It’s your prized possession, your biggest investment, and the dress your daughter and granddaughter will wear on their wedding days. It’s a BIG deal. We know it, too! Brides spend hours finding the perfect dress and some break the bank when they find ‘the one.’ But chances are the dress you found won’t fit you perfectly right off the rack. It’s a bittersweet experience finding your perfect dress and immediately handing it off to a stranger to undergo alterations. We’ve compiled a guide to wedding dress alterations so you know exactly what to expect out of the process.
Length of Alteration Appointment
Your alteration appointment, in short, will give the tailors all the information they need to handle your dress properly. The best advice we give is to not rush this process; you may have to attend two or three fittings after each step of alteration to ensure that everything is perfect. After each change, the dress will fit slightly differently because of the fabric being taken in and out. And naturally, these changes will effect other parts of the dress. It is customary to be refit after each step. The first appointment will take close to an hour as your seamstress will work with you through all of your preferences. Each subsequent fitting will take a shorter amount of time as the dress becomes better fitting.
Cost of Alterations
The cost of alterations will vary depending on the extent and complexity of the alterations needed. Generally, alterations can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500. At Davis Imperial, our seamstresses offer a free initial consultation and can provide a better estimate after decisions are made. Keep in mind that labor-intensive details like lace or beading additions will take more time and, thus, will cost more.
Types of Alterations
On your wedding day, you want your dress to fit you like a glove. Everyone’s unique bodies necessitate different changes to the dress. Here are some of the most common alterations we see for wedding dresses.
Hemming the Length
Hemming the bottom of your dress ensures that you can move around freely on your big day without stepping on your dress or dragging it on the floor. It is extremely important to bring the shoes you plan on wearing with your dress to your fitting so that our seamstresses can know exactly where it will hit.
Taking the Dress In or Out
Taking in the dress means adjusting the size to that it is more fitted to your body. This can be done in the hips, waist, and bust to create a more flattering fit. This also ensures that the dress won’t shift or fall when you’re out on the dance floor.
Adding Details
Adding details to your dress can definitely increase the cost of your alterations, but in some cases, it is very much worth it. Many brides-to-be add sleeves or straps for aesthetic purposes or comfortability. Some add a bustle so that the long train can be tucked away during the reception. Others opt for a corset to keep the silhouette of the dress. Brides also may remove unwanted details.
Davis Imperial’s Wedding Dress Alteration Tips
- Bring the undergarments you plan on wearing
- Bring the shoes you plan on wearing on your wedding day
- Bring a friends with you
- Give yourself plenty of time
- Read reviews
Wedding Dress Alterations in Chicago
At Davis Imperial, we understand that your wedding dress is probably the most special and costly piece of clothing you’ll ever wear, and we treat it as such. Our alterations staff is grateful and honored when entrusted with the important task of fitting your gown for your special day, and it is reflected in their meticulous approach to their work. We recommend coming for a consultation anywhere from three to six months before your wedding day so that our expert seamstresses have ample time to create the dress of your dreams. For questions about wedding dress alterations or to book a consultation, visit our Davis Imperial website or call us at (866) 927-1694.