Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life, and the dress you wear plays a significant role in making it perfect. While finding the ideal wedding dress is crucial, ensuring it fits you flawlessly is just as important. This is where wedding dress alterations come into play. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to expect and how the process works.

The Importance of Alterations…

Even if you order your wedding dress in the size that best matches your measurements, alterations are almost always necessary to achieve a perfect fit.

Every bride’s body is unique, and alterations ensure that the dress flatters your shape perfectly, providing both comfort and confidence on your big day.

When to Start Alterations…

Timing is everything when it comes to wedding dress alterations. We recommend starting the alteration process about two months before your wedding day. This allows ample time for multiple fittings and any adjustments that may be needed. Here’s a general timeline:

1. First Fitting (8 weeks before): This is where the seamstress evaluates the dress on you and pinpoints areas that need alteration.

2. Second Fitting (4 weeks before): The dress should be closer to its final fit. Minor adjustments are made based on this fitting.

3. Final Fitting (1-2 weeks before): A final check to ensure everything is perfect.

What to Expect During the Alteration Process…

The Initial Fitting

During your first fitting, the seamstress will:

• Assess the overall fit of the dress.

• Pin areas that need adjustment, such as the bust, waist, hips, and hemline.

• Discuss any custom changes you might want, like adding sleeves, changing the neckline, or incorporating a bustle for the train.

Subsequent Fittings

In the following fittings, you’ll:

• Try on the dress to see how the adjustments have improved the fit.

• Make any further tweaks if necessary.

• Ensure the hem is the perfect length, especially if you’re wearing specific shoes.

Final Fitting

The final fitting is the last opportunity to make sure everything is perfect. The dress should fit like a glove, and any last-minute adjustments can be handled swiftly.

Finding the Perfect Seamstress

We understand the importance of finding a talented and reliable seamstress to handle your wedding dress alterations. We have a few extremely talented seamstresses that we use for our brides, and believe us when we say they are miracle workers!

Tips for a Smooth Alteration Experience

• Do not forget your shoes: We cannot stress enough how important it is to wear THE shoes that you plan to wear, for your fitting. The seamstresses cannot ensure that your dress is altered to the perfect length if you do not have your shoes on so it is really important that you take them with you.

• Do not schedule fittings if you are not at your ideal size: Listen girls we know how important it is to feel your best but if that means that you are changing shape in the run-up to your big day then you really need to factor this into when your fittings start. Once you have started the alteration process, you really need to stay (within reason) the same size/shape. If you continue to change once the alterations have started, then there is a chance that the dress won’t fit as it should. For example, if you are losing weight you really do need to make the changes before the fittings start and then ideally you just need to maintain that shape up until the big day. We want you to feel your best whilst also guaranteeing that your dress fits perfectly!

• Communicate clearly: Be vocal about your preferences and any discomforts you feel during the fittings. If you want to wear your dress tighter or looser than advised, then feel free to say so…It’s your dress!

• Stay flexible: Be prepared for multiple fittings to get everything just right. Of course, the run-up to your wedding is chaotic, to say the least, but make sure to prioritise your fitting appointments.

• Trust the experts: While it’s important to share your vision, trust the expertise of your seamstress to make the best adjustments. They will always advise you on what is best for you and ensure you look your very best!

Wedding dress alterations are a crucial step in ensuring your dress fits you perfectly on your special day. We are on hand to help organise and schedule your fittings to ensure everything runs smoothly and, most importantly… stress-free! By pre-booking your appointments (believe it or not, up to a year in advance!) and working with skilled seamstresses, you can rest assured that your dress will be tailored to perfection.

Enjoy every moment of the journey, from the first fitting to walking down the aisle in a dress that feels like it was made just for you…

Written with love by Ella – Head Bridal Stylist