Trying on your dream wedding dress for the first time is an unforgettable moment, even if it doesn't fit quite right yet. A great gown will help you feel confident and enhance your natural beauty, but it is rare that a dress will be the correct size from the start. You should feel carefree on your wedding day, so you will need to get wedding dress alterations that make your gown fit just right. A good seamstress will add the finishing touches to ensure your dress is comfortable and flawless – like it was made just for you! However, you may want to do a little research to figure out the best way to voice your requests.

A seamstress prepares a wedding dress during a fitting.

Wedding Dress Alterations

Find an Experienced Seamstress

After your dream dress has arrived, it is time to decide who you are going to trust to make your wedding dress alterations. Some bridal salons have in-house seamstresses who have experience working on the different types of dresses the shop carries. If the bridal salon doesn’t have any seamstresses on staff, ask your dress stylists for suggestions. You can also ask your friends for recommendations and read Facebook or Yelp reviews.

Getting a dress altered requires multiple visits. Unless you are able to fit several long commutes into your schedule, choose a local seamstress.

Time It Just Right

It is best to book your first alteration appointment 2–3 months before the wedding. This is because if you book your appointment too early, your weight could change. So if you are a bride-to-be who likes to work ahead and get things crossed off your to-do list early, you might have to practice some self-discipline and wait.

On the other end, if you are a procrastinator, now is the time to also practice self-discipline and book your appointment on time. If you don’t, you might struggle to find a seamstress that has time to do your alterations. Keep in mind that your number of fittings could depend on how much work needs to be done on your dress, but most brides require three or four fittings.

What to Bring with You

When you leave for your first appointment, bring the shoes you will wear on your wedding day. Keep in mind that if you decide to wear tall heels rather than flats, this can dramatically affect alterations.

Another helpful thing to bring is a list of questions and requests – the more specific, the better. Feel free to bring a few family members or friends along to get outside opinions on decisions. Just remember that at the end of the day, your opinion matters the most because you will be the one wearing the dress. Finally, remember to rely on your seamstress’s expertise. With so many years of experience under his or her belt, your seamstress can provide expert tips and recommendations.

Move Around

Your wedding day will be filled with many enjoyable activities, not just standing at the altar. You will be hugging your friends, posing for pictures, sitting at times, and then dancing the night away. So at your alteration appointments, sit down, walk around, and raise your arms to make sure you are able to move freely in your dress.

_____

Getting your wedding dress altered can be a fun and exciting experience. After all, with each fitting, you will see your dress fit better and better.

Are you still looking for the perfect gown? Normans Bridal, a full-service bridal salon located in downtown Springfield, Missouri, carries an enormous selection of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Our knowledgeable bridal stylists love what they do and look forward to helping you select the perfect wedding dress. We also have a wide selection of accessories and bridesmaid gowns to make your wedding day planning a little easier. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment or fitting, please call us at 417-866-9800 or contact us through our website.