Wedding Planning : Alterations Edition
Love is in the air (and yes I mean that both literally and figuratively). As we’re heading into Wedding Season, there are a few things we need to be real about when it comes to the fashion involved… Don’t worry! After today’s post you’ll (hopefully) feel a bit more at-ease and ready for the journey ahead!
Measurements
Let’s start with the basics here. Whether you’re involved in a wedding or not, I tell everyone (yes, literally) that you should always know your measurements. As most of our shopping tends to be online now, this is a very easy and pretty surefire way to make sure that you’re always ordering the correct size. Since different brands have different measurements associated with their sizing, once you know this information, it’s easy to look up and compare the size charts with the pieces you’re looking to purchase. For instance, it’s usually more difficult for larger sizes to be sure that what we order online will fit since a Torrid XL is very different from a Shein or Amazon XL. Knowing your measurements and ordering based off the largest one will just about guarantee your money is well-spent and you don’t have to deal with disappointment and pesky returns. My mantra stands: “You can always have a tailor take something in. You can’t always let something out.”
My family and friends laugh about it but I ALWAYS keep a keychain measuring tape in my purse at all times though you’d be surprised at how frequently I actually need to pull it out. Not sure how to take your measurements and which are the most helpful? Sign up for my email list here for my free How to Measure Guide and PDF Measuring Tape!
When to Order
When it comes to ordering your wedding gown, the sooner the better. Most shops have at least a 4 month turnaround from when you order your dress to when it comes in. That’s also not even thinking about any alterations that will most likely have to be made which usually require anywhere a number of months in advance (busy season!). Again I say: Order based on the largest measurement you have. That said, however, if there’s a little more give in certain areas (say your waist) and another area (like your bust) would be two sizes too large, you could try choosing that in-between option so your tailor/seamstress isn’t completely reconstructing the bodice. Also, if you’re ordering a new dress and you fit into the sample size, don’t forget that those dresses get some good wear and tear on them so they’re actually looser than what your brand-new dress will be.
Looking at bridal party dresses is another one you shouldn’t sleep on. Bridesmaids do have a more flexible window when it comes to purchasing their dresses but make sure you check the turnaround estimate with the shop you’re ordering from. For instance, Azazie bridesmaids usually can get their hands on their dresses in about two months (though NEVER rely completely on estimates - especially with current shipping delays). However, bridal shops usually require more time than that so kill two birds with one stone and ask what turnaround time is when ordering your wedding dress if that’s the same store you want your bridesmaids to use.
Yes. We’re talking suits too. These can be a bit easier yet a bit trickier. With a bit more leeway, (Do you rent? Do you buy?) this is where you’re going to have to play things by ear. If renting, meet with your shop options (or call) and ask for their turnaround time. Same goes for anyone looking for custom suit options. Looking for more of an “off-the-rack” option? Swing by or look online to see their typical turnaround time is from order-to-delivered and walk on the more cautious side and order a bit sooner. Again, if alterations need to be made, you want to make sure you account for that timeframe.
When to Alter
For Wedding Dress-Wearers? Start looking and checking with places as soon as you know the date of your wedding. Honestly. Just ask for the basics:
How long in advance do you need my dress for alterations? (If you have common issues when it comes to alterations like shortening the length or taking it in at the bust, make sure you mention that those are probably what you’ll need) This is also a great time to mention when the date of your wedding is and when your dress is expected to come in. This helps your tailor/seamstress see if they have the availability during that timeframe and to make sure there’s enough time or to see if you have to pay a rush fee.
What are the prices of the alterations I’m expecting to need? This is when you’ll want to rattle off those areas you’re thinking will need some work whether it’s hemming, shortening straps, or taking in a boned corset. If you’re meeting them in person, it definitely helps to have photos of the dress both outside and inside if you can manage taking them during your dress shopping appointment. It’ll help you and your seamstress be on the same page.
For the Bridal Party? This is something that changes from one place to the next. Again, call around and ask the same questions as the your Wedding Dress-Wearers above! Walk on that cautious side and plan to show up earlier than the minimum unless your alterations specialist schedules you or says otherwise.
What to Bring to Your Alterations Appointment(s)
The correct undergarments. In order to achieve your desired look, WEAR THEM TO YOUR FITTINGS. This means bras, underwear, shapewear, etc. Wearing the wrong undergarments can significantly change how your garment is going to look in the end results. For instance, breasts will fall differently. If you come in wearing a sports bra and claim your bodice needs to be taken in, once you throw on that every day or push-up bra your breasts will be fuller and higher and may not fit in your altered dress anymore. Suit wearers - Bring a belt and make sure you have a button down. If you won’t wear them while you’re out that day, throw them in your car the night before so you don’t forget.
The correct shoes. Your shoe choice could easily mean the difference between your pants or dress dragging on the ground, tripping over the hem, being level with the ground, or being too short. Shoes (even flat shoes) could add anywhere between .5” to 5” (or more) in height. If you’ll be wearing a bridesmaid or formal gown (especially a floor-length gown or pant), ALWAYS make sure to bring either the exact shoes you’ll be wearing for the event, or a pair of a similar height. Put them on at your initial fitting while you’re being pinned for better accuracy and then bring them again for your final fitting to ensure everything is good to go!
I think that just about does it! Anything else you’d like to see covered and talked about?