Where there are wedding dresses, there are wedding dress alterations. It’s just that simple.
The unfortunate truth is that wedding dresses do not arrive with a perfect fit. Though you can order a custom made dress that is close to your perfect size, there will always be little adjustments so it conforms to your body. These alterations are a good thing, too. Without them, even the prettiest wedding dress just wouldn’t look right.
The thing about wedding dress alterations is that you have to plan for them. They take time. They take money. And, as I mentioned before, they are hard to avoid. So, knowing what to expect for them will help reduce surprises as you get close to the wedding. And, usually, wedding dress alterations are right before the wedding, so it’s essential to be as prepared as possible.
All About Wedding Dress Alterations
Don’t worry, though, friends. This post has you covered. In it, I’ll share with you the anticipated cost and timeline for wedding dress alterations. I’ll also let you know what exactly will be altered, and how to prepare for each appointment. And yes, there are multiple appointments. This post will walk you through why wedding dress alterations are a good thing, even if they are another thing to take care of.
Let’s get into it!
TYPES OF WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS
First off, let’s go over what alterations really mean.
There are lots of different ways to buy a wedding dress, and there’s no getting around alterations. If you buy your dress from a shop or bridal boutique, it will arrive custom made and close to your size, but not perfect. It may also need adjustments to the style. These alterations will have to be done after it arrives.
If you buy your wedding dress at a department store, or second hand, the same thing applies. Though you get to take your dress home with you the same day you buy it, it’s likely to need tailoring to fit your body. Even if you purchase your dress online it’s almost impossible for it to be a perfect fit.
WEDDING DRESS HEMMING
One of the most common wedding dress alterations is hemming.
The majority of wedding dresses are close to the ground. When you buy your dress, it’s likely to come a little long, because it’s always easier to remove length than to add it. The goal with hemming is to have a dress that just sort of grazes the ground, so a tailor or seamstress will want you to wear your wedding day shoes and they will adjust the dress accordingly.
Even if you have a short dress, hemming is likely. You may want it just below or above your knees. Or, you want a different length in the front than the back. Plan on some hemming, no matter the length of the dress.
WEDDING DRESS BUSTLE
Ah, a wedding dress bustle. These lovely little engineered hooks and ribbons allow your gown’s train to be lifted up into the dress so it doesn’t drag on the floor all night. They are a lovely thing.
There are many different types of bustles, and I’m not going to explore them today. Just know that a bustle can transform a wedding dress, and there are lots of options. And, when you buy your dress, it’s rare that it will arrive with a bustle, unless you’re buying it second hand. Some bustles can be very simple to add to a dress, and others are quite intense. So, be prepared to have one added, unless you don’t mind your train dragging, or you don’t have a train at all.
WEDDING DRESS CUSTOMIZATION
Customizing the dress can really make it your own. Examples of wedding dress customization can be to add sleeves, straps, extra embellishments, or extending the train.
Customization can also be about fit. You can have the dress let out a little, or taken in, or both in different areas, to help it perfectly match your body. When you order your wedding dress, your measurements will be taken, but your body can change a little by the time it arrives. And, side note, dresses can take up to eight months to arrive from a bridal boutique – yikes!
The costs of customization can add up, so take that into account when you buy your dress. If you want sleeves, don’t buy a dress that will have to have a lot of work to add them. If you want a short dress, try and order one that is meant to be short. Also, doublecheck your measurements when you order the dress. Doing these things will save on effort and costs later on.
WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS COSTS
The big question about wedding dress alterations is how much do they cost? Well, like most wedding items, the cost varies.
Where you are located, how delicate your dress is, and how experienced and rated your tailor is, all contribute to the cost of dress alterations. However, for straightforward and simple adjustments, you’re likely to spend less than $100. This could mean just bringing the hem up, or something simple. It may also mean adding or removing straps from a dress, or another embellishment.
If you need a bustle, for the dress to be brought in or let out, or a major transformation, the price will be much higher. A good rule of thumb is to include at least $300 in your budget for alterations. If you end up coming in under that amount, at least you had it set aside. To play it safe, try and choose a dress style that won’t need a lot of alterations.
WHO CAN DO YOUR ALTERATIONS?
When it comes to wedding dress alterations, you’re likely to find a lot of options out there.
For example, you may have a skilled family member who can help you out. Or, a tailor down the street. Each of these are appealing options. However, if you buy your wedding dress from a bridal boutique or shop, it’s important to ask them who they recommend. This person will have likely have experience with your style, fabric, and embellishments. All of this is a good thing, because they know what they’re doing.
If you’re having simple alterations, you may be able to go to your local tailor or family member. It’s all about looking at how much the dress cost you, what alterations are needed, and which option has the least amount of risk.
MORE TIPS FOR WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS
Oh did you think the tips for wedding dress alterations were over?
Nope! There’s more below.
ASK YOUR DRESS CONSULTANT ABOUT ALTERATIONS BEFORE YOU BUY
You all know I’m big on budgeting for weddings. This means knowing absolutely everything you’ll spend money on, up front, including your dress alterations.
One of the easiest ways to find out how much your alterations may cost is to just ask when you try on dresses. If you go to a bridal boutique, your consultant will probably be filled with knowledge about the dress. They will be able to tell you what’s possible to alter with it, as well as what alterations you’ll need to have (like a bustle for your train).
With a list of possible alterations, you should be able to do some research about potential costs for them. When you buy the dress, factor in this extra amount so you don’t go over your wedding budget.
EXPECT TO HAVE MULTIPLE ALTERATIONS APPOINTMENTS
Alright, so you’ve got your dress, and it’s time to make an alteration appointment. What should you expect?
Well, you should expect to come back for alterations multiple times. The first appointment will likely be the longest. You’ll put on your dress, and the tailor or seamstress will look for areas to improve it. You can also discuss customization with them at this point, and they can show you how certain things will look. Expect an hour-long appointment for the first round.
After this appointment, they will go to work, and you’ll come back a second time to see how everything fits and feels. This appointment may be less time than the first. Depending on how perfect it is, there may be more work. And, if there is, you’ll come back a third time. And so it goes. It’s likely that you’ll have two to three appointments in total, but it can be more, depending on your situation.
BRING THE RIGHT STUFF TO YOUR ALTERATION APPOINTMENTS
To prepare for your wedding dress alteration appointments, you’ve got to bring the right stuff with you.
First off, bring the shoes you’ll wear to your wedding. This is especially crucial if you’re wearing shoes that add height to you. If you don’t have your shoes with you, at least bring shoes that will match the height of the ones you’re planning to wear.
Second, wear the right undergarments. Think of this as a dress rehearsal. If you have a strapless dress, bring a strapless bra. Or, if your dress has cutouts, plan accordingly. If you’re going to wear Spanx or some other shaper under your dress, wear that. It will all help make sure that your underwear stays hidden under your dress, if you dress appropriately.
Third, bring a friend or family member. This should be a person who can spot details. They should be supportive, but not overbearing. Sometimes a second set of eyes, who understands your vision, can be crucial in helping you decide what’s working and what’s not.
GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO HAVE ALTERATIONS
When it comes to wedding dress alterations, the process can take time.
A typical timeline goes that you’ll order your dress, and it will arrive six to eight months later. From there, you’ll make your alteration appointments. Your schedule is already likely very busy, and your tailor may have a lot going on as well. If you have to come back multiple times, well, it can all add up. So, be sure to plan ahead for it all.
Give yourself at least six to eight weeks to get it all done, so you’re not having fittings the week of your wedding.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Okay, friends, there you go. You now know everything I do about wedding dress alterations. The main takeaways are that you should expect alterations, it’s important to go with someone experienced, and that alterations can take a lot of time. Factor in the costs into your budget, plan for them, and you’ll end up with less stress and an amazing custom wedding dress.
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My sister bought a wedding dress in a sale a few months ago, but she has lost some weight ever since that. She’s interested in making some changes to the dress, so I’ll make sure she reads your post now. Thank you for the information on who we’d find to alter a bridal dress.