Can A Seamstress Make My Dress More Comfortable To Wear
This depends on the dress, but Anna tells us that there are a few tricks that she can employ! “For example, if the arm hole area is a bit uncomfortable, I can lower the arm hole so you have more room. Some dresses can be let out a little for more movement, and underskirts and nets can be removed.”
Photo by Anna O Alterations
How Far In Advance Should I Get My Wedding Dress Altered
“We advise for a first fitting to be 8-10 weeks prior to the wedding date, as this allows ample time for the tailors to work their magic and flexibility for the bride to attend her appointments,” says Millie.
“The final fitting will be scheduled for 2 weeks prior to either the wear or travel date .
“This ensures the most accurate fit but also time for any last-minute tweaks!”
Bring A Friend Of Family Member
Its best to take a couple of people close to you and that you really trust so they can give you honest opinions on how youre looking. But before you think about bringing all of your bridesmaids let us stop you right there. It may not be such a good idea to bring a tonne of people to such an important fitting too many opinions and different personalities flying around may overwhelm you, and do more harm than good. Pick someone close to you who always tells you the hard truths.
You May Like: What To Put In Gift Bags For Wedding Guests
Taking In Or Out On The Hips And Waist
Because all bodies are different its hard to manufacture dresses to fit everyone. This is why taking in a dress in or out on the side seams is such a common alteration.
When you are shopping for a wedding dress, always consult the sales assistant how much the dress size can be altered. Usually its easier to take the dress in because you dont have to worry about the old seam showing.
A wedding dress should fit well on your waist, bust, and hips. If you are shopping for a dress off the rack then remember to consult a sales assistant about alteration possibilities.
Ask Your Bridal Salon About In
One of the most important pieces of advice for wedding alterations is to ask your bridal salon if they offer tailoring services in-house. Not only is it a huge time-saver, but those seamstresses will have likely worked with your specific dress before , and many shops will give you a small discount for doing your alterations in-house. But if they dont, dont panic! Your salon will likely be able to recommend a few trusted professionals who specialize in wedding dress alterations.
Read Also: Wedding Planning Spreadsheet Template
Wedding Dress Alterations And Appointments
If you are not the same size all over, keep in mind that it is usually easier to take in a garment than it is to let it out. I myself am top-heavy, so I speak from experience on this. It’s almost always easiest to buy the size that best fits the largest part of your body and take in the dress wherever it is too big.
Buyer beware: some bridal shops deliberately order the wrong size. If you are ordering a dress through a bridal shop, check them out thoroughly, and make sure they have your correct measurements. Try to order well in advance so that if they order the wrong size anyway, you have time to either come up with another dress or politely, but firmly, insist that they order the correct size pronto.
If buying online , ask for specific measurements. If they are not part of the listing , and make sure you know how they compare to yours.
When choosing a tailor, go with a reputable one, not the one that quotes you the lowest rate. You get what you pay for. Believe me, it isn’t worth having something done cheaply if you subsequently have to pay someone else to fix the cheap-o job.
Ask whether an appointment is required. Many independent alterations shops require appointments for bridal fittings to avoid getting fifteen brides in one afternoon. It takes time to fit a bridal gown properly, and you do NOT want the person fitting you to be rushed, fumbling, and sweating profusely while a dozen less-polite brides badger and harass her for not fitting you faster.
Get A Hemline That Grazes The Floor
Few things are more important during the fitting process than getting the correct hemline. Most wedding dress experts advise a hemline that grazes the floor. Having too long of a hemline may cause the bride to trip over her dress, ruining her big day. It can also cause unsightly stains that diminish its visual appeal. Always walk around after getting your dress hemmed to ensure its comfortable and the correct length. You want the dress to graze the floor, not engulf it.
Recommended Reading: Get Ordained Online Nj
How Does A Seamstress Hem A Dress With Lace Of Beaded Hem
This all depends on the skill level of the seamstress. The seamstresses we work with are beaders. They know how to lift beading and lace trim on the bottom of a dress. Once the beading and lace is lifted, the seamstress hems the dress and placed the fabric back down. This is one of the most labor intensive parts of altering a wedding dress. Just about every wedding dress can be hemmed. It is important for your bridal stylist to communicate to you how your wedding dress is hemmed and if any detailing will be lost.
Dont Use Your Gown As A Goal
Some women looking to lose weight before their nuptials will order their wedding dress in a smaller size than they fit into at the time of purchase however, we recommend against this practice. Though you may be motivated, consider that it is far easier to take a dress in than it is to let it out.
Many seamstresses recommend being at your goal weight or body image at the first fitting to ensure that the alterations are being made to fit you on your wedding day. However, don’t worry if you’re weight is fluctuating between fittings! Your seamstress or tailor will be able to provide some give or take in fabric to ensure you feel beautiful in your wedding dress.
Also Check: Best Wedding Band For Solitaire
Will Certain Customizations Make Alterations Take Longer
Yes, availing of certain customizations will take more time. The range of time mentioned above is merely an average the final amount of time is dependent on the number of alterations necessary, how complex these alterations are, the availability and skill of your seamstress, and more. Here are some examples of things that can heavily impact the timeline of alterations.
- Embroidery and lace details such as embroidery and lace are much more demanding when it comes to altering. They necessitate a higher level of care and precision. The seamstress needs to use an overlay when working with embroidery and lace, which will end up taking more time.
- Beadwork much like embroidery and lace, beadwork calls for more carefulness and exactness. Each bed needs to be removed from the fabric, then resewed individually with the altered measurements.
- Satin satin is a delicate fabric that is prone to showing wrinkles, making it easier to make mistakes when doing handiwork. Because of this, working with satin can take a lot of time and be wearisome.
Weeks To Go: Final Fittingfinal Check
In most cases, the final fitting is more of a quality check to be sure that everything done in the prior fittings has turned out according to plan. The last thing anyone wants is for the bride to discover a problem with one of the adjustments on her wedding day. But, if there is still something that needs adjusting, the final fitting is the brides last chance to make the change.
You May Like: Wedding Spreadsheet Download Excel
Am I Required To Have My Dress Altered
No, you are not required to have your wedding dress altered. At the end of the day, that is your decision to make. For financial or practical reasons, it may not make sense for you to go through multiple fittings.
The reason why you are strongly recommended to get your wedding dress altered is that it is rare for a wedding dress to perfectly fit any bride right from the beginning. The sizing conventions in bridal stores follow standards, and not every person fits within those standards.
It is also important to reiterate that your body can and will go through changes over the months leading up to your wedding. Altering your dress addresses possible weight fluctuations and how it can be tailored to better accentuate your shape.
What’s Involved In A Wedding Dress Fitting
First Fitting: Youll likely have ordered your dress months before, so in your first appointment youll try it on again and the seamstress will see where it needs adjusting. Itll probably take an hour and will be the longest appointment: youre not only getting pinned, but meeting the dressmaker and discussing your requirements.
Some brides might be worried about being undressed in front of the seamstress, but theres no need this is their job and seamstresses are very discreet.
Listen to the seamstresss advice If they warn against a change or suggest a different one, its for a good reason. Trust their experience and knowledge of the garments.
However, if what they’re saying really doesn’t match up with what you want, ask for a second opinion, particularly if you’re not using a specialist wedding dress service not everyone is as experienced with certain types of changes or working with certain fabrics, especially if theyre less experienced. It isnt offensive to take the dress to a different seamstress for a second opinion you will get what you pay for so make sure the seamstress is right for the job at hand.
Second Fitting: Third Fitting:
Youll take your dress home with you at the final fitting. Ask your boutique for advice about safely storing your dress at home ahead of the wedding.
“Make the dress work for you, not you work out for the dress.” Kate Halfpenny
Don’t Miss: Wedding Planning Spreadsheet Google Sheets
What Happens At The Initial Wedding Dress Fitting
During the initial fitting, which usually takes place two to three months before the wedding date, you will put on YOUR wedding dress for the first time.
The initial fitting allows you to try your dress on with the accessories you plan to wear. For example, you will want to bring any shoes, belts, or undergarments you plan to wear on the wedding day. This allows the tailor to make sure that the hem of the gown lays properly and that your dress looks the way that you are expecting on the big day.
While the initial fitting is where you start determining the changes your gown needs, it is likely that you will need to make some tweaks, which is why you need to attend at least three fittings. The second fitting is when you put the dress back on and make sure that things are moving in the right direction. If something doesnt feel right, this is the time to speak up. After this appointment, your seamstress will make the final changes.
When Should I Schedule My Alterations
If you found your dream dress at Davids Bridal, we recommend making an appointment for your first fitting at the time of purchase. For wedding dresses, an alterations artisan will work with you at your initial appointment to create a specific timeline based on your event date. Please allow 4 weeks between the first and final fittings. If you need your alterations before 4 weeks, please contact your local store. For bridesmaid dresses, social occasion dresses, and all other garments, we can provide alterations within 2 weeks however, a rush fee may apply. Contact your local store for availability.
Don’t Miss: Wedding Budget Google Spreadsheet
Bring All Your Accessories
When showing up for fittings to alter your dress, dont just bring your gown bring everything you plan to wear on the wedding day. Bring the undies, spanx or shapewear, and bra that you want to wear. Your shoes are also crucial, as they define the length to which the gown should be altered. If you dont have the shoes ready for the first fitting, consider bringing similar height ones. Bring your hair accessories, jewelry and veil too, as these will help you maintain the right overall balance. With all the accessories in place, itll be much easier to alter your dress correctly and get a feel for the complete, overall final look.
What Are The Most Common Wedding Dress Alterations
There are parts of the dress that should always be tailored to fit just right. Standard alterations include adjusting the bust, taking in the waist, and adjusting the hips. These three alterations help keep your gown staying up and in place. In addition to these three, a hem and bustle are also needed for the length of the gown and functionality of the train. Think of it like a tailored suit verse a rental suit. There is a big difference on the fit. These standard alterations will be key to making sure you feel the best in your wedding dress.
Ines Di Santo Audin runway dress at NYC Bridal Fashion Week.
Our bride Mariette wearing a personalized Ines Di Santo wedding dress. During her bridal appointment we discussed ways of providing her with more coverage and adding a capped sleeve detail. In addition to creating the sleeve details we created a custom veil with the same appliques. See more from Mariettes wedding here. Photographer Nate Puhr /
You May Like: Wedding Invitations Without Inner Envelope
Can I Undergo Bodily Plastic Surgery Before Or During My Fittings
You are strongly discouraged to undergo bodily plastic surgery six months before the wedding. Your body can take up to several months to stabilize after the surgery all these fluctuations will make fitting more challenging.
In the same vein, sudden changes in diet, exercise habits, and medication will also influence your physique. Speak with a dietitian or physician to discuss the possible side effects of switching nutritional plans or medication.
Budget For The Cost Of Alterations
Since wedding dresses are complex garments with delicate details, a seamstress must painstakingly pay attention to every detail. Even small changes to a wedding dress take time and effort. So, wedding dress alteration is more expensive than regular alterations. However, the exact cost will depend on the extent of the work involved. Extensive changes to the design, like changing the hemline or fabric, will cost more than just taking the dress in or adding a bustle. To stay within your limit, adding alteration charges to your wedding dress budget. Communicate your total dress budget to the bridal consultant when you go shopping and look at dresses accordingly.
Also Check: Wedding Excel Sheets
