Homecoming Dress Alterations: Act Fast! What to Expect and How to Plan

by | Sep 12, 2024 | Alterations

Homecoming is one of the few nights where you can go all out and feel like royalty in a fancy outfit. So, of course, you’ll want to make sure your dress is perfect. That’s where homecoming dress alterations come in.

If you picked out your homecoming dress long before the dance, make sure you try it on again before the day of. That way, if it doesn’t fit like it did before, you have time to get it fixed. If you’re buying your dress at the last minute, you can likely still get alterations as long as the issue is an easy fix.

Homecoming dress alterations can ensure that every student’s outfit meets their expectations as they arrive at the dance in style. Just make sure you plan ahead when scheduling your alterations if possible so your homecoming outfit is ready in time.

Can You Get Homecoming Dress Alterations?

Yes, you can absolutely get homecoming dresses altered. When most people think of alterations, they imagine wedding dresses, but dresses of all types can be altered with the right tools. After all, you’ll want your homecoming outfit to fit perfectly so it’ll look great in pictures and at the dance.

Alterations are the best way to ensure you look like royalty even if your dress doesn’t fit right. Tailors can adjust the dress to look like it was made for you.

So, if you need to get a homecoming dress altered, contact a tailor to find out if that’s something they can do. However, homecoming is a busy season for tailors, so get your alterations on the schedule as soon as possible.

Can You Get Formal Suit Alterations for Homecoming?

Homecoming isn’t just about dresses. Other formal wear, such as suits, are common as well. Formal suits need to fit well just like dresses, so if you have a homecoming suit that needs altering, don’t hesitate to see a tailor.

If you’re wearing a suit you already have, make sure you try it on closer to the homecoming dance to ensure it still fits. Slight alterations may be necessary if you’ve grown since then.

Tailors can help suits fit perfectly and feel more comfortable for homecoming. They can adjust the waist, sleeves, pants, and any other parts that need fixing. Like with dresses, some adjustments are quick and easy while others take more time.

What Do Formal Dress Alterations Usually Include?

Homecoming dresses can have just about any dress alterations imaginable. Some common types of alterations include:

  • Adjusting it a size or two
  • Adjusting strap length
  • Adding/removing beads, sequins, and other designs
  • Adding/removing buttons and snaps
  • Adjusting bust size
  • Fixing corset
  • Hemming
  • Adding/removing layers
  • Adjusting neckline
  • Adding pockets
  • Changing sleeve design

These are just a few of the many alterations tailors can make on formal dresses. Every dress is unique, so talk to your tailor to find out if they can complete your desired alterations and how long it will take.

If you need complicated alterations, you’ll need to give your tailor plenty of time to work on it. In that situation, schedule your appointment long before your homecoming dance.

When Should You Schedule Formal Wear Alterations?

If possible, schedule your homecoming dress alterations four to six weeks before the event. This time frame is usually close enough that your body won’t change too much by the time of the dance. Yet, it’ll still give the tailor plenty of time to get everything ready.

Scheduling your appointment sooner rather than later is always better. Homecoming and prom are busy seasons for tailors, so they might not have any availability right before the date. Not all schools have homecoming on the same day, so appointments will likely book up weeks before your homecoming day to accommodate all the homecomings.

Scheduling it late also prevents tailors from having enough time to complete complex alterations. So, as soon as you know you need homecoming alterations, get an appointment on the calendar. Try to schedule it somewhat close while still giving the tailor plenty of time to complete everything.

Can You Get Same Day Alterations for Formal Dresses?

While scheduling your appointment well in advance is ideal, that might not always be an option. If you don’t find your perfect homecoming outfit until the last minute, you won’t have a lot of time to make adjustments.

Luckily, many tailors offer same day services. If you only need minor fixes, you can probably find someone to squeeze you in. However, the closer it gets to homecoming, the less likely tailors will have availability.

So, call local tailors as soon as you can to find out if any of them do same day alterations and if those businesses have availability before homecoming.

How Much Do Dress Alterations Cost?

Most dress alterations cost $50 to $200, but they can be much less if the alterations are only minor. Formal dresses are typically made with delicate materials and unique designs, so they’re typically more expensive to alter than a casual dress.

The type of alterations, style of dress, and complexity of changes all play a role in the cost. For an exact price, reach out to a tailor to find out what they charge for your alteration type.

Where to Get Homecoming Dress Alterations in Houston

Don’t wait until the last minute to get your formal wear alterations. Shortly before a school dance is a busy time for many tailors, so you may not be able to get in if you schedule it too late. So, schedule dress alterations as soon as you know you need them.

 

If you’re looking for homecoming dress alterations in Houston, check out Memorial Tailors. We specialize in altering dresses of all kinds, along with other formal wear. However, our schedule books up quickly during the homecoming season. So, book an appointment ASAP to get your homecoming alterations on the schedule.

Getting your alterations appointment scheduled early can help you feel at ease knowing your perfect outfit will be ready in time.