Most bridal shops order your dress slightly larger than you would expect. While it is relatively easy to alter a wedding dress to make it smaller, making a wedding dress bigger is much more difficult. Also, most shops will order your dress based on your largest measurement. Of course, you want your wedding dress to fit you perfectly, so wedding dress alterations are a must.
Where to Get Your Wedding Dress Altered
Most bridal shops have a seamstress on staff to take care of wedding dress alterations. It is usually easiest to use this seamstress, and it is far simpler than searching yourself for a seamstress. You also can feel confident that the bridal shop has seen the seamstress’s work, and trusts that the work will be done well. Check when you purchase your dress to see if wedding dress alterations are included in the price, or if the charges are figured based on what alterations need to be made (a simple hem will cost less than taking in a bodice that is covered with beadwork). You can also find a seamstress yourself. If you have had clothing tailored before and know and trust someone to do the work, that is an excellent option as well. Finally, you can do a search for wedding dress alterations in your local yellow pages.
How Do Wedding Dress Alterations Work?
Usually wedding dress alterations are done in a series of three fittings. During your first fitting, the seamstress will have you try on your dress with the shoes and undergarments you are planning on wearing on your wedding day. She will then pin all of the seams of your dress so they fit perfectly. She’ll also make sure that the hem is the right length (which is why you need to bring your wedding day shoes with you!). The next step to your wedding dress alteration is your second fitting. This is where you will try your dress on again with the initial alterations made to it. Some seamstresses will only lightly stitch these initial alterations to make them easier to change if necessary. Any additional alterations to your wedding dress will also be made at this time. Then your seamstress will do any final alterations and make the stitching more permanent. At your third and final fitting, you will try your dress on one more time and make sure that it fits perfectly. They will then steam your dress and you can bring it home to get ready for your wedding!
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