10 Unique Tips on How to Get Your Wedding Dress Altered

When Do You Need to Get Your Wedding Dress Altered?

It’s essential to start thinking about wedding dress alterations at least two to three months before your wedding day. Ideally, you should schedule your first fitting six to eight weeks before the wedding. It’s common for brides to lose or gain weight in the weeks leading up to their wedding day, so it’s essential to leave some room for last-minute alterations.

Common Types of Wedding Dress Alterations

Hemming

Hemming is one of the most common types of alterations you need to consider when you want to get your wedding dress altered. This alteration involves shortening the length of the dress to match your height and the height of your heels. A professional seamstress will ensure the hem is even all around and maintain the dress’s original shape.

Bustle

A bustle is a series of hooks and eyes or buttons that are added to the back of the dress to lift the train off the ground. This alteration is necessary if you plan on dancing or moving around during the reception. There are different types of bustles, and your seamstress will recommend the best one for your dress.

Taking in or letting out

If your dress is too tight or loose in certain areas, you may need to have it taken in or let out to get your wedding dress altered. This alteration can be done on the bodice, waist, or hips. A skilled seamstress can make the dress fit like a glove, giving you a stunning silhouette.

Straps or sleeves

If you prefer more coverage, you can add straps or sleeves to your dress. This alteration can be done with lace or fabric that matches the dress. Your seamstress will ensure that the straps or sleeves are comfortable and match the style of your dress.

Tips for Finding the Right Seamstress for Your Wedding Dress Alterations

Do your research

Look for a seamstress who specializes in wedding dress alterations. Read reviews from previous clients and ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have recently gotten married. You can also check out the seamstress’s website or social media pages to understand their style and expertise.

Schedule a consultation

Schedule a consultation with the seamstress before committing to any alterations. This will allow you to discuss your vision for the dress and get a feel for their expertise. You can also ask them any questions about the alterations process.

Ask for a quote

Ask the seamstress for a detailed quote outlining each alteration’s cost. This will prevent any surprises when you receive the final bill. Make sure you understand the payment process and any deposit requirements.

Check their availability

Ensure the seamstress can complete the alterations before your wedding day. It’s essential to have a timeline in place to ensure that everything is done on time. Ask the seamstress how many fittings you need and when to schedule them.

Bring the right undergarments

When it comes to your wedding day, every little detail matters, including the undergarments you choose to wear. Your wedding dress or suit will look best with the right foundation garments. So, it’s important to bring along the undergarments and shoes you intend to wear on your special day when you want to get your wedding dress altered.

For brides, the right undergarments can enhance the fit and silhouette of your wedding dress, ensuring a flawless look. Consider the style and fabric of your gown when selecting your undergarments. A supportive strapless bra or adhesive cups might be necessary if you’re wearing a strapless or backless dress. If your dress has a form-fitting silhouette, seamless shapewear can help create a smooth and streamlined look.

Tips for a Successful Wedding Dress Alteration Experience

You now know of the appropriate time to have your dress altered, and the common types of alterations; here you can find practical tips to make sure a successful alteration experience:

BRING A TRUSTED FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER

Bringing someone you trust to your fitting can provide valuable feedback and emotional support. They can offer a second opinion and help you make decisions with confidence.

COMMUNICATE YOUR VISION CLEARLY

When discussing your alterations with the seamstress, specify your desires and preferences. Bring visual references such as photos or sketches to convey your vision. For the seamstress to fully understand and bring your ideas to life, it’s important to be as clear and specific as possible.

BE OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS

If you have a specific idea for your dress, it’s important to be open to suggestions from your seamstress. They have extensive experience working with wedding dresses and may offer valuable insights or alternatives you need to consider. Their expertise can help enhance the overall look and fit of your gown.

STAY CALM AND FLEXIBLE

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it’s important to remain calm and flexible throughout the alteration process. Understand that adjustments may be necessary to achieve the perfect fit. Stay open-minded and trust the expertise of your seamstress. They will work diligently to ensure you look stunning on your special day.

TRUST YOUR SEAMSTRESS

Remember that your seamstress is a skilled professional with expertise in wedding dress alterations. Trust their knowledge and experience. They have likely worked on numerous dresses and know how to bring out the best in each garment. Trusting their judgment will help you achieve the best possible outcome for your dress.

How to Care for Your Wedding Dress After Alterations 

Once your wedding dress alterations are complete, it’s essential to take proper care of your dress. In this section, we’ll share some tips on how to care for your dress after alterations to keep it in pristine condition.

Hang Your Dress Properly

After alterations, it’s essential to hang your dress correctly to avoid any wrinkles or creases. You should hang your dress by its loops and not by the shoulder straps. Hanging the dress by the straps can cause the straps to stretch, causing the dress to lose its shape. It’s also essential to ensure that the hanger you’re using is sturdy enough to support the weight of the dress. You can also cover the dress with a clean sheet to prevent any dust from settling on it.

Store Your Dress Properly

If you’re not planning on wearing your dress for an extended period, it’s essential to store it properly. You should store your dress in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the fabric to fade or yellow. It’s also essential to store your dress in a breathable garment bag to prevent any moisture from building up. Before storing your dress, ensure that it’s clean and free of any stains. Stains left untreated can cause permanent damage to the fabric.

Transporting Your Dress

If you’re traveling with your dress, it’s essential to take some precautions to ensure that it arrives in pristine condition. You should pack your dress in a sturdy, spacious garment bag, which can accommodate the dress without folding it. If you’re flying, it’s recommended to carry your dress with you as carry-on luggage. This will ensure that your dress doesn’t get damaged or lost in transit.

What to Do If You’re Not Happy With Your Wedding Dress Alterations

It’s rare, but sometimes alterations don’t turn out the way you expected. In this section, we’ll discuss what to do if you’re not happy with your wedding dress alterations and how to resolve the issue.

Communicate Your Concerns

If you’re not happy with your alterations, the first thing you should do is communicate your concerns to the seamstress or tailor who performed the alterations. They might be able to make additional adjustments to your dress to make it fit better. You should be clear and specific about the issues you’re facing and provide feedback about what needs to be changed.

Get a Second Opinion

If you’re still not satisfied with the alterations, you might consider getting a second opinion from a different seamstress or tailor. They might be able to provide an alternate solution to your problem. Be sure to communicate your concerns and feedback to them as well. Consider Refitting or Redesigning

If you’re still not happy with your dress, you might consider refitting or redesigning it. Refitting involves making additional alterations to your dress to make it fit better. Redesigning involves making significant changes to your dress to change its style or shape. Refitting or redesigning might involve additional costs, so it’s essential to consider this option carefully.

last minute wedding dress alterations

In the flurry of wedding preparations, sometimes the need for last-minute adjustments to your wedding dress arises. Finding a skilled and reliable bridal alterations service, whether a minor tweak or a significant alteration, becomes paramount. That’s where Rita Bridal steps in, offering expert last-minute wedding dress alterations to ensure that your gown fits you flawlessly on your big day.

Rita Bridal is renowned for its exceptional last-minute wedding dress alterations. With skilled sewists and a commitment to timely service, they ensure a flawless fit for your special day. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make them the top choice for brides seeking reliable and professional alterations. Trust Rita Bridal to tailor your gown to perfection, leaving you confident and stunning as you walk down the aisle.

Conclusion

Wedding dress alterations are essential to ensure that your dress fits you perfectly on your wedding day. By following these ten tips and finding the right seamstress, you can have a stress-free alteration experience and a flawless fit. Remember to take care of your dress after alterations and trust your seamstress’s expertise. 

If you want to ensure that your wedding dress alterations are in the hands of skilled and experienced professionals, then trust Rita Bridals. Our team of experts is dedicated to making sure that your wedding dress fits you perfectly and looks stunning on your big day. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you bring your dream wedding dress to life.