cost of shortening straps can vary depending on the gown's fabric, design, and your location. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $240 for this type of alteration. It's advisable to consult a professional seamstress or tailor to get an accurate estimate. Additionally, plan to have your first fitting at least a month before the wedding, allowing for any necessary adjustments. For more complex alterations, consider scheduling your initial fitting six weeks in advance.

Shortening the Straps

The process of shortening the straps will depend on the dress's design and construction. Here are some general steps to follow:

• Try on the dress, and pin the straps where you want them to sit comfortably on your shoulders.
• If the dress has lining, carefully reach between the dress fabric and the lining to pull the straps inside out.
• Measure and mark the desired length for the straps, ensuring both layers (the outer fabric and the lining) align correctly.
• Stitch the straps at the marked points, following the original seam line.
• Trim off any excess fabric, leaving a seam allowance of about 5/8 inch to prevent fraying.
• Repeat the process for the lining seam, ensuring both layers are properly aligned.
• Stitch across the strap, being careful not to catch any unwanted fabric underneath.
• Stitch up the side seams, following the original seam line, to complete the alteration.
• Turn the straps right side out, and press them gently with a thin cloth to remove any wrinkles.

Additional Tips

• If the front strap becomes narrower than the back strap after alteration, you may need to adjust the side seams accordingly.
• Always bring your shoes and undergarments to the fitting to ensure the correct length and fit of the straps.
• If your dress has delicate fabric or intricate details like rhinestones or sequins, consult a professional tailor to avoid any damage during the alteration process.

Costs: How much will alterations cost and what factors influence this?

The cost of bridesmaid dress alterations can vary depending on several factors, and it's important to keep this in mind when creating your budget. On average, bridesmaids can expect to pay between $50 and $240 for alterations, with most sources stating the range to be $75 to $150. However, the type of alteration, fabric of the dress, dress design, location, and timeframe can all influence the final price.

If you only need a simple adjustment, such as shortening the straps or hemming the dress, you can expect to pay less. Hemming costs typically range from $45 to $90, but this can be influenced by factors such as the number of dress layers, the width of the dress, and the type of hem required.

More complex alterations that involve the bust, waist, or hips will likely cost more, with prices starting at $150. These adjustments give a custom look and feel to the dress and are often worth the extra expense. The fabric of the dress is also a factor, as intricate beading, appliqué, double layers, or horsehair trim can increase the price due to the extra time and care needed.

Location and timeframe can also impact the cost. Alterations may be more expensive in certain areas with a higher cost of living, and if you require urgent alterations during peak wedding season, you may pay a premium for the quick turnaround.

To save money, it's recommended to try on the dress before buying to ensure a good fit and reduce the need for extensive alterations. Opting for an A-line dress style, skipping hem alterations if possible, and choosing a dress with adjustable straps can also help minimise costs.

Timing: When should you get alterations done?

It is recommended to get your bridesmaid dress alterations completed within two weeks to a month before the wedding. This will give you enough time to make any adjustments before the big day and ensure that you achieve the most accurate fit.

During peak wedding season (June to October, or April to October according to another source), bridal boutiques get extremely busy, so make sure to schedule your fitting as far ahead as possible (at least two months in advance) to ensure you get an appointment.

The timeframe for bridesmaid dress alterations can vary depending on the specific alterations needed. On average, the process takes around one to three weeks. Keep in mind that multiple fittings might be necessary, especially if significant alterations are required. It's not uncommon to schedule more than one appointment to ensure a perfect fit.

Straightforward alterations like shortening straps or hemming can be completed in about one to two weeks, while more complex alterations like taking in a bodice can take up to three weeks.

To avoid last-minute stress, book your alteration appointments well in advance. For weddings in the off-season (November to March), aim to have your first appointment about a month before the wedding.

Aim to schedule the first fitting at least two months before the wedding date, and the final fitting a few weeks before the big day. This will give you plenty of time to make any necessary adjustments and ensure your bridesmaid dress fits perfectly.

Frequently asked questions