The Bridal-Source Guide to Wedding Dress Alterations
Your bridal gown will be one of the, if not the only, piece of garment you will ever wear that is fitted perfectly to you body. That's why when choosing when and where to have your gown altered is extremely important. Many brides need several fittings depending upon how much needs to be done. If you keep these tips in mind you'll be sure find the right seamstress to make your gown fit perfectly for your big day!
When should a bride take her gown in for the first dress fitting? Well on average, most brides go three to three and a half months before their wedding day. It's very important to time your alterations right. Go too early and you body may change over the remaining length of time. Go too late and alterations may be rushed causing not enough time to have all the changes made. The number of fittings really depends on the bride and what all needs to be altered. The average amount of fittings is between three to four, so plan accordingly.
Wherever you choose to have your gown altered make sure it is done by someone who has years experience working particularly with bridal gowns. You'll read numerous horror stories about brides taking their gowns to the neighborhood cleaner & tailor's just to have their garment completely ruined. Having two bridesmaids gowns ruined that way, I recommend getting your gown altered (and bridesmaids gowns for that matter) at the place you purchased them. From boning to helms to bustles, altering wedding gowns needs to be down by a professional so make sure you find someone who has a good following and reputation.
When you show up for your first fitting make sure you bring along the remaining necessities, ya know besides the gown of course. Don't forget to bring your undergarments, shoes, accessories, and veil to the appointment. Having all these pieces will help you see the overall vision of how you'll look on your wedding day. One other thing you need to bring is an extra pair of eyes, maybe your mom or a trusted friend. Someone who has a reliable opinion and will remember details such as how to create the bustle. Make sure not to bring a large amount of people, usually brides only bring one or two to the appointment.
Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have a request about how to change the gown, speak up and let the seamstress know. Many experienced seamstresses are able to rework fabric, open up hems, and can practically redesign dresses; so don't be afraid to ask if they can do something to the gown. This comes particularly in handy if you are wearing your mother's gown and just want to have something tweaked to make it more modern.
When should a bride take her gown in for the first dress fitting? Well on average, most brides go three to three and a half months before their wedding day. It's very important to time your alterations right. Go too early and you body may change over the remaining length of time. Go too late and alterations may be rushed causing not enough time to have all the changes made. The number of fittings really depends on the bride and what all needs to be altered. The average amount of fittings is between three to four, so plan accordingly.
Wherever you choose to have your gown altered make sure it is done by someone who has years experience working particularly with bridal gowns. You'll read numerous horror stories about brides taking their gowns to the neighborhood cleaner & tailor's just to have their garment completely ruined. Having two bridesmaids gowns ruined that way, I recommend getting your gown altered (and bridesmaids gowns for that matter) at the place you purchased them. From boning to helms to bustles, altering wedding gowns needs to be down by a professional so make sure you find someone who has a good following and reputation.
When you show up for your first fitting make sure you bring along the remaining necessities, ya know besides the gown of course. Don't forget to bring your undergarments, shoes, accessories, and veil to the appointment. Having all these pieces will help you see the overall vision of how you'll look on your wedding day. One other thing you need to bring is an extra pair of eyes, maybe your mom or a trusted friend. Someone who has a reliable opinion and will remember details such as how to create the bustle. Make sure not to bring a large amount of people, usually brides only bring one or two to the appointment.
Lastly, don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have a request about how to change the gown, speak up and let the seamstress know. Many experienced seamstresses are able to rework fabric, open up hems, and can practically redesign dresses; so don't be afraid to ask if they can do something to the gown. This comes particularly in handy if you are wearing your mother's gown and just want to have something tweaked to make it more modern.
