You’ve said yes to the dress, now it’s time to make it fit like it was made just for you. Wedding dress alterations are a crucial part of the bridal journey, ensuring your gown fits flawlessly for your walk down the aisle. At Tie the Knot Bridal, our gowns are not made-to-measure, they’re ordered based on a bride’s largest measurement. Once you say ‘YES!!’ to your perfect dress we’ll take your bust, waist, and hip measurements and compare them to the designer’s size chart. From there, we’ll select the size that best accommodates your largest measurement, which for many brides is the waist. This ensures the gown can be altered for a flattering and comfortable fit, especially in the areas that matter most. It’s all about giving your seamstress enough to work with so your gown fits you perfectly when it matters most.
When to Start Alterations
We recommend beginning your alterations about 4 to 5 months before your wedding day. This timeline gives you and your seamstress enough room for fittings, adjustments, and final touches without rushing the process.
Important Tip: The seamstresses that we recommend book up fast, especially during peak wedding season, so don’t wait to schedule your first appointment! If your wedding is twelve months out or less, it doesn’t hurt to contact a seamstress once you purchase your dress to get on their schedule. If your wedding is thirteen months out or more, you can typically wait until your dress arrives to set something up.
How Many Appointments to Expect
You’ll typically have three fittings:
- Initial Fitting: This is where your seamstress will assess what needs to be done and begin pinning and planning. You’ll try your dress on, and they will note everything from fit to length. Make sure to have your wedding shoes at this appointment!
- Second Fitting: You’ll start to see your gown taking shape! Adjustments are refined, and your seamstress will make sure everything is feeling comfortable and looking perfect.
- Final Fitting: This is the “just about there” appointment. Your seamstress will double-check everything and make any last tweaks so your dress is wedding-day ready.
Common Alterations Brides Need
Every body is unique, which is why alterations are key to making your dress truly yours. Some of the most common alterations brides need include:
-Taking in the bust for a secure and flattering fit
-Taking in the hips on fitted silhouettes for a smooth look
-Shortening straps or sleeves to keep everything in place, and to ensure that your long sleeves lay properly
-Hemming the dress to the perfect floor length (don’t forget to bring your wedding shoes!)
-Adding a bustle so you can dance the night away without tripping over your train (bring a bridesmaid along to learn how to do the bustle)
Ready to book your wedding dress alterations? We recommend two amazing seamstresses in the area who we have worked with for over 15 years. Reach out for more info!
