Congratulations, you found your dream bridal gown. But not so fast – you still need to make sure it fits your body correctly so you have the most flattering silhouette on your special day. This is where wedding dress alterations come into the picture.
While not the first thing you think of, bridal alterations are an essential step. After all, wedding dresses typically don’t fit brides straight off the rack. They have to be tailored and restructured so they match the nuances of your figure. Remember, having a dress altered to perfectly fit your body is a luxury, so relax and enjoy the process!
If you’re not sure how alterations work, don’t worry. We know the ins and outs of the process!
The Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Dress Alterations:
DO make sure that you are working with a skilled, and experienced dressmaker
Experienced dressmakers understand all the moving parts of creating the perfect bridal gown. They know that taking dresses “in” takes a lot less effort than letting dresses “out” and will make sure you understand, too. They also know that certain fabrics require different, special handling during alterations in order to get the best results.
DO work with your bridal salon if possible
One of the first questions you should ask your bridal salon is if they handle alterations too. This will definitely help you stick with a timeline as you inch closer to the wedding. Plus, they’ll already be familiar with the dress and material. However, if the salon does not do alterations, they should be able to recommend some good tailors and wedding dress seamstresses.
DO voice any specific adjustments you want to make to your gown
Be upfront with your seamstress about how you want your gown looking and feeling on your wedding day. Maybe you want the bodice to fit very snug, or the skirt a bit more loose so that you can move and dance with greater ease. Maybe you want the sleeves to fit tight or you want the neckline less revealing. An experienced dressmaker will let you know what is and is not possible in the alterations process. You should also make him/her aware if the dress feels uncomfortable. Being straightforward helps move the process forward in a positive direction and keeps things on track.
DON’T forget your shoes and undergarments
Bring the exact shoes and foundation garments you plan to wear on the wedding day. Wearing high stiletto heels requires a different hem than a pair of flats. Plus, if you plan to wear shape-wear or a special bra, know that these will impact the overall look and fit of the gown. By bringing these essentials, your gown will be tailored accordingly.
DON’T work with someone who isn’t experienced in altering gowns specifically
Please don’t choose a tailor because the price is right. You might end up spending more money on fixing their mistakes. You absolutely need a tailor who knows what he/she is doing. This includes making your wedding dress truly unique – like adding sleeves, straps, zippers, buttons, and more. Work with someone who can handle all your special details.
DON’T wait until the last minute
We recommend that brides order their wedding dress at least 10 months before their wedding, as it can take 6 months for the gown to be made. Then you should anticipate at least 2.5 months for your alterations. The final fitting will be two weeks before the big day. It’s also important to note that if you’re making several big changes to your wedding dress, you should budget a couple more weeks into that timeline.
If you’re looking for a unique and personalized wedding boutique experience, contact us today. We’d love to help you find that perfect wedding gown!