Choosing a wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding, but it can also be one of the most daunting. Finding the perfect dress involves more than just selecting a style you love. You'll also want to ensure it fits perfectly, which often requires alterations. Understanding the importance of wedding dress alterations and knowing what to expect ensures your dress looks and feels perfect on your big day. Here are seven important tips to remember when considering alterations for your wedding dress.
How to Know When Your Dress Needs Alterations
Nearly every wedding dress needs alterations to achieve the ideal fit. Focus on the gown's style and fabric and how it fits your body when trying on dresses. Alterations might be necessary if the dress feels too tight, too loose, or doesn't sit right on your body. Additionally, pay specific attention to the length of the gown and how the fabric moves with you. Schedule an alteration if the dress drags under your feet or feels to stiff. Even minor adjustments can make a significant difference in comfort and appearance.
Dress Alteration Tips To Know
Understanding what goes into the alteration process can help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls. The dress alteration process typically involves several steps to ensure your wedding dress fits you perfectly. Initially, you will have a consultation with a seamstress or tailor who will assess the fit of your dress and identify areas that need adjustment.
Once the assessment is complete, the seamstress will mark the areas that require alterations. Common alterations include taking in or letting out the sides, shortening or lengthening the hem, and adjusting the straps or sleeves.
Here are some tips to help you navigate this alteration process.
When To Start Looking into Alterations
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding dress alterations. Ideally, you should start looking into alterations as soon as you purchase your dress. Many brides underestimate the time required for fittings and adjustments, which can lead to last-minute stress. Most designers and wedding planners recommend beginning the alteration process at least three to four months before the wedding date. This timeline provides ample time for multiple fittings and any unforeseen adjustments. However, scheduling any sooner than this could leave you open to an improperly fitting dress if you gain or lose more weight before the wedding. Additionally, be sure to check your preferred tailor's availability as they may have busy schedules, especially during peak wedding seasons.
Schedule More Than One Fitting
Never rely on just one fitting to perfect the fit of your wedding dress. Achieving a perfect fit often involves multiple fittings with your tailor. This meticulous process allows for precise adjustments, ensuring each alteration enhances the overall fit of the dress. The first fitting typically focuses on taking measurements and pinning the dress to mark areas that need adjustments. Subsequent sessions allow the tailor to adjust the dress based on these markings and ensure that each change improves the overall fit.
Bring Your Wedding Accessories to the Fitting
Your wedding accessories play a crucial role in how your dress fits and looks. As such, you should always bring your wedding shoes, undergarments, and jewelry to your dress fitting sessions. The height of your shoes, fit of your bra, and style of your jewelry can affect your dress's fit. Having these items on hand allows the tailor to make accurate adjustments and ensures that the dress looks perfect with all your accessories. You should also make sure to bring these items to your initial dress fitting to ensure the ensemble is cohesive.
Don't Panic If Your Dress Isn't a Perfect Fit at First
It's completely normal for your wedding dress to not fit perfectly at the first fitting. The initial fitting is all about identifying areas that need adjustment while subsequent fittings are about refining the fit. Trust the process and communicate openly with your tailor about any concerns or preferences you have. The goal is to achieve a perfect fit by the final fitting, so be patient and allow the tailor to work their magic.
Include Dress Alteration Costs in Your Budget
Many brides overlook wedding dress alterations when setting their initial wedding budget. Factoring in alteration costs upfront will prevent any budget surprises down the road. Alteration costs can vary depending on the complexity and extent of the adjustments needed. Discuss these costs with your tailor early in the alteration process and plan accordingly. Investing in proper alterations ensures your dress fits perfectly and looks stunning on your wedding day.
Ask About In-House Dress Alterations
When purchasing your wedding dress, inquire about in-house alteration services offered by the bridal boutique. Many boutiques have experienced tailors who specialize in wedding dress alterations. Using in-house services can be convenient and ensure that the tailor is familiar with the design and fabric of the dress. For example, here at Alexandra's Boutique, we offer in-house alterations in three phases for brides who need them.
Bring a Friend or Family Member
Bringing a trusted friend or family member to your fittings is crucial. They can provide valuable feedback, offer a second opinion, and support you throughout the process. Additionally, bringing company can make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. Choose someone whose opinion you trust and who understands your vision for your wedding dress.
Where to Start Looking for Dresses
The first step before you can consider alterations is finding the perfect wedding dress. Start by researching bridal boutiques in your area and reading reviews from other brides. Try different styles to find the one that suits you best. Keep an open mind and be willing to try on dresses that you may not have initially considered. Once you find the dress you love, you can begin the alteration process to ensure it fits you perfectly.
If you're looking for the perfect bridal boutique to get started, you can find your dream dress at Alexandra's Boutique. We offer a wide range of dress styles and sizes, including large size wedding dresses. On top of this, we also have our own alterations team to ensure your wedding dress is the perfect fit for your big day.
Wedding dress alterations are vital to achieving the perfect fit for your special day. By understanding when and how to start the alteration process, scheduling multiple fittings, bringing your accessories, and including alteration costs in your budget, you can ensure that your dress fits flawlessly. Remember to ask about in-house alteration services and bring a trusted friend or family member to your fittings for support.
If you follow these alteration tips while wedding dress shopping, you'll be well on your way to having a wedding dress that not only looks stunning but also feels comfortable and perfectly tailored to you. And choose Alexandra's Boutique for an even more enjoyable and convenient wedding dress shopping experience.