Bridal Alterations Guide: When to Start & What to Expect

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Alterations

Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding day, and one crucial element to achieving that dream is finding the ideal wedding dress. However, even the most stunning gown may need a bit of tweaking to ensure it fits comfortably.

Thankfully, bridal alterations are an integral step in the fitting process. Not only are bridal dress alterations common, they’re essential for ensuring your gown fits the unique shape of your body. After all, many brides’ dream dresses materialize through alterations. 

Even though bridal alterations are normal, they can draw a lot of questions and stress. So, this guide will cover all the basics about wedding dress alterations, such as when to start, what to expect, and the tips to help you enjoy the process before the big day!

How many months before the wedding should you get your dress altered?

For most brides, we recommend bridal alterations two to three months before your wedding day because your body is unlikely to change drastically before then. However, if it’s normal for your body to fluctuate in weight, start your fittings two months in advance. For those who rarely see a change in their body weight, scheduling fittings as early as six months out is suitable.

Granted, if you’re looking for bespoke wedding gown alterations for your perfect day, it’s best to start the process three to five months before the wedding. In many cases, custom alterations require more time to ensure the tailor can fulfill your dream dress.

How long do bridal alterations take?

Bridal alterations typically take six to eight weeks to complete. For that reason, it’s vital you start the alteration process as early as possible. In turn, your dress will make you feel comfortable and confident on your big day.

Wedding dress alteration process

Understanding the alteration process can alleviate the many stressors that come with planning a wedding. The process usually involves three to four fittings, starting with an initial consultation where the tailor assesses the dress and discusses your preferences. Additionally, the tailor will take notes on what aspects of the dress should be adjusted, including any additional changes or customizations you may want.

Then, the subsequent dress fitting is meant to assess the alterations that were made and hear your opinion. Lastly, the third fitting should finalize the alterations made, allowing you to take home the dress for your wedding day.

Overall, the process will vary based on the complexity of dress alterations. For example, three to four fittings are normal for simple dresses and alterations. Conversely, three to five fittings are more appropriate for complicated dresses and more advanced alterations. Lastly, custom-made bridal gowns require five to eight fittings.

At Memorial Tailors, we know it can sound like a lot of fittings, but it gives our bridal specialists the time necessary to make micro-adjustments that make strides in ensuring a perfect fit.

How long is a wedding dress fitting?

On average, wedding dress fittings take 30 to 60 minutes. The time it takes to complete a fitting depends on the tailor, as some dresses will require more adjustments than others. In turn, the length of the fitting extends as the tailor takes notes and discusses them with you.

How much do wedding dress alterations cost?

The cost of wedding dress alterations can vary widely depending on the alterations needed and the tailor’s expertise. Minor adjustments, such as hemming or taking in the dress, may cost less than more intricate changes. As for bespoke alterations, you can expect costs on the higher end as these types of changes require more time and skill to meet your expectations.

As a result, it’s essential to budget for alterations when purchasing your wedding dress, and Memorial Tailors provides transparent pricing to help you plan accordingly. Keep in mind that quality alterations are an investment in ensuring you look and feel your best on your special day.

Best bridal alterations in Houston

You’ll find the best bridal alterations for wedding dress tailoring at Memorial Tailors in Houston. At Memorial Tailors, our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional bridal alterations, from minor fitting adjustments to bespoke customizations.

We understand the significance of your wedding day and are committed to ensuring your dress is a perfect reflection of your vision. For that reason, we require all bridal fittings by appointment only so that you can have time with one of our bridal specialists. They’ll make your dream dress fit like it was made just for you.

So, give Memorial Tailors a call at (713) 461-2230 or book an appointment online to schedule time with one of our bridal specialists!