How to Alter a Wedding Dress: The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most important aspects is the wedding dress. However, finding the perfect wedding dress can be a challenge. You might find a dress that fits perfectly, but it might not be the exact style you had in mind. Or, you might find a dress that is the perfect style, but it might not fit quite right.

Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for a dress that doesn’t fit perfectly. With the right alterations, you can transform any wedding dress into the dress of your dreams. In this ultimate guide, we will show you how to alter a wedding dress to make it fit perfectly and look exactly how you want it to.

Whether you need to take in a dress that’s too big, or let out a dress that’s too small, this guide has got you covered. We’ll cover everything from taking accurate measurements to finding the right seamstress or tailor for your dress. So, if you’re ready to make your dream wedding dress a reality, keep reading!

Tips for Taking Accurate Measurements

If you want your wedding dress to fit like a glove, it’s crucial to take accurate measurements. Here are some tips to ensure you measure correctly. First, make sure to use a soft tape measure to take your measurements, and measure over bare skin or tight-fitting clothing. Second, make sure you measure the fullest part of your bust and hips, and the narrowest part of your waist. These three measurements will give you the basis for the rest of your measurements.

When measuring your arms, make sure to measure from your shoulder bone to your wrist bone. To measure your shoulder width, measure from the base of your neck to the end of your shoulder bone. And if you’re planning to wear heels with your dress, make sure to measure your height while wearing them.

Another tip to ensure you get accurate measurements is to have a friend or family member help you. Trying to take your own measurements can be tricky, and having an extra set of hands can make the process much easier. Additionally, make sure to measure yourself in front of a full-length mirror to ensure you’re holding the tape measure straight and at the right level.

One important tip is to make sure you’re relaxed when taking your measurements. If you’re tense or holding your breath, your measurements could be off by a small but significant amount. Finally, make sure to take your measurements in your underwear or a tight-fitting outfit. Loose clothing can add unnecessary bulk and throw off your measurements.

Following these tips will help ensure you get accurate measurements for your wedding dress alterations. Don’t hesitate to take your time and double-check your measurements to ensure a perfect fit.

Measuring Bust, Waist and Hips Accurately

1. Wear the right undergarments: To get the most accurate measurements, wear the same undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day.

2. Use a soft tape measure: A soft tape measure is the best tool for measuring the bust, waist, and hips accurately.

3. Measure at the right places: To measure the bust, measure around the fullest part of the chest. To measure the waist, measure at the smallest part of the waist. For the hips, measure around the fullest part of the hips.

4. Keep the tape measure parallel to the floor: Make sure the tape measure is level and parallel to the floor to get the most accurate measurements.

5. Take multiple measurements: It’s always a good idea to take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy. Take at least three measurements of each area and use the average as the final measurement.

6. Ask someone for help: It can be difficult to take accurate measurements on your own, so it’s a good idea to ask someone for help.

Remember, taking accurate measurements is essential for a well-fitting wedding dress. Take your time and make sure you have the right tools and assistance to get the job done right.

Common Alterations Needed for Wedding Dresses

Bust adjustments: If the bodice of your wedding dress does not fit your bust properly, then you may need a bust adjustment. This alteration can be done by taking in or letting out the seams, or adding or removing padding to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.

Hemming: Hemming is a common alteration that is required for most wedding dresses. The length of your gown can be adjusted to your desired length, or to suit your height and the type of shoes you will be wearing. This alteration is important to ensure that you do not trip or drag your dress on the floor.

Adding or removing straps: If your wedding dress has straps that do not fit correctly or you want to change the style, then adding or removing straps is a popular alteration. This can be done by a seamstress or tailor and can give your dress a whole new look.

Resizing: In some cases, your wedding dress may need to be resized. This alteration may involve taking in or letting out the seams to ensure the dress fits your body perfectly. This is particularly important if you have lost or gained weight since your initial fitting.

Bustle: If your wedding dress has a long train, then a bustle may be needed to hold the train up during the reception. This alteration involves adding buttons or hooks to the back of the dress, which can then be hooked onto loops on the train to hold it up and out of the way.

Adjusting the Hemline of the Dress

The hemline of your wedding dress may need to be adjusted based on your shoes, venue, or personal preference. Here are some options for adjusting the hemline:

• Adding length: If you need to add length to your dress, a seamstress can use extra fabric from the dress or add a complementary fabric to the bottom to match the dress.
• Removing length: If you need to remove length from your dress, a seamstress can carefully remove layers of tulle or lace from the bottom of the dress.
• Changing the shape: If you want to change the shape of your dress, a seamstress can alter the hemline to create a different silhouette, such as a mermaid or A-line.
• Creating a bustle: If you have a long train, a seamstress can add a bustle to the dress so you can move around easily during the reception.
• Adding a train: If you want to add a train to your dress, a seamstress can add extra fabric to the back of the dress to create a dramatic train.
• Removing a train: If you have a train on your dress that you don’t want, a seamstress can carefully remove it so that the dress has a clean hemline all around.

Remember to bring your wedding shoes to your alteration appointment to ensure the perfect fit!

Taking in or Letting Out the Bodice of the Dress

One of the most common alterations needed for a wedding dress is adjusting the bodice. If the bodice is too tight, it can be taken out, and if it’s too loose, it can be taken in. However, it’s important to note that not all dresses can be let out or taken in, depending on the construction of the dress.

Before making any changes, consult with a professional seamstress or tailor to determine if the alterations are possible without compromising the overall design of the dress.

If the bodice is taken in, it’s essential to ensure that it fits comfortably and does not restrict movement. The seamstress will take accurate measurements and mark the areas where the alterations need to be made.

When letting out the bodice, extra fabric is needed to maintain the balance and symmetry of the dress. A skilled seamstress can work with the existing fabric and make it look seamless.

It’s important to note that alterations to the bodice may affect other parts of the dress, such as the length of the sleeves, so be sure to discuss any potential changes with your seamstress or tailor.

How to Shorten or Lengthen a Wedding Dress

If you’ve found the perfect wedding dress, but it’s too long or too short, don’t worry. Altering the length of a wedding dress is a common alteration that can be easily done by a skilled seamstress or tailor. The following tips will help you understand what to expect when shortening or lengthening your wedding dress.

Shortening a Wedding Dress: If your dress is too long, the excess fabric will need to be cut from the bottom of the dress. This process is more complicated if the dress has intricate lace, beading, or embroidery. The seamstress or tailor will need to carefully remove the excess fabric while preserving the details.

Lengthening a Wedding Dress: If your dress is too short, the seamstress or tailor will need to add fabric to the bottom of the dress. They will match the fabric, lace, or embroidery to the existing dress as closely as possible, so the added length looks seamless.

Consider your Shoes: When deciding on the length of your dress, consider the height of your shoes. If you plan to wear high heels, you may need a longer dress to ensure that it hits the floor at the right spot.

Altering the Hemline of the Dress

If you need to shorten or lengthen your wedding dress, the hemline is the place to start. For shortening the dress, the hemline can be easily lifted by removing the stitches and cutting off the extra fabric. Conversely, lengthening the dress requires additional fabric to be added to the hemline.

When deciding on how much length to add or remove, keep in mind the type of shoe you will wear on your big day. Additionally, consider the style of the dress and the impact that the alteration will have on the overall look of the dress.

Once you have determined the length of the dress, you can start working on the hemline. Pin the fabric at the desired length and try on the dress to ensure that it fits comfortably and looks flattering. Once you are happy with the fit, sew the hemline in place, and your dress will be ready to wear!

Using a Bustle to Shorten the Train of the Dress

Many wedding dresses come with a long train, which can be beautiful for the ceremony but can become cumbersome during the reception. A bustle is a way to easily shorten the train without having to alter the entire dress.

There are many different types of bustles, including the over bustle, under bustle, and French bustle. Your tailor or seamstress will be able to recommend the best bustle for your particular dress and train length.

Once the bustle has been added, it’s important to practice bustling the dress before the wedding day. Your bridesmaids or a trusted friend can help you with this, so you can be confident that you can bustle the dress quickly and securely when needed.

Adding or Removing Sleeves to a Wedding Dress

Consider your style: Before deciding to add or remove sleeves from your wedding dress, consider the style of your dress and whether it will look good with or without sleeves.

Consult a professional: It’s important to consult a professional seamstress or tailor to determine if adding or removing sleeves is possible and what the best method will be.

Choose the right fabric: If you’re adding sleeves, it’s important to choose a fabric that matches the rest of your dress and complements the style. If you’re removing sleeves, make sure the remaining fabric blends seamlessly.

Consider your comfort: Think about how you’ll feel in your dress with or without sleeves. If you’re adding sleeves, make sure they won’t restrict your movement or be too hot. If you’re removing sleeves, ensure that the dress still fits comfortably without them.

Plan ahead: If you’re considering adding or removing sleeves, make sure to plan ahead and allow enough time for alterations. It’s best to start the process well in advance of your wedding day to avoid any last-minute stress.

Creating Sleeves from Extra Fabric

If your wedding dress is sleeveless but you’d like to add sleeves to it, there are a few ways to do so. One option is to use extra fabric from your dress or a matching fabric to create sleeves that can be sewn on. You can choose from a variety of sleeve styles, such as cap sleeves or long sleeves, and have them made to match the style and fabric of your dress.

Before creating the sleeves, you will need to take accurate measurements of your arms and shoulders to ensure a proper fit. Once you have the fabric and measurements, you can either create the sleeves yourself if you have sewing skills or take them to a professional seamstress.

When creating the sleeves, it’s important to pay attention to the placement and angle of the sleeves so that they are comfortable and move with your body. You may want to try on a sample sleeve before attaching it to the dress to make sure it fits well and looks the way you want it to.

Removing Sleeves and Creating a Strapless Dress

If you have a wedding dress with sleeves and want to make it into a strapless dress, you will need to remove the sleeves and create a new neckline. This process requires a skilled seamstress or tailor to ensure that the dress fits properly and looks good. The steps involved in removing sleeves and creating a strapless dress include cutting off the sleeves, creating a new neckline, and adjusting the fit of the bodice. You may also need to add boning or additional support to the bodice to keep it in place.

Before removing the sleeves, make sure that you have a clear idea of what you want the finished dress to look like. Consider the overall style of the dress, the shape of the neckline, and the amount of skin you want to show. Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start making alterations to the dress.

When creating a new neckline for a strapless dress, it’s important to take into account the shape of your body and the overall design of the dress. You may need to create a sweetheart neckline, a straight neckline, or a V-neckline depending on the style of the dress and your personal preferences. The seamstress or tailor can guide you in choosing the best neckline for your body type and the dress.

Adding Illusion Sleeves to a Dress

Illusion sleeves are a great way to add coverage to a dress while still keeping a feminine and elegant look.

Choosing the right fabric: Illusion sleeves are typically made of a lightweight, sheer fabric such as tulle or lace. Make sure to choose a fabric that matches the color and style of your dress.

Creating the pattern: To create the pattern for your illusion sleeves, use a piece of clear plastic or a dress form to trace the shape of your arm and shoulder. Then, cut the pattern out of your chosen fabric.

Attaching the sleeves: Once you have your sleeves cut out, you can attach them to your dress using either hand stitching or a sewing machine. Be sure to carefully match the edges of the sleeves to the armholes of the dress for a seamless look.

Adding finishing touches: To complete your illusion sleeves, you can add additional details such as beading or embroidery to match the rest of your dress. You may also want to consider adding a lining to the sleeves for extra comfort and coverage.

Trying on the dress: After attaching the illusion sleeves, it’s important to try on the dress to make sure they fit comfortably and look the way you want them to. You may need to make adjustments or alterations as necessary.

Finding the Right Seamstress or Tailor for Your Wedding Dress

Research potential seamstresses or tailors by looking online for reviews, asking for recommendations from friends or bridal shops, and checking their portfolios for previous bridal work.

Before committing to a seamstress or tailor, schedule a consultation to discuss your alterations and ask about their experience with wedding dresses, their pricing, and their timeline for completing the alterations.

During the consultation, bring your dress and any accessories you plan to wear with it so the seamstress or tailor can see the whole look and suggest any additional alterations that may be needed.

It’s important to communicate clearly with your seamstress or tailor about what you want and to be open to their professional suggestions. Make sure you both understand the timeline, cost, and scope of the alterations before proceeding.

Finally, make sure you feel comfortable with the seamstress or tailor and their work before committing. Your wedding dress is a significant investment, and you want to make sure it’s in good hands.

Researching Reviews and Recommendations

When looking for a seamstress or tailor to work on your wedding dress, it’s important to do your research and read reviews from past clients. Check websites such as Yelp, Google, or the Better Business Bureau to see what others have to say about their experiences. You can also ask for recommendations from friends, family, or wedding vendors.

Don’t be afraid to ask the seamstress or tailor for references or to see examples of their past work. This will give you a better idea of their skills and expertise. You can also ask if they specialize in wedding dresses or if they have experience working with the type of material your dress is made from.

Before choosing a seamstress or tailor, it’s a good idea to have a consultation with them to discuss your dress and what alterations you need. This will give you a chance to see if you feel comfortable with them and if you feel confident in their ability to make the alterations you need.

Keep in mind that a good seamstress or tailor may be booked up months in advance, so it’s important to start your search early. Don’t wait until the last minute to find someone to work on your dress.

Finally, make sure you get a clear quote from the seamstress or tailor before agreeing to any work. This will help you avoid any surprises or hidden fees later on.

Frequently Asked Questions