Alterations, Tailor & Seamstress
Rarely can you find a wedding dress that fits you perfectly. Most brides require alterations to their dress before they walk down the isle. 

Unless your gown does not have a train, at the bare minimum it will need bustles sewn in the back. But how much can a bridal dress be realistically adjusted? And how much will it cost? The average a bride spends between $75 and $250 on alterations, so be prepared to add a bit more onto your wedding gown costs than the price tag states. 

If you know the specific alterations 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 with experience altering wedding gowns will probably do a better job than your average tailor at your local dry-cleaner.

Can every bridal dress be altered? 

Simply no, 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 bridal gown 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 wedding dresses are designed to fit several sizes, with a corset back that ties instead of zips. To get the best fit, stay as close to your correct size as possible. 

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. 

Alterations Tips
 
Try your wedding gowns 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's likely you may be only partially dressed during your fitting. 

To get an accurate accessment of gown size, also 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.

Find The Right Wedding Dress Seamstress 

Choosing the right wedding dress maker is just as important as finding the perfect husband. Choose the wrong dress maker, and your perfect day could be ruined!

If you are going to have your wedding gown made by a professional then there are a few pointers which you should take into consideration before making your final decision. After all, you would not just choose the first person you meet to make the wedding dress of your dreams would you?

Part of your planning is finding a dressmaker that you are comfortable with. One that can help you create the gown you are looking for, the gown you have been dreaming of. When you decide you are going to have your gown custom made, start talking to every one you know.

Look at your local fabric stores to see if they maintain a list of qualified seamstresses which may be able to assist you with your gown. You may also want to ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations.

You will want to find someone who is empathetic to your dreams, someone who you are able to communicate with, and who will listen to what it is you want but is honest enough to share her opinions as to whether what you have in mind will work in a way that will be pleasing to you in the end.

What to take to your interview:
  • Your time schedule 
  • Pictures of the dress or the pattern you've selected 
  • Number of bridesmaids, their approximate sizes, and body types 
  • A small sample of the fabric, if you've already chosen it 
What to ask the seamstress:
  • Her time schedule 
  • Can she create a custom design or does she prefer to use a pattern 
  • To see samples of her work 
  • References 
  • Estimate of costs 
  • What she expects you to supply - most seamstresses will ask you to pick up all the notions etc. 
  • Her suggestions on compatibility of your fabric and pattern. Is the style you've chosen suited to your body type? 
  • Will the dress be comfortable to wear or will you have restricted movement? This will be important if you are planning to dance at your reception.








Home| | Contact Us | Advertising | Privacy Statement |Planning Guide​

Copyright © 2013-2014 WeddingConnections.ca

The information on Wedding Connections website is not to be rented, exchanged, sold or given to any other entity without our express permission. Wedding Connections Wedding Professionals offer services and products that can be beneficial to you in planning your weddings or outdoor weddings, such as: photographers, ceremony and reception sites, outdoor weddings venues, rehearsal dinner venues, caterers, jewelers, videographers, wedding planning, culinary services, wedding cakes & bakers, bridal gowns, weddings consultants, consultants and planners, florists, equipment rentals, lighting, invitations,  gifts & favors, bridal party attire, wedding gowns, men's attire & tuxedos, limousine & transportation services, bridal registries, honeymoon & destination weddings venues, health & beauty and new home services. Many of the vendors are equipped to handle outdoor weddings. Wedding Connections does not sell or trade our membership lists to anyone that is not in the BC Lower Mainland and area Weddings vendor on this website. 







CLICK ON COVER TO VIEW ONLINE