Finding your wedding dress is a big moment, but when your dress arrives, there’s usually one more stage before it’s ready for your wedding day: alterations.
Wedding dresses are made to standard size charts rather than to your individual measurements, so it’s completely normal for a gown to need some adjustment. That might be something simple, such as changing the length or adjusting a strap, or it could involve more detailed work to get the fit and support just right for you.
Here’s what you need to know about wedding dress alterations and fittings.
Will my wedding dress need alterations?
Many wedding dresses need some alterations before the wedding day, even when the correct size has been ordered.
You might need the length adjusted, the bodice refined, straps shortened or the fit altered slightly through the waist or hips. Every bride and every dress is different, so the amount of work needed will depend on both you and your gown.
The important thing is that your finished dress feels comfortable, secure and right for you.
When should I book a wedding dress seamstress?
It’s a good idea to arrange your seamstress well in advance, particularly if you're getting married during the busy wedding season.
Your actual alterations will usually begin around two months before your wedding, although the exact timing will depend on your dress and the work required.
At Bridal Gossip, alterations are not carried out as part of your dress order. I can provide details of recommended seamstresses, and you can choose and book the person you would like to work with directly.
How much do wedding dress alterations cost?
Alterations are a separate cost from your wedding dress.
As a general guide, wedding dress alterations typically start from around £250, but the final cost depends entirely on the work your dress needs.
Something relatively straightforward, such as adjusting the hem, will be different from more extensive alterations or bespoke changes to the gown.
Your seamstress will be able to discuss what is needed and give you an indication of the cost.
What should I take to my wedding dress fitting?
One of the most important things to take is the footwear you intend to wear on your wedding day — or something with the same heel height. This allows your seamstress to get the length of your dress right.
You should also wear the underwear, bra or other support garments you plan to wear with your dress, if you need them. Changing these between fittings can affect how your dress sits and fits.
You don't need to buy special shapewear simply because you're wearing a wedding dress. What matters is that you feel comfortable and supported in whatever you choose to wear.
What happens at the first fitting?
Your first fitting is the opportunity for your seamstress to see how your actual dress fits you and identify any adjustments that need to be made. Don't worry if it isn't sitting exactly as you expected when you first put it on. That's precisely what alterations are for.
Your seamstress may pin or mark areas that need adjusting and talk you through what can be changed. Depending on the work required, you may then have further fittings before everything is finished.
What if my body has changed since I ordered my dress?
Bodies change. Your measurements when your dress arrives may not be exactly the same as they were when it was ordered months earlier. That doesn't automatically mean there's a problem.
A skilled bridal seamstress can advise you on the fit of your gown and what alterations are possible. The best thing you can do is allow enough time for your fittings rather than putting pressure on yourself or your body before your wedding.
If this is something you're worried about, I've also written a guide about what happens if your body changes after ordering your wedding dress.
Comfort matters just as much as how your dress looks
Your wedding dress has to do much more than look beautiful in front of a mirror.
You'll be walking, sitting, hugging people, eating, dancing and wearing it for hours.
During your fittings, move around in your dress. Sit down. Check how the straps, neckline and bodice feel. Make sure you feel supported and that nothing is digging in, slipping or restricting you unnecessarily.
A beautiful fit should also be a comfortable fit.
Speak up if something doesn't feel right
Your seamstress needs to know how the dress feels to you. If a strap keeps slipping, something is digging in, you don't feel supported or you're uncomfortable with the way an alteration looks, say so.
You're the person who will be wearing the dress all day, and fittings are your opportunity to make sure you feel happy and comfortable in it.
Don't be afraid to ask questions either. A good seamstress will explain what they're doing and what is realistically possible with your particular gown.
Who arranges my wedding dress alterations?
Wedding dress alterations are separate from your purchase and appointments at Bridal Gossip.
I can provide you with a list of recommended seamstresses, but you are free to choose who you would like to use. You'll then contact your chosen seamstress directly to arrange your fittings, timings and alteration costs.
And, as always, if you're unsure about something relating to your dress before you reach the alterations stage, just ask me. I'm here to help make the whole experience feel as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.
Still looking for your wedding dress? Discover the wedding dresses available at Bridal Gossip or book your appointment at our Wadebridge boutique.
