An evening gown might not seem like as big of a deal as a wedding dress or prom dress, but they’re still nice dresses that can make you look like royalty. So, getting evening gown alterations may be necessary to help you look your best in your fancy dress.
While searching “evening gown alterations near me” might help you find a great tailor or seamstress, there’s a lot to consider before getting your dress altered. Think about what type of alterations you’re looking for and how soon you need them done.
What Defines an Evening Gown?
The term evening gown typically refers to any long dresses worn to formal events. Galas, fancy dinners, and formal parties are just a few occasions where you might wear one. These dresses come in nearly any color and style imaginable.
What Can an Evening Gown Seamstress Do When Altering a Dress?
Evening gowns are typically longer and made of more sensitive materials than the average dress. So, alterations can be complicated, but they’re necessary for getting dresses to fit perfectly.
Here are a few common types of alterations your evening dress may need:
- Hemming
- Changing strap length
- Altering neckline
- Changing cup size
- Adjusting the dress size slightly
- Adding or removing sleeves
- Fixing or adding decorations like sequins and embroidery
- Adjusting zippers or clasps
Above are just a few of the many adjustments a tailor or seamstress can make on a dress. Of course, the exact process will vary based on what you need done and what your dress looks like.
Small changes can be completed quickly while complex alterations need more time. So, if you need the dress for an event, make sure you schedule your alterations appointment with plenty of time to spare. That way, you can ensure that the tailor can effectively alter your dress without rushing. A quality alter job often takes time, especially when big changes are involved.
Getting a Dress Hemmed: What to Expect
While there are many options for dress alterations, dress hemming is the most common adjustment for evening gowns. Hemming involves folding and stitching the ends of fabric to adjust the length of a clothing item. So, for evening gowns, it’s usually needed when the skirt is too long and drags on the ground (unless the style of the dress is meant to be that long).
When getting an evening gown hemmed, here’s what you can expect:
- Have a consultation with the tailor. During the consultation, let them know how much shorter you want the dress. They can also have a look at the dress style and material to determine how much work the hemming will be.
- Schedule fittings. The tailor will schedule a fitting once the dress is hemmed. If the dress length still doesn’t look right, they may need to hem it further. Multiple fittings are often needed for dress alterations, especially if you need other adjustments beyond just hemming.
- Move around during fittings. During fittings, take your time to make sure the dress alterations fit your needs. Walk around in the dress, sit down in it, and do whatever you might be doing while wearing it, such as dancing. That way, you can be certain the dress is a perfect fit.
- Make sure the altered dress fits your needs. If at any point the dress doesn’t meet your standards, let the tailor know. In most cases, they can alter your dress further to make it fit like it was made for you. It’s your dress, so don’t be afraid to ask for further changes if necessary.
Every tailor business operates differently. So, if you’re unsure what the process will look like, contact the tailor that you plan to use to ask about their custom sewing services. Tell them the type of alterations you need to ensure it’s something they have time to work on.
Tailors can get booked quickly, so don’t wait to get your evening gown altered. As soon as you know you’ll need changes, it can’t hurt to get something on the schedule, especially if you need it to be ready in time for a specific event.
Can a Same Day Tailor Do Formal Dress Alterations?
If your gown only needs minor changes, you might be able to do same day alterations. Fixing small design elements, such as replacing sequins or adding missing buttons could be a quick fix. Minor hemming or reinforcing seams could also be completely quickly.
Of course, the details of same day alterations greatly depend on the individual tailor and the type of dress. It’s usually better to schedule alterations with lots of time to spare, but sometimes, issues occur shortly before an event. If it’s urgent that your evening gown fits perfectly, a same day tailor may be your only option.
To find out if you can get quick alterations for your gown, contact a tailor to find out more about their same day services.
How Much Do Evening Gown Alterations Cost?
Formal dress alterations often range from $60 to $200. If you only need slight alterations, such as hemming the dress a little, it will likely be much less. Yet, if you need several big changes on your evening gown, you can expect to spend a lot.
If you need evening gown alterations, contact your tailor to get an estimate. They can give you a more specific idea of the cost based on your needs and the dress style.
Find Evening Gown Alterations Near Me
Online, you can search “evening gown alterations near me” to get an idea of tailors you can contact. Most tailors can alter formal dresses, but some specialize in them. Finding a tailor or seamstress that specializes in evening gowns can help you feel at ease when getting your outfit adjusted.
If you live in the Houston area, consider checking out Memorial Tailors for your evening gown alterations. We have lots of experience handling dresses with sensitive materials, so we can help make your dress look as incredible as possible, even if you need same day services. Book an appointment today or contact us for more information.
