The closer it gets to prom season, the harder it can be to find the perfect dress. Prom dress popularity is continuously on the rise. Every year, the prom dress market grows, leaving more students than ever searching for their perfect dress. Even if you find the dress style you’re looking for, the fit or appearance could be off. Luckily, with the best seamstress for prom dresses, you can get your dream dress altered to fit your needs perfectly if you plan your tailoring appointments far in advance.
Searching for “seamstress for a prom dress near me” can be a great starting point, but there’s a lot about prom dress tailoring that’s good to know in advance. So, what can you expect?
Can You Get Alterations for Prom Dresses?
Yes, just like other formal dresses, you can get alterations for prom dresses. Many people bring their prom dress to a tailor or seamstress to adjust certain parts of the dress to make it fit or look better. The exact alterations are up to you, so discuss what you’d like changed with your tailor.
How Long Do Dress Alterations Take?
It depends on the tailor’s schedule and the complexity of the alterations. Most dress alterations will take a few weeks, and you may need to come in for fittings in between. To be safe, schedule your alterations at least six weeks before your prom to give the seamstress plenty of time to work on your gown.
How Much Do Dress Alterations Cost?
Again, it greatly depends on the type of alterations needed. Many dress alterations cost between $50 and $200, but they could be less or more than that, depending on what needs to be done. For the most accurate pricing, talk to your tailor. They can give you a more precise estimate after seeing your dress and what needs to be altered.
Common Ways to Alter a Dress for Prom
There are many ways to alter a prom dress, so if something doesn’t feel right to you, visit a tailor. Below are a few examples of adjustments you can get.
Hemming
Hemming involves turning over the edges of the skirt to make it shorter. Since prom dresses are often floor-length, shortening them can prevent them from dragging on the floor too much. Remember to wear the shoes you plan to wear to prom at your fittings since heels can influence the desired dress length.
You can make dresses longer if needed, but that will involve adding fabric to the skirt instead. It typically takes more time to make a dress longer than shorter.
Adjusting Straps
If your prom dress has straps, it’s a good idea to make sure they fit right so you can comfortably dance. Shortening or extending the straps can help the dress fit more comfortably and prevent it from restricting movement. You can also add straps to strapless prom dresses.
Resizing
Resizing is a complex alteration, but it’s doable if you plan ahead. Your tailor will need to look at your dress style to see which seams need to be adjusted. Then, they can add or remove fabric, typically on the side or back seams. This is especially important for fitted prom dresses, which are tight around your body. If only a specific area needs adjusting, such as the bust or waist, they can make those adjustments, too.
Removing fabric from a dress is typically easier than adding fabric. So, if you’re trying to decide between two dress sizes, get the bigger one and alter it to be a smaller size. If you’re unsure what areas of the dress need to be adjusted, your tailor can give their suggestions during your first fitting.
Adding Pockets
Everyone loves a dress with pockets, especially at an event where you’ll be dancing a lot. A tailor can add pockets to your prom dress to make it more practical. With big enough pockets, you won’t have to carry around a purse if you don’t want to.
Repairing Embellishments
Prom dresses often have a lot of sequins, gems, and embroidery on them. While this makes them look stunning, it can be devastating if those additions rip off. Luckily, repairs usually don’t take long and can make your dress look as good as new. Tailors can also repair rips and frays that may occur in the fabric.
If your dress doesn’t have many embellishments but you wish it did, a tailor may be able to add some. Your tailor can help you determine the best way to add embellishments to a dress.
Are There Fast Tailoring Options for Prom?
Sometimes, no matter how early you start your search, you don’t find the perfect dress until the last minute. If that’s the case, is there still time to get alterations? While complex alterations can’t be completed with short notice, some tailors offer same day alterations to ensure you can get everything ready in time.
Quick fix tailor options could include minor hemming, shortening straps, replacing zippers, and repairing small rips. If you’re unsure how long your prom dress alterations will take, talk to a tailor to find out their expected timeline.
Find Prom Dress Alterations in Houston with the Best Seamstress
If you need prom dress alterations, it’s a good idea to book them well in advance. Getting them on the schedule early helps confirm that everything will be done on time. Plus, it gives your tailor plenty of time to work on advanced alterations if needed.
When searching for the “best seamstress for prom dresses near me,” look for one specializing in formal dresses. Prom dresses can have complicated designs and delicate materials, so it’s best to find someone with experience handling those garments.
Anyone looking for prom dress alterations in Houston should consider Memorial Tailors. We have lots of experience handling intricate gowns, so we can ensure your prom dress looks and feels perfect after alterations. Book an appointment today to get your dress ready for prom!