Kristi Kellogg Updated on 06/18/24 09:30AM

While you may be inclined to think that your wedding dress experience is over once you've purchased your day-of look, your journey is actually far from over. Since the last thing you want to do is walk down the aisle in an ill-fitted wedding dress, your next task after finding "the one" gown is to secure a fitting and alterations appointment. "Tailoring your wedding dress is the secret sauce to having perfect confidence on your wedding day," shares stylist Cindy Conroy. "Conforming to the lines of your body, an altered dress gives you high-octane drama with a made-to-measure finish." Wedding fashion expert Terry Hall also adds, "You can splurge on a pricey dress, but if it's not altered properly, it won't look any better than a gown that's a tenth of the cost."

Simply put, it's unwise to forgo getting your wedding dress altered. The good news, however, is that the process isn't too overwhelming. In most cases, your wedding dress alterations appointment will consist of you meeting with a seamstress—your bridal boutique will either have an in-house seamstress or they will be able to recommend a trusted tailor to do the job—in order to have your gown modified to perfectly fit your body. It typically takes about three fittings before a bride's ensemble is ready to be worn, depending on the style and size of the dress originally purchased.

"Every wedding dress needs alterations," Tina Zimmerman, director of alterations at Kleinfeld Bridal, re-emphasizes. "Alterations ensure that a bride's wedding dress fits her perfectly, meets all of her specifications, and most importantly, makes her feel like her most beautiful self."

 

Here, we asked the experts to provide a comprehensive guide on wedding dress alterations. From what you'll need to bring to your appointment to the most popular types of alterations, read on for everything you need to know.

Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Dress Alterations

Unsure how much your wedding dress alterations will cost? Curious about how long it'll take to get your bridal gown perfectly fitted? Here's all the information you need once it's time to fine-tune your day-of ensemble.

The Number of Fittings Required for Wedding Dress Alterations

How many fittings you'll need will depend on the number of changes your wedding dress requires, though brides should expect to attend two to three fittings during this process. "The gown will start to take shape when the fitter starts pinning and tucking the fabric and sculpting it to the bride's body," says Nicole Sacco, former director of fittings and sales at Kleinfeld Bridal. "At the second fitting, the bride should have a better idea of how the gown will fit." If a third fitting is required—Zimmerman says she tells her brides to prepare for three—your seamstress will simply fine-tune any last-minute modifications needed to ensure your dress is perfect. "It’s important to remember that your wedding dress was ordered according to the largest measurement (between hips, bust, and waist); therefore, it is likely it will not fit properly at your first fitting appointment," adds Zimmerman.

 

The Length of a Wedding Dress Alteration Appointment

The first fitting will typically last one hour as your tailor begins to assess your dress and the alterations needed. "At the first fitting, the bride will meet the artisan fitter, who will be with her during every fitting until her wedding day," says Sacco. Following the first hour-long appointment, each subsequent fitting should take less time since the dress is getting closer and closer to the perfect fit.

The Average Cost of Wedding Dress Alterations

Depending on what needs to be done, expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $1,000 on wedding dress alterations. Some salons charge per service (for example, $225 to shorten your gown, $150 to resew seams, etc.), while others charge a flat fee (maybe around $500 to $900) that covers anything you'll need to ensure the dress fits you perfectly. Design changes can also cost anywhere from $50 (to cut a new dress neckline) to a few hundred (to add lace or beading, reshape the silhouette, or change the fabric).

The Most Popular Types of Wedding Dress Alterations

There are various ways brides can alter their wedding dress. Ahead, we highlight the most common modifications to know about once you've purchased your gown.

Hemming the Length of the Dress

The number one alteration most brides need is hemming the length of their wedding dress. This ensures the gown doesn't drag on the floor while walking down the aisle and posing for photos. More specifically, Rita Ertl, Monique Lhuillier's former director of alterations, always advises brides to aim for a hemline that gently grazes the ground. "With your hem grazing the floor, you will be able to walk, dance, and mingle with your guests," Ertl explains. Ultimately, the main thing is to make sure you won't trip on the dress, so once the seamstress pins the dress hemline, walk around the salon a bit in your shoes to make sure it's a comfortable length.

Taking the Dress In (or Out)

Most wedding dress alteration appointments also involve taking in the dress to conform to the bride's body. Meaning, if your dress doesn't fit after you've ordered it, don't worry too much. "If a bride loses weight, the gown will be taken in at each fitting appointment until it fits perfectly. If a bride gains weight, we will try to open the seams and release some extra fabric," says Sacco. "If there is not enough fabric to work with, we can order fabric from the designer, and a panel can be added to the dress." In general, a well-fitted gown should support and shape the bust and accentuate and complement the body's shape.

Adding Custom Details to the Dress

More extensive changes can be made with enough budgeted time and money, depending on your exact needs. For example, customizations like adding off-the-shoulder straps, sleeves, train length, lace appliqués, beading, bustles, and buttons are all popular types of alterations brides can request.

The Top Wedding Dress Alteration Tips to Know

Need more advice? Keep reading below for expert-approved tips when going through the wedding dress alterations process.

Start the Process on Time

To take the stress out of wedding dress alterations, it's best to buy your look early, leaving plenty of time for fittings and tailoring. More specifically, buy a dress 10 months before the wedding, then schedule a fitting eight to 12 weeks before the big day and a final fitting no later than two weeks before you walk down the aisle.

Bring Your Wedding Shoes and Undergarments to Every Fitting

Be sure to bring your day-of essentials to get a true fit, if possible. "Brides need to bring the shoes and undergarments they will wear on the day of the wedding in order to obtain the proper fit," says Sacco. We all know the difference Spanx or the right strapless bra can make, which is why it's helpful to wear exactly what you'll be wearing on your wedding day. "During the alteration process, a bride can see and feel what she will look like on her wedding day," explains Zimmerman.

Additionally, be sure to wear the shoes you plan to wear on the big day so your seamstress knows how to hem your gown. If you haven't picked out your wedding shoes, however, bring a pair with a height comparable to the shoes you imagine yourself wearing (otherwise, you'll end up with an incorrect alteration).

Consider Bringing a Friend to Your Appointments

Bring a supportive friend or family member to cheer you on and bring good vibes and energy to the experience. They'll help you feel more comfortable and relaxed, act as an extra set of eyes, and, of course, help you document the memories via endless behind-the-scenes selfies. Plus, if the opportunity presents itself, having them there to grab you that much-needed celebratory mimosa doesn't hurt either.

 

Article Credit: www.Brides.com

Photo Credit: Samantha Leto