WEDDING ALTERATIONS
YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WEDDING DRESS ALTERATIONS:
You said "Yes" to the dress, now what...?
Wedding dresses are one of the most complex garments created. Taking your precious wedding dress to a dry cleaner is not a good idea. It must be handled and tailored by a master tailor.
We get asked very often how long it will take to finish the wedding dress alterations. This really depends on the extent of the alterations being done, for simple alterations one visit and a week or less than a week will suffice. Some dresses that require more work or specialty tailoring require about 2 fittings with the tailor. This last session is exclusively for final tweaks and should therefore happen as close to the date as possible.
One very important pointer to add is that you should always bring your undergarments with you as well as your shoes and any other accessories to ensure accurate fitting.
- Shortening the hem:
It is common that the manufacturers make the wedding dress hem extra long so it will also fit the taller customers. Shortening the hem is the most common alteration and we do it to almost every customer that comes to visit us. We have the right tools and skills to make sure your hem is equal length all around and done the perfect way.
- Train Loop and Button:
A Train loop, also known as Bustle is the little ribbon loop attached to your dress train that makes it possible to lift the train later in the day to make moving and dancing around easier.
We offer two types of train loops:
- the long one that you hold in your hand when you dance
- the short one that buttons right under your bum.
The one that ties right under your bum is typically more requested as it lets both of your hands free.
- Taking in/Letting out the Hips and Waist:
We all have very unique and beautiful bodies therefore it is really hard to find a dress off the rack that fits perfectly.
It is a very common alteration to take in or let out the sides seams of a wedding dress. It is usually easier to take the dress in than to let it out but with our expertise level we can add a piece of material on the sides if the dress you bought is too snug.
It is very important to make sure that the dress is well fitting on the waist, bust and hips since these are the key points to achieving the perfect silhouette.
- Taking Chest in:
Many store bought dresses are quite generous when it comes to chest size. Most of the time the shape around the chest might need some tailoring so that the neckline won't make a gutter when you look down.
- Shortening the Straps:
Some gowns are made with a little longer shoulder straps to make it fit for a wider range of brides to be. Shortening the straps is a fairly easy alteration and should definitely been done to guarantee a comfortable fit.
- Altering the Back:
A very common alteration is to tailor the back of the wedding dress. You may want the dress to be open in the back or build a lace back to a strapless gown, the possibilities are endless. This is in fact one of our favorite types of alterations as it requires a schooled eye to design and make a plan for the back. Just make sure to have some inspiration pictures when you consult with your seamstress to insure that you are both on the same page as far as looks of your dress.
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