When it comes to a wedding dress, the fit is everything. Wedding alterations are a big part of the whole ‘finding that perfect dress’ hunt, which is exactly why they should not be neglected. You can spend thousands of dollars on a designer wedding dress but if it is not altered to your body shape, it won’t look any good. As you’re out dress hunting, here are 8 useful tips for your wedding dress alterations:
1 Buy the Dress Early
Wedding alterations can take more time than you would expect, so it is best that you start dress hunting at least 10 months before the wedding. It is important that you stay on schedule and don’t leave it for the last minute.
2 Keep a Budget for Alterations
Bridal alterations can add up to a big amount, so always keep that in mind. Small alterations such as shortening the wedding gown can cost you over $200 while some salons charge a flat fee of $500.
3 Anticipate Your Wedding Weight
A lot of brides size down when buying a wedding dress in hopes of motivating themselves to lose weight before the wedding. That is an extremely risky thing to do, so we recommend you stay away from that tactic. Rather than sizing down, go for a dress with maybe a built-in corset so it can easily be tightened or loosened.
4 Book Fittings in Advance
We recommend you book all your dress fittings in advance. Weddings are seasonal so if you leave things to the last minute, your seamstress might be too busy. Book your first fitting 4 months before the wedding with the final fitting at 2 weeks in advance. Getting that perfect fit takes time and is a gradual process.
5 Don’t Pay Too Much Attention to the Length When Dress Hunting
When you are trying out wedding dresses, they usually come in limited sizes. Some may me longer on you while others may be shorter. Don’t let that be the factor for rejecting a dress as length can easily be altered.
6 Bring Your Shoes Along
Whether you’re trying on dresses or at the tailor for a wedding, make sure to wear your wedding shoes. If you haven’t picked a pair, then take something with the anticipated height to the length can be just right.
7 Bring your Undergarments and Accessories for the Fitting
It is super important to try on your wedding dresses with the undergarments you’ll be wearing on the big day. This includes shapewear so you can know exactly what the final look would be like. As for accessories, those just enhance the look and bring forward the final picture.
8 Bring a Friend
Lastly, don’t forget to take someone with you when you are out dress shopping or going for alterations. Your mom, sister or best friend; anyone who’s opinion you trust would do.
Happy dress hunting ladies!
