Altering a Wedding Dress
Many designers create wedding dresses long to accommodate taller brides. Typically, wedding dresses with a train need to be hemmed at the front and around the sides, although reducing the train is also common. Our seamstress will expertly pin and hem the skirt to perfectly suit your height. It’s important to wear the shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day, as the heel height and shoe type can affect your height and posture, influencing the fit of the wedding dress. If you’re undecided about your wedding shoes, we recommend bringing a pair with the same height to your first alteration appointment. The cost of shortening a dress and reducing the train may vary depending on the number of layers and the complexity of the skirt. If the dress includes lace, appliqué, or beading that needs to be removed and reattached to the final hem length, the alteration cost may be higher.
Taking in the Dress
Wedding dresses are typically made based on the designer’s own size charts, and it’s unlikely that your body shape will perfectly align with one of these sizes. If the dress needs to be taken in, our seamstress will professionally pin the dress during your first alteration appointment to ensure a perfect fit for your body shape.
Shortening a Dress
Shortening a wedding dress can be quite a complicated process, especially if the dress has special embellishments, embroidery, a lace-trimmed hem, or is made of delicate fabric. Each layer is pinned and shortened separately. All decorations and embroidery are carefully removed and reattached after adjusting the hem. During the first fitting, the dress’s hem is pinned up and then subjected to the shortening process, which involves cutting off the excess fabric. The next fitting is to check if the length is appropriate. After any minor adjustments, the final finishing takes place. We always strive to preserve the original finishes and embellishments.
Shortening or Adding Straps
Many wedding gowns come with slightly longer straps to ensure they will suit brides of various body types. If the straps are too high or keep falling down, we can adjust their length to ensure your comfort and a perfect fit. Conversely, if the straps are too short and prevent you from wearing your dress comfortably, we can either replace them with new ones or find material to lengthen them. If you adore a strapless dress but want additional security, we can create custom embellished or plain straps and attach them to almost any dress.
Shortening or Adding Straps
Many wedding gowns come with slightly longer straps to accommodate a wide range of brides. If the straps are too high or keep falling down, we can adjust their length to ensure your comfort and a perfect fit. Conversely, if the straps are too short and prevent you from wearing your dress comfortably, we can either replace them with new ones or find material to lengthen them. If you adore a strapless dress but want additional security, we can create custom embellished or plain straps and attach them to almost any dress.
Shortening or Adding Sleeves
Sometimes, you may love a sleeveless wedding dress but desire arm coverage, especially for a winter wedding or personal preference. Depending on the dress, we can add cap sleeves, ¾ sleeves, long lace sleeves, balloon sleeves, or create bespoke sleeves that complement your gown. During your bridal appointment, we can pin unattached sleeves to your wedding dress, allowing you to envision how they fit your arms and enhance your overall look. If you decide to proceed with adding sleeves, we will discuss the sleeve material, style, and length prior to the first alteration appointment. Alternatively, if you change your mind about long sleeves, we can also shorten them to a ¾ length or any desired length.
Fittings and Meetings at the Studio
For fittings, you need to bring the underwear and shoes you will wear on the wedding day or any other special occasion. The number of fittings depends on the extent of alterations needed and the style of the dress and accessories. A wedding dress requires 2 to 4 fittings (4 at most). For older bridesmaids, mothers, and formal dresses, there will be 1 to 2 fittings, depending on the number of alterations and the dress style. We also do alterations for men’s suits, pants, shirts, and regular clothes. We will do our best to get you ready and make you feel amazing always!
We want you to celebrate this special time, so for fittings, you can bring 2 to 4 people, such as family members, friends, or bridesmaids. Our studio is cozy, and with more people, it might be a bit crowded. We also want this time to be an amazing experience for you, so feel free to take photos or record videos. In the studio, only water is allowed for safety reasons.