Months have passed since you found your dream gown and now it’s finally arrived! The feeling of seeing your gown for the first time (instead of a store sample) can be exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. The scary thoughts come flooding in, “What if it’s not how I remember it?”, “What if it doesn’t fit right?”–this is totally normal, trust us! Your gown is a big deal to you, and it should be, but don’t let it stress you out. The important thing to remember when it comes time to pick up your gown is that it will be different from the sample you tried on. It may be a slightly different color, because it’s new and cleaner than the floor sample. It will likely be a different size than the sample you tried on (whichever size you ordered). Most importantly, it won’t fit you like a glove, it’s not supposed to yet, that’s what alterations are for. So, let’s get into it!
PHOTOGRAPHER | Kelsea Holder Photography
Yes! Alterations can seem mysterious, especially because, in this day and age, many women have never had their clothing altered before. Most clothing, these days, stretches to fit. Wedding gowns are designed differently than your average cocktail dress, many of the fabrics don’t stretch, and this is the number one reason for alterations. You want your wedding gown to fit like a glove, not just for looks, but for functionality. Most wedding gowns have corsets or bras built into them; in order for that infrastructure to work, it needs to fit right.
Height and proportion also fuel the need for alterations. Wedding gowns come hemmed to a standard length that varies from designer to designer. Usually, the standard hems are quite long and most brides will need to have the hem taken up so that you can walk in the gown without tripping over the front. In addition to adjusting the hem, other parts of the gown may need to be rearranged, depending on your proportions. Everyone’s waist and hips sit in a different place, and depending where the waist on your gown is, it may be necessary to shorten the waist on your bodice to make sure the gown sits properly.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Stephanie Gan Photography
This is a big question with a complicated answer. The cost of your alterations depends on three factors:
In order to give you an accurate quote, the alterations specialist will need to see you in the gown in person. They will likely pin the gown in a few places and take notes on the adjustments that need to be made. This will give them an itemized list of the “alterations”. Then, the specialist will examine the construction of the gown and the fabric that it is made out of. If the construction is very complicated, or if your fabric is very detailed or delicate (like a beaded fabric or a fine silk), it may add to the cost because it will take them longer to finish each step in the alteration. Every specialist has their own way of calculating the cost of alterations, so the cost may be different from place to place–even for the same alterations, on the same gown.
We recommend budgeting around $700 for your alterations. This is on the higher side of the average, but we find that it is better to be happily surprised when your bill is less, than to be blindsided with a bill you weren’t expecting.
PHOTOGRAPHER | Kelsea Holder Photography
You should schedule your first alterations appointment for 1.5 months -1 month before your wedding date (or the day you leave, if it is a destination wedding). This will allow enough time for multiple fittings, if necessary. It’s important to stay in that sweet spot because any sooner and you may risk needing additional alterations due to weight fluctuations; any later, and you may need to pay a pricey rush fee to make sure they’re done in time for your wedding.
To make sure that your spot is reserved, it is important to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. We recommend getting your first alterations appointment on the books as soon as you make the deposit on your gown because the places with the best reputations book up way in advance.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Kat Braman
When you order your gown, you have to select a size (with the help of your bridal consultant). They should take your measurements and recommend a size based on your largest measurement. For example, maybe your bust is a size 4 but your waist is a size 2–in this case, you should order the size 4 and have the waist taken-in during alterations. Alterations exist because every body is different; even bodies with the same measurements can have a different layout (so-to-speak). Rarely does anyone fit perfectly into a standard size. The ideal situation is that your gown is slightly big on you in some places because it is much easier to have a gown taken-in, than it is to let-it-out (which can be nearly impossible).
In addition to adjusting the size and fit of the gown, alterations can also be used to change the gown’s appearance. You can shorten sleeves, add a strap, lower a neckline, depending on the design of your gown, of course. If you do want to drastically change the look of your gown, it is a good idea to consult and alterations specialist before you place the order to make sure that what you envision is possible.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Anya Kernes Photography
Before you arrive to your first alterations fitting, you should know a few things. You should know what shoes and undergarments or shapers you will be wearing on the day of your wedding (and bring them with you). This will ensure that your alterations specialist gets the fit and hem just right.
Your alterations specialist will install the bustle as part of your alterations. There are a few different types of bustles and they vary in complexity and price, so it’s a good idea to know what you like going into your first alterations appointment.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Katy Lunsford