Getting Fit to be Wed

You've found your dream wedding gown, only its not quite perfect yet. Virtually every bridal gown will require alterations to give you the custom fit you want for your wedding day.

• Begin thinking about alterations when you purchase the gown. Ask your consultant how intensive she thinks the alterations will be and if she can give you an estimate on how much they will cost. Most shops have a seamstress on staff or one they work closely with.
• Allow anywhere from six weeks to three months for alterations. The more intense the alterations are, the more time that is needed. The most experienced fitters typically book months out. Bridesmaids' dresses will take about 4 weeks, again depending on the alterations needed.
• Ask your dress consultant for recommendations on who to use for the alterations. Making changes to a wedding gown require skill and experience most tailors don't have. Altering a wedding gown can involve boning, linings, and hems in a variety of different fabrics.
• Be sure to take your shoes (both your heels and your sneakers if you plan to switch out before the reception) and undergarments (including your ball gown regular, hoop-style, or standard slips) to all fittings.
• Your alterations expert is typically skilled for minimal or elaborate revisions for your wedding dress. This may involve basic length hemming or more extensive applications like the addition of sleeves or tuille, beading work, or the expansion on the train.
• Expect to have several fittings depending on the complexity of the alterations.