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Wedding Gown
Alteration Advice
So you found the perfect
dress. The only problem
is that it is too small. “No problem!” says the sales
clerk.“It
can be altered. We’ll take a little from the train, add
it to the sides and Presto!” Is this really
possible? Perhaps.
The truth is you will be a
very unusual bride
if your wedding gown
doesn’t need some alterations. But how much can a gown
be realistically adjusted? And how much
will it cost? Most bridal gowns
need some adjustment, and unless your gown does not have
a train, at the bare minimum it will need bustles sewn
in the back. So be prepared for
add a bit more onto your wedding gown costs than the
price tag states. The average a bride spends between $75
and $250 on alterations.
If you know the specific
alterations that your gown needs, feel free to
call around and get some telephone
bids.
You do not
necessarily have to use the alterations service from
your bridal shop, but don’t cut corners that you might
regret. A seamstress
experienced with altering wedding gowns will probably do
a better job than your average tailor at your local
dry-cleaner.
Can Every Dress
be Altered?
Not every
dress can be altered to fit exactly the way you would
like. Remember two rules of thumb:
- It is easier to take
something in than it is to let it
out.
If you are wearing your mother’s wedding gown it may be
worth going to great lengths to get the gown to
fit. But, if you are buying a new gown, get the correct
size. Making a dress larger is difficult, and you may not like the fit
afterwards.
-
Don’t buy a gown more
than one size larger than your own size.
Larger gowns are cut proportionally larger all
over the gown. The neckline, the bodice, and shoulders
will all be over sized. This means the
gown may not fit quite right if only the side seams
are taken in. However, some dresses are designed to fit
several sizes, with a corset back that ties instead of
zips. To get the best fit, stay as close as possible
to your correct size.
Could I do the
alterations myself?
If you
(or a friend or family member) are a competent
seamstress you could make many of your alterations
easily and save quite a bit of money. For
instance, a hem from a professional tailor might range
from $55 for a very basic hem to $200 for multiple
layers but might not be a difficult chore for someone
who knows their way around a sewing room. It all depends
on the construction of the gown. Hems can be very
simple, but be aware that if your gown has lace at the
hemline, it may require more extensive work.<
Some alterations are more
difficult
and should be reserved
for someone who really knows what they are doing. But wedding
gowns are designed to be altered and many are
constructed in such a way as to make adjustments
easier. Take a good look at
the interior construction of your gown to determine how
difficult it will be to make the necessary adjustments
before you take it on.
Alterations
Timeline
If possible,
order your dress at least 12 weeks before your wedding
to allow enough time for the necessary adjustments. Plan your last fitting several weeks before your
wedding so you have time to make last minute adjustments
if needed.
Weddings can be
stressful and you may find that you either lose a little
weight or gain a little weight during your engagement.
- Try
your wedding gown on without any make-up.
You want to be
as clean as possible to avoid soiling your gown. And wear your
nicest under clothes as it is likely you may be only
partially dressed during your
fitting.
- Be
sure to wear the bra and shoes that you will be
wearing for your wedding. Don’t try to find
shoes with the right heels after your gown has been
altered. Buy your shoes prior to having it
hemmed.
Keeping these tips in mind will help you when selecting your
gown and your tailor. And remember,
for a less stressful wedding preparation, shop early for
your wedding gown. Once you have your wedding gown, be sure to store
it in an acid-free environment. A cotton
garment bag works great for this. Take advantage
of our special $15 discount off our
100% Cotton Bridal Gown
Bag
for Newsletter
members. Your special day will be here before you know
it.
© Copyright 2007 Heritage Garment
Preservation
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