What To Know About Wedding Dress Alterations

Covered in this post—What to know about wedding dress alterations:

  1. Timing is everything.

  2. Choose the right seamstress.

  3. Communication is key.

  4. Be prepared for multiple fittings.

  5. Know what alterations are possible.

  6. Consider your undergarments and shoes.

  7. Don’t forget about the bustle.

  8. Be prepared to pay for alterations.

  9. Plan for any weight changes.

A wedding dress is one of the most important garments a woman will wear in her lifetime. It's the centerpiece of her special day, and as such, it's important that the dress fits perfectly. However, no matter how beautiful the dress may be, it's unlikely to fit perfectly straight off the rack. This is where wedding dress alterations come into play. In this blog, we'll discuss what you need to know about wedding dress alterations so that you can ensure your dress fits like a glove on your special day.

1. Timing is everything.

The timing of your wedding dress alterations is crucial. You don't want to leave it too late, but you also don't want to do it too early. The ideal time to start alterations is about two to three months before your wedding day. This will give you enough time to make any necessary adjustments, while also ensuring that the dress will still fit on your wedding day.

2. Choosing the right seamstress.

When it comes to wedding dress alterations, you want to make sure that you choose the right seamstress. Look for someone who has experience working with wedding dresses and who has a good reputation. You may also want to ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have recently been married.

3. Communication is key.

Communication is crucial when it comes to wedding dress alterations. Make sure you communicate clearly with your seamstress about what you want and what your expectations are. It's important to be honest about any concerns you may have, such as how the dress fits or any discomfort you may be experiencing. This will help the seamstress to make the necessary adjustments and ensure that you're happy with the final result.

4. Be prepared for multiple fittings.

Wedding dress alterations typically involve multiple fittings, so be prepared to attend several appointments. This is because the seamstress will need to make adjustments and then check the fit again to ensure that everything is perfect. Make sure you schedule these appointments well in advance so that you can fit them into your busy wedding planning schedule.

5. Know what alterations are possible.

It's important to have a good understanding of what wedding dress alterations are possible. Some alterations that can be made include hemming, taking in or letting out the bodice, shortening the straps and adding or removing sleeves. However, not all alterations are possible, and some dresses may require more extensive alterations than others. This is something that your seamstress will be able to advise you on.

6. Consider your undergarments and shoes.

When you attend your fittings, make sure you bring along the undergarments and shoes that you plan to wear on your wedding day. This will give the seamstress a better idea of how the dress will fit with these items and will help to ensure that the hem is the correct length.

7. Don't forget about the bustle.

The bustle is an important part of any wedding dress, as it allows you to move around more freely during the reception. Make sure you discuss the bustle with your seamstress and decide on the type of bustle that you want. There are several different types of bustles, including the French bustle, the American bustle, and the ballroom bustle.

8. Be prepared to pay for alterations.

Wedding dress alterations can be expensive, so make sure you budget for this when you're planning your wedding. The cost of alterations will depend on the type of alterations that need to be made and the complexity of the dress. However, it's important to remember these alterations are essential for ensuring that your dress fits perfectly on your special day.

9. Plan for any weight changes.

If you're planning to lose weight before your wedding day, make sure you discuss this with your seamstress. They may advise you to wait until closer to the day to begin your fittings.

Want to learn more? We’d love to work with you and capture all the moments leading up to your special day.

Campbell Wedding Productions is a full-service Chicago wedding photography team with experience documenting all types of celebrations—from artistically photographing an intimate downtown Chicago city wedding to creating stunning images in a Chicagoland country club. We’re passionate about capturing your love story, so contact us today.

Previous
Previous

How Much Time Do Wedding Couples Need for Photography?

Next
Next

Chicago Weddings: Choosing Your Venue, Caterer & Florist