Wedding Dress Alterations: How to Perfect Your Bridal Look

Congratulations! You’ve just said “I do” to the gown of your dreams and can’t wait to walk down the aisle in the perfect bridal ensemble. With most designs, however, wedding dress alterations can help you tailor the look especially for you. Whether you’re hoping to streamline the gown’s cut to your body shape or wanting to tweak some stylistic details, our comprehensive guide outlines the benefits of alterations and some things you can expect from the process.

Why alter your wedding dress? 

Most wedding dresses are made to order, a process that can take as long as 6 months. Your wedding consultant will be able to advise you on exactly how long. Even if your dress is bought ready to go, the possible benefits of wedding dress alterations can include tailoring the look to your preferences. If you’ve found the perfect fit but don’t love some of the detailing, you can make adjustments to the gown by removing some appliqués or adding extra skirt fabric to slightly change the cut. Alterations are worth the wait, for they take you one step closer to the bridal dress of your dreams and create a more unique, personalized look. 

Pre-Alteration Preparations  

The first step in altering your wedding dress is finding the right tailor. Even if you have a trusted seamstress or a nimble-fingered aunt, it’s always best to use your bridal boutique’s own alterations service. Why? Because their dressmakers are experts in bridal, meaning that they know how to work with precious fabrics and classic bridal silhouettes. Once you’ve found the right tailor for you, you can begin the pre-alteration preparations.

When to schedule alterations in relation to the wedding date  

How long do wedding dress alterations take? It can depend on the process, and the bride. However, even for minor alterations, you are going to need at least two fittings to get the fit perfect. You will have a lot to do in the coming months with other wedding arrangements, so schedule your fittings in on the day you buy the dress. Checking your bridal checklist timeline helps you pick a week when you’ll have enough room to adjust for more fitting if needed. 

What to bring to your alteration appointment 

One of the most common wedding dress alterations is to adjust the length. Bring your bridal shoes of your choice to the appointment in order to help the seamstresses hem your gown more accurately. For fittings closer to the ceremony, bring your veil along with your bridal undergarments to ensure you try on the complete look before taking your gown home.

How to alter a wedding dress? 

With an array of options to choose from, wedding dress alterations can vary depending on the gown and the bride’s preferences. Below is a brief overview on some of the adjustments you could make to your dress. 

Hemming the length of the gown 

Tailoring the length of the dress can help capture a seamless, elegant profile. Whether you're petite and need to shorten the hem or tall and want to maintain a graceful sweep, hemming ensures your dress complements you best.

Taking in or letting out the dress 

Adjusting the fit of the style enhances the gown’s overall appearance. For women with a larger bust, wedding dress alterations include adding more fabric to the bodice so the cut highlights your natural features while remaining comfortable. Alternatively, if you find your dream mermaid wedding dress in a larger size, taking the gown ensures the design hugs your figure for a breathtaking profile. 

Bustle to add functionality to the train  

A bustle alteration includes gathering the train of the dress and fastening it over the rest of the skirt, creating a voluminous effect with multiple layers cascading down the back. It can allow the bride to move freely without the risk of tripping over the excess fabric, making the dress more practical for dancing and mingling with guests. 

Wedding dress neckline alterations  

Reshaping the wedding gown can include changing the décolletage. Wedding dress necklines transform the entire look and feel of the gown, enhancing its overall style. If you find a high neck design with breathtaking detail but prefer a sensual touch, you can request changing it to a tasteful V-neckline. 

Specialized alterations for specific dress styles

You can also request to change the shape of the bridal gown slightly. Tailoring a wedding dress silhouette can provide an opportunity to gently highlight your unique figure on your special day. If you love princess bridal gowns but know they can overwhelm your figure, you can ask the seamstress to reduce the volume of the skirt for a less drastic look.

Adding or removing embellishments  

You can also use the wedding dress alteration appointment as an opportunity to enhance the gown’s aesthetic appearance with extra beading, lace, or three-dimensional appliqués. Capture your bold style by adding jewels along the waist and bodice of your gown for an unforgettable look.

Whether you’re hoping to add memorable detailing to your bridal gown or are searching to reduce the length of the design, wedding dress alterations ensure your dress fits like a dream and reflects your unique style and personality. By walking into your appointment knowing the different adjustments, you can be prepared to tailor your gown according to your taste.