Wedding Dress Alterations Guide
Saying yes to your dream dress is only the first step of securing the perfect gown!
Don’t be discouraged if your gown doesn’t fit like a glove the first time you try it on. It’s a rare occasion for a bride when her gown doesn’t need any tweaks whatsoever. It’s perfectly normal for your gown to require some minor alterations, whether that’s to take in the waist a bit, add a bustle, or hem the skirt a few inches once you’ve had a chance to find your desired shoes. Here at LVB, all of our gowns are made-to-measure to provide brides with gowns that are made just for them and to make the alteration process a little bit easier (and quicker). If you don’t know what to expect from the alterations process, don’t worry most brides feel the same way, especially if you’ve never set foot inside of a tailor shop before. Before you break out the measuring tape, look below for the answers to some of your most pressing alterations questions!
If my gown is made-to-measure why do I need alterations?
As with many other companies who make made-to-measure gowns, here at LVB, our gowns are crafted to your specific proportions. But, as with any gown, whether it was made-to-measure or bought in-store, the perfect fit can only be achieved once you try on the gown. Likely, you will still need a few nips and tucks after trying on your gown, but having it made to measure makes the alterations much easier than having large portions of the gown hemmed and taken in.
How much will it cost?
Alteration costs can vary in range depending on the type of work that needs to be done to your gown, so always make sure to allot for a reasonable amount in your initial dress budget. For professional tailoring, you can expect to pay anywhere between $150 to $800, with an average price of about $500. Make sure to take into account whether your tailor charges a flat rate or by the service because if you need multiple alterations charges can add up.
Photography by Ria Mackenzie
Photography by Alyssa Parker Photography
At what point should I contact a tailor?
You’ll want to get in touch with your tailor well in advance to avoid any rush fees and get a clear understanding of their availability and typical timeline. Typically you’ll want to schedule your first fitting at least two months before your big day and the second fitting no later than two weeks before the wedding. If you’re unsure of which tailor to contact, ask recently married friends for suggestions, browse Yelp, or ask your retailer for their recommendations.
How many fittings will I need?
The alterations process can take anywhere between two to three sessions. This is because on your first fitting, the tailor will be marking the adjustments that need to be made, and you will have to come back in to evaluate the changes. Depending on how satisfied you are with the changes, you may need one or more sessions, or you could take your completed gown home after the second session.
Should I bring any items with me to the fitting?
To have a gown that fits you perfectly in shape and length, you will need to bring along the undergarments and shoes you plan on wearing for your wedding to your fittings. Undergarments are a bit more flexible, if you’re still unsure of what to wear underneath your gown, bring all of your options and have your tailor help you decide what looks best with the gown. Also, bring potential accessories if you have them because you may want a neckline adjustment depending on the necklace you plan on wearing.
How do I decide what measurements to give?
If you’re considering a made-to-measure gown or just want to go into your fitting with some knowledge of your measurements, refer to our measurement guide for how to correctly take your measurements. It’s important to know that once your alterations start, you will want to try to maintain your weight as any fluctuation can lead to more alterations (and a larger alteration budget).
Photography by Marcela Plosker
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