Finding your wedding dress is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning. You’ve said yes, placed the order, and now you’re picturing yourself walking down the aisle in the gown you fell in love with. But then comes a question we hear all the time:
“What happens when my dress comes in?”
If you’ve never purchased a wedding gown before, the alterations process can feel a little confusing. Bridal sizing is different from everyday clothing, and it’s completely normal for your gown to need some adjustments before your wedding day. The good news? Alterations are simply the final step in making your gown feel like it was made just for you!
Why Does My Wedding Dress Need Alterations?
Even though your gown is ordered in the size that best matches your measurements, wedding dresses are not made to fit every bride perfectly right off the rack. Every bride has a different height, proportions, bust, waist and hip measurements, so a gown may need a few adjustments once you try it on.
Your dress may need to be:
- Hemmed to the right length
- Taken in or let out in certain areas
- Adjusted around the bust
- Shortened or adjusted at the straps
- Customized with cups or additional support
- Adjusted at the waist
- Bustled so you can comfortably move and dance at your reception
These adjustments are what take your gown from your size to your fit.
Bridal Sizing Is Different From Everyday Sizing
One of the biggest things we want brides to know is that bridal sizing is not the same as the sizing you’re used to shopping for in everyday clothes.
Wedding dress designers use their own size charts, and those measurements don't always line up with the sizes you typically wear in jeans, dresses or other clothing.
That means you might order a bridal size that is different from your usual clothing size — and that's completely normal.
At Gown Boutique of Charleston, your stylist takes your measurements and uses the designer's size chart to determine the best size for your gown. The goal isn't to make a number on a tag matter. It's to order the gown that gives your alterations team the best starting point for creating your ideal fit.
So if your bridal size looks different than what you're used to seeing, don't let the number take away from the excitement. Your gown is being ordered for your measurements, not your everyday closet.
What Can Be Changed During Alterations?
There are a lot of things an experienced alterations professional can adjust, but the exact options depend on your specific gown.
Hemming
One of the most common alterations is adjusting the length of the gown.
Your dress will be fitted while you're wearing the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day. This helps your seamstress determine the appropriate length while still allowing you to walk comfortably.
If your gown has lace, beading or other details along the hem, the process can be more involved because those details may need to be carefully removed and reapplied.
Taking In the Gown
Your gown may need to be taken in through the bodice, waist or other areas to create a more fitted silhouette. This is especially common because your gown is ordered months before your wedding, and your measurements may change slightly between ordering and your alterations appointments.
Bust and Strap Adjustments
Your alterations professional can make adjustments around the bust and straps to help your gown sit comfortably and securely. This is particularly important for strapless gowns or gowns with more structured bodices. You want to feel supported and confident when you're walking, dancing and celebrating all day long.
Bustling Your Train
If your gown has a train, you'll probably want to bustle it for your reception.
A bustle gathers the train and secures it to the back of the gown so you can move around more easily without carrying your train all night. Your bustle will be customized to your specific gown, and your alterations professional will show you and your bridal party how it works before the wedding.
Pro tip: Have someone who will be helping you on your wedding day practice bustling your gown before the big day. It can take a little getting used to!
When Should You Start Alterations?
Your alterations timeline depends on your wedding date, the complexity of your gown and the recommendations of your alterations professional. In Charleston, we recommend 3-4 months for the alterations process to ensure seamstresses can give it the proper amount of time and attention!
In general, you don't want to wait until the last minute.
Once your gown arrives, you'll have a better idea of when you should schedule your first alterations appointment. From there, you may have multiple fittings as adjustments are made and your final fit is perfected.
Your final fitting should happen close enough to your wedding that the gown reflects your current measurements, while still leaving enough time for any last-minute adjustments!
What If I'm Planning to Lose Weight?
This is another question we hear often!
If you're planning to lose weight before your wedding, you don't need to wait until you've reached your goal weight to shop for your dress.
Your gown is ordered based on your measurements at the time you purchase it, and alterations happen much closer to the wedding.
It's also important to remember that trying to predict exactly how your body will change months into the future isn't realistic. Instead, work with your bridal stylist when ordering your gown and communicate any concerns you have about your timeline.
When the gown arrives, your alterations professional can assess the fit and determine what adjustments are needed.
Don't Forget About Your Wedding Shoes
Your shoes are an important part of your alterations appointment!
The height of your shoes can affect the length of your gown, so bring the shoes you plan to wear — or something with a very similar heel height — when you begin alterations.
If you're planning to change shoes between your ceremony and reception, be sure to mention that, too. Your alterations professional can help you think through the best option for your gown.
Remember: Your First Try-On Isn't the Final Fit
This is probably the most important thing to remember.
Your gown doesn't have to fit perfectly the first time you put it on.
When your gown arrives, it's exciting to finally see it again — but don't panic if it feels a little loose, long or different than you imagined. That's what alterations are for!
Think of your first fitting as the starting point. Your alterations professional will look at how the gown fits your body and determine what needs to be adjusted. After those changes, you'll have additional fittings to make sure everything is coming together.
By the time you reach your final fitting, your gown should feel comfortable, secure and ready for your wedding day.
Your Wedding Dress Is Meant to Feel Like Yours
The alterations process might not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it plays a huge role in how you feel on your wedding day.
Your gown should allow you to walk comfortably, sit, dance, hug your people, take photos and soak up every second of your celebration without constantly worrying about your dress.
At Gown Boutique of Charleston, our stylists are here to guide you through the process from the moment you begin shopping to the moment you're ready to walk down the aisle.
So don't stress over the number on the size tag or worry if your gown needs a few adjustments when it arrives. That's all part of the process.