The wedding dress process doesn’t stop once you’ve said yes to the dress at the bridal salon. You still have to deal with alterations! This process can be daunting, especially for brides who have never had to alter formal gowns in the past. However, these tips will help you keep your alterations on track, and give you an idea of what to expect during the process.
You’ll (Most Likely) Need Alterations
Even if you are getting your dress custom made, you should count on having to do some alterations – even if just a few minor adjustments. This means you should budget both time and money for getting alterations done.
You Should Do Your Research Ahead of Time
If you are buying your dress from a bridal salon that doesn’t offer alterations, you’ll want to do some research ahead of time (ideally before your bridal appointment) to see what professional alteration services are available in your area. Find businesses that specialize in weddings or formalwear, and then make a list of your top choices so that you’ll be ready to go once you have your dress. Researching early on will also help you get a good idea of the price range and properly budget for alterations.
Plan for Multiple Fittings
Of course, the amount of time it takes to alter a dress will depend on how much work it needs. However, it is best to stay on the safe side and give yourself ample time for the alterations. Plan to bring in your dress to get altered around 5 months before the wedding (but give yourself more time if possible, especially if your dress requires more work!). Generally, you should expect to have three fittings: the first to discuss what needs to be done, the next about a month out to look at the results and make any adjustments, and the last about a week out for small tweaks.
Wear the Right Accessories to Your Fittings
It is important that you replicate the look (to the best of your ability) you plan on having for the big day when you go to your fittings. This means wearing the right undergarments and appropriate shoes. If you haven’t decided on or received your shoes yet, wear a pair that are the same height. It also isn’t a bad idea to wear any accessories (such as jewelry, gloves, or a veil) you plan on wearing, just to see the entire look.
Some Fabrics Are More Expensive to Alter than Others
It can be tricky to know how much you should expect to pay for alterations of your wedding dress before you actually buy the dress, because the cost can range dramatically depending on the fabric. Fabrics like chiffon and charmeuse, or designs that include beading or intricate detailing can be more expensive to alter. This means that, when you’re trying on dresses at the top of your budget, you should consider what they are made of to make sure alterations don’t push your limits. Talk to your bridal consultant during the session. They’ll have an idea of what dresses and fabrics will be more expensive to alter.
Bring a Trusted Friend or Family Member (But Not Your Entire Crew)
The bridal appointment is a great time to bring along the important people in your life. However, when it comes to your alterations appointment, it is best to keep your group small. Bring one person who can offer valuable insight and opinions during your session. Anything more than that will just get chaotic.
If you are in the process of planning your wedding, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with professional wedding vendors of all talents who can help bring your vision to life!
Georgia wedding vendors, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.