Bridesmaid Dress Alterations: Everything You Need to Know

#DessyRealWeddings - Bridesmaids: Dessy 3021, Dessy 1505, Dessy 6780, After Six 1511; Photographer: Elizabeth Mae Photography @elizabethmaephoto

So, you've got your bridesmaid dress for your best friend's wedding, but it doesn't quite fit? No worries, you're not alone! Most bridesmaid dresses need at least minor adjustments. Some key alterations can help you achieve a flawless fit, so you'll feel coolly confident on the big day. You might be tempted to skip alterations to save some cash. But remember, this is a special occasion celebrating one of your closest friends. Trust us, you'll be thankful for a dress that fits like a glove, looks fabulous, and allows you to effortlessly celebrate the night away.

Let's dive into everything you need to know about bridesmaid dress alterations, including the typical types of alterations, how much they cost, how long the process usually takes, and what to bring to a fitting.

Will my bridesmaid dress need alterations?

First up, bridesmaid dresses are a whole different animal when it comes to sizing. Unlike regular off-the-rack dresses, bridesmaid dresses are designed to fit a wide variety of body shapes and heights, which means they often require some extra TLC to get that perfect fit. So, keep that in mind when working out your budget and timeline.

What are the most common bridesmaid dress alterations?

The most common bridesmaid dress alterations needed are: hemming, taking in sides, and shortening straps. Basically, anything that'll make you look like you were born to wear that dress! And with the help of a skilled tailor, you can achieve a spot-on fit that'll make you feel like a million bucks.

Hemming the Length

Let's talk about hemming, AKA the most popular bridesmaid dress alteration out there. Hemming is when you shorten the length of your dress to make sure it's just right, taking into account the height of the heels you plan on wearing. Most bridesmaid dresses are designed with a standard length to ensure that all members of the bridal party have matching dresses, regardless of their height. If you do need to adjust the length of your dress, a skilled tailor can hem it with ease. And let's be honest, no one wants to trip on their dress while walking down the aisle, so hemming is a must-have alteration if your dress is too long.

Taking In a Dress

This magical alteration, taking in the sides, can make your dress smaller in the bust, waist, or hips, giving you a custom look that'll make you feel like a superstar. Maybe you're in between sizes, or maybe your dress just doesn't fit quite right. Either way, taking in is the perfect solution to getting that perfect fit. Keep in mind, taking in a dress is much easier than letting it out. So it's always better to go for the larger size if you're in between sizes on one or more of your measurements. Most bridesmaid dresses can be taken in up to two sizes without affecting the design. A good seamstress will work with you to ensure that your dress fits flawlessly and makes you feel absolutely gorgeous on the big day.

Shortening Shoulder Straps

Have you found yourself struggling to keep your bridesmaid dress straps in place? You're not alone! That's because many bridesmaid dresses have straps on the longer side to accommodate women of all shapes and heights. But don't stress, you can easily shorten those straps and feel comfortable and confident on the big day. So if your straps are driving you crazy, don't hesitate to take them to a tailor for a quick adjustment. You'll thank yourself for taking this simple step. With a minor alteration, you can say goodbye to constantly tugging at your dress and hello to a night of moving and grooving (without any wardrobe malfunctions).

#DessyRealWeddings - Bridesmaids: After Six 1511 in Sienna; Photographer: Patrick Remington

How much do alterations cost for a bridesmaid dress?

Now, let's talk about the moolah. The bridesmaid dress alterations cost can vary depending on the type of alteration needed, the fabric, dress design, your location, your timeframe, and the expertise of the tailor. On average, you can expect to pay between $50 and $240.

Factors that affect pricing:

1. Fabric: If your dress is made of a delicate or detailed material, alterations may be more expensive.
2. Complexity: If your dress has multiple layers, a horsehair hem, beading, or other intricate details, alterations may be more expensive.
3. Location: In some areas of the country or cities, alterations may be more expensive due to a higher cost of living.
4. Timeframe: If you're in a rush or the wedding is during peak wedding season, you may pay extra for the urgency of the alterations.

How long does it take to alter a bridesmaid dress?

Last but not least, let's talk about timing. While the amount of time it takes to complete the alterations can vary depending on the complexity and type of alterations needed, and the availability of the tailor, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind.

Bridesmaid dress alterations timeline

Typically, straightforward alterations like shortening straps or hemming can be completed in about 1-2 weeks, while more complex alterations like taking in a bodice can take up to 3 weeks. It's also worth noting that you'll need to schedule up to 3 hour-long fittings to ensure the perfect fit.

When to get a bridesmaid dress altered

You don't want to be scrambling to get alterations done at the last minute, so aim to schedule the first fitting at least two months before the wedding date, and the final fitting a few weeks before the big day. This will give you plenty of time to make any necessary adjustments and ensure your bridesmaid dress fit is dead-on. And, of course, if your talented tailor has a mountain of orders, you might need to tack on a bit of extra time.

What do I bring to the bridesmaid alteration appointment?

When it comes to your alteration appointments, there are a few must-haves you need to bring along. First and foremost, don't forget to bring the dress itself! Next, pack the shoes you'll be wearing on the big day. Believe it or not, their height determines the perfect hem length and even impacts your posture. And let's not forget about the undergarments. Your choice of bra, underwear, and shapewear can truly make a difference in how your body fits your dress. With these items in tow, your alteration appointment will be a breeze!

#DessyRealWeddings - Bridesmaids: After Six 6760; Photographer: @chrisbartow

So there you have it, a crash course in bridesmaid dress alterations! Armed with these tips and tricks, you're well on your way to looking and feeling absolutely amazing on the big day. Remember, alterations are the key to making your bridesmaid dress fit your lovely, one-of-a-kind figure like it was made for you. Whether it's hemming the length, taking in the waistline, or shortening those straps, the goal is to showcase your unique beauty. And BTW, it's not just about the fit; it's about the confidence you exude when you feel comfortable in your own skin. So, embrace the journey of alterations, schedule those fittings well in advance, and let your tailor work their magic!