Wedding dress alterations ” Finding Seamstress”

After you’ve found your wedding dress and as soon as it’s delivered, now what?

The next step would be Wedding dress alterations. The truth is that most gowns will need some level of alterations (like raising the hem or tightening the straps), and while your dress may only need a few minor tweaks, having it properly tailored can make all the difference.

It’s smart to plan ahead for alterations and fittings, your dream gown will look even better than you imagined on your special day.
Here’s everything to know about how to get your wedding dress altered from start to finish.

What are wedding dress alterations?

If you’ve never shopped for a wedding dress before, you may be surprised to find out exactly how the process works once you get started.
While you’re shopping at a bridal boutique, you’ll be trying on samples of wedding gowns to ultimately find one that you love.
When you’ve made your decision, your bridal stylist will take your professional measurements to assist you in placing an order of the selected gown.
Based on their size chart, the designer creates a made-to-order version of that gown in whichever size is closest to your measurements. But because most people are in between wedding dress sizes and no two bodies are exactly the same, the process doesn’t end there.

Since the dress will already be fairly close to your size based on the measurements, you shouldn’t need too many adjustments unless stress got to you or you planned to do additional work out to be in better shape. It can always be wise to factor in your ideal/expected weight for the wedding day when placing an order.

“Common alterations include hemming and adding a bustle, adjusting the length of straps/sleeves, and taking the dress in but also letting it out a bit.

Along with adjusting your gown for the best fit, the alterations process is also your opportunity to change or enhance details of your wedding dress, such as sewing a built-in bra, tweaking the neckline, getting rid of sheer panels or swapping a zipper for a lace-up corset back.

Where do you go for wedding dress alterations?

Research professional gown seamstress and tailor in your area to find one who has experience with wedding dress alterations.
If you purchased your bridal gown from a store outside of the city or state where you primarily live, we recommend staying local for your alterations since the process will include several appointments over the course of a few months.

Some bridal salons offer in-house alterations services, which can be a major convenience, and you can possibly get a discount if you choose one of their seamstresses. If not, the salon where you purchased your dress will be able to recommend a few professionals in the area.

Is it hard to alter a wedding dress?

Basic bridal alterations, like adjusting the hemline, fixing straps, and adding bustle to the skirt are all straightforward changes that any experienced seamstress will be able to easily handle. If you’re planning to make customizations that are more drastic, such as adding intricate beading or taking in a wedding dress that’s several sizes too big, it’s especially important to find a tailor who knows exactly what they’re doing. Before making your alterations appointment, spend time reading reviews and looking at photos of their previous work.

How much do wedding dress alterations cost?

It all depends on what needs to be done to the dress. Simple works like bustle can be $20 per bustle vs adding an additional bead can be purchasing bag of matched beading + an additional hourly charge just for the beadwork. ( starting at about $300 for a simple area which is a very elaborate work.

How long do wedding alterations take?

Wedding dress alterations begin about two or three months before your wedding day. This leaves enough time for the alterations shop to finish everything while also being close enough to the big day that your body won’t change drastically (and result in a dress that no longer fits).

Keep in mind that you’ll need more than one alterations appointment – the average number is three – so you’ll want plenty of time to schedule them in advance and save yourself the stress of feeling overwhelmed at the last-minute. The seamstress will work backward from your wedding date and provide a schedule for your alteration appointments. Depending on your timeline, some seamstresses can also accommodate rushes.