You’ve found your dream dress and successfully navigated all the challenges and emotions of wedding dress shopping, but now you need alterations. Most brides need some part of their wedding dress altered, so you’re not alone. Here are five things to know about wedding dress alterations that will help you be prepared from the get-go:
1. Know What to Expect on Cost
The cost for wedding dress alterations can have a huge range depending on the extent of alterations, how many layers the dress has and what kind of intricacies are involved, such as beads or sequins. Getting a quote will better prepare you for what your dress alterations will ultimately cost. It’s better to know up front than be surprised about the final cost after the alterations have been completed. Make sure you add your alteration costs into your budget.
2. Bring Your Wedding Shoes
Height plays an essential role in getting wedding dress alterations right, so it’s important to bring the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to your wedding dress fitting. Some brides want to wear heels on their wedding day and others opt for comfort and go with flats. Whatever you choose, bring your shoes to your fitting so your wedding dress can be altered to the proper height.
3. Wear The Proper Undergarments
Your wedding dress will fit a little different depending on the undergarments and/or shapewear you choose. Make sure you’ve purchased the best undergarments or shapewear for the style of your dress and plan on bringing them to your fittings. It’s best to have achieved your goal body image at your first fitting so your dress will fit properly when alterations are complete.
4. Know When to Get Your Dress Altered
While you don’t want to get your dress altered too early, you also don’t want to cut it too close to your wedding day. Ask your seamstress or tailor what their turn around time is for wedding dress alterations. Most likely, they will need additional information about your dress style and how much you’re needing altered and may even require you to come for an in-person fitting.
The extent of the alterations may determine your timeline. For example, a wedding dress that needs to be taken in at the torso may take longer to alter than a wedding dress that simply needs to be shortened. If your tailor or seamstress is in high demand, it’s best to start the process early and know up front how long the alterations are expected to take so your dress can be ready in time. However, a good rule of thumb for wedding dress alterations is approximately eight weeks before your wedding.
5. Be Prepared for Multiple Fittings
You will most likely be asked to come for a minimum of two wedding dress fittings, but some brides are asked to be available for up to four or even five. At this point, your wedding day is quickly approaching and tasks are piling up, so just be prepared to work multiple fittings into your schedule.
6. Get Weights Added to Your Train
If your wedding dress has a train, even a small one, ask your seamstress to sew in weights at the end of the train. The weights will keep your dress train following nicely behind you down the aisle and will also keep it from blowing in the wind if you are having an outdoor wedding or send-off.