Guide to wedding dress alterations
Finding your dream wedding dress is an exciting milestone, but ensuring the perfect fit is just as important! Most wedding dresses require some level of alteration to achieve that flawless, made-for-you look. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations, from timing to budgeting and what to expect at your fittings.
When to book your alterations
Alterations typically take place 1-3 months before your wedding day, but securing a seamstress should happen much earlier. We recommend booking this around 6 months before your wedding to ensure you have a professional lined up—especially during peak wedding season when seamstresses get booked up quickly.
Choosing your seamstress
As with most bridal shops now, we do not have an in-house seamstress, but we recommend a big list of trusted bridal seamstresses so you can choose the one that is most convenient. A great seamstress will have experience working with bridal fabrics and corsetry, so going by recommendations is the best bet.
What you need for your first fitting
Once you have found your dress, your first fitting with your seamstress takes place around 1-3 months before your wedding date. This is a crucial step in the alteration process and to make the most of it, ensure you bring:
Your actual wedding shoes – to determine the correct dress length.
Undergarments – wear the same bra or shapewear you plan to wear on the big day, if any.
Your hoop or underskirt - if you are wearing one, ensure you bring it with you to get the correct hem adjustment.
Any accessories that need adding to your dress, such as detachable sleeves, straps or belts.
Alterations costs
The cost of alterations often varies depending on what needs to be done. We always recommend budgeting extra for alterations just in case. Some factors that can affect pricing include:
The complexity and amount of alterations
The number of layers and fabric types
Additional customisation requests
Please note: we don’t include alterations in the price of our dresses and this is something you arrange independently so make sure you factor this into your budget and timeframe!
How to minimise your alterations
If you want to minimise or avoid alterations, consider these factors when choosing your wedding dress:
Corset back dresses – These can offer a flexible fit, often reducing the alterations.
Higher heels – Wearing taller shoes can help lift the dress off the ground enough for some brides to no longer need the dress shortening.
Wearing a hoop – A hoop skirt can raise a longer dress off the ground & make it easier to walk in.
Shopping closer to your wedding date – This ensures a better fit & reduces the likelihood of major alterations.
Padded cups – Adding cups to the bust can often improve the fit of the bodice.
Mention your preference for less alterations to your bridal stylist who can try and choose dresses that may need less alterations such as looking for dresses with corset backs or shorter front hems & straps where possible.
Be aware: some alterations are unavoidable – Even with careful planning, minor tweaks may still be needed to ensure a perfect fit depending on the dress you choose. This is something we can advise on during your appointment to give you an idea of what may need doing.
By booking them in advance, budgeting wisely, and working with a trusted seamstress you will be sure your dress fits beautifully. We provide a list of trusted professionals to all of our brides that find their dress with us!