Wedding Dress Alterations: Everything You Need to Know

Finding your wedding dress is a pretty big moment. But when you say yes to the dress, it probably won't fit you perfectly there and then.

And that's completely normal.

Most wedding dresses require some form of alteration before the wedding day. Even when a dress has been ordered in the correct size, small adjustments to the hem, bodice or straps can transform how it looks and feels.

If you've never had clothing professionally altered before, the process can feel like another mysterious part of wedding dress shopping. So, when should alterations begin? How many fittings will you need? What should you take with you? And perhaps most importantly, how much do wedding dress alterations cost in the UK?

Here's what you need to know.

Why Do Wedding Dresses Need Alterations?

Wedding dresses aren't generally made to your exact individual measurements. When your bridal store orders your gown, they'll take your measurements and use the designer's size chart to determine the most appropriate size to order.

Once your dress arrives, alterations create the final fit.

You might need the waist or bust taking in slightly, straps shortening or the hem adjusting to work with your height and shoes. You may also want additional changes, such as adding sleeves, changing straps or creating a bustle so your train can be lifted later in the day.

It's the alterations that can take a beautiful wedding dress and make it feel like your wedding dress.

When Should Wedding Dress Alterations Start?

As a general guide, alterations often begin around two to three months before the wedding, although your bridal store or seamstress will advise you based on your particular dress and the work required.

You don't necessarily want to begin too early. Bodies can change and you want the final fit to reflect how the dress sits relatively close to the wedding.

Equally, leaving everything until the final couple of weeks creates unnecessary pressure, particularly if your gown requires more substantial work.

If you're still at the beginning of your search, our guide to When Should You Start Shopping for Your Wedding Dress? explains how dress ordering, delivery and alterations can fit into your overall timeline.

How Many Wedding Dress Fittings Will You Need?

There's no fixed number, but many brides will have around two or three fittings.

At your first fitting, the seamstress will assess how the dress currently fits and discuss any changes that need to be made. The gown may then be pinned so you can see where adjustments will happen.

At a later fitting, you'll try the dress again after that work has been completed. Further adjustments can then be made if necessary before your final fitting.

A straightforward alteration might require fewer appointments, while a gown needing more significant changes could require additional fittings.

The aim isn't to complete the process in a particular number of appointments. It's to make sure the dress fits beautifully when you finally wear it.

What Can Be Altered on a Wedding Dress?

Quite a lot.

Common wedding dress alterations include adjusting the hem, taking in the waist or bodice, shortening straps, adjusting sleeves and improving the fit around the bust.

Some dresses can also be altered more substantially. Depending on the gown's construction, a seamstress may be able to change a neckline, add straps or sleeves, remove details or make other design changes.

However, not every alteration is possible on every dress. Lace placement, beading, boning and the construction of the bodice can all affect what can realistically be changed.

If you're shopping somewhere such as Brides of Chester, it's worth discussing any alterations you're already considering with your stylist before ordering the gown. They can help you understand what's likely to be achievable rather than relying on the assumption that anything can be changed later.

Can a Wedding Dress Be Made Smaller?

Usually, yes.

Taking a wedding dress in is one of the most common bridal alterations. How much it can be reduced will depend on the construction of the gown and where it needs altering.

This is also why bridal stores pay close attention to measurements when deciding which size to order. If your measurements fall between sizes, they may recommend ordering the size that accommodates the largest measurement and altering other areas afterwards.

Your stylist should talk you through their recommendation when you order.

Can a Wedding Dress Be Made Bigger?

Sometimes, although this can be more complicated than making a dress smaller.

Some gowns have enough seam allowance to provide additional room. In other situations, a seamstress may be able to make more creative alterations, such as changing the back of a gown.

Exactly what's possible depends heavily on the individual dress.

If your body has changed since ordering your wedding dress, try not to panic or put off contacting your bridal store. Speak to them as early as possible. The sooner everyone understands the situation, the more time there is to explore the available options.

How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost in the UK?

This is one of the hardest questions to answer because alterations vary enormously from dress to dress.

A simple hem or strap adjustment is very different from reconstructing a heavily embellished bodice or making significant changes to a gown.

The fabric and construction matter too. Altering a relatively simple wedding dress can involve very different work from altering several layers of tulle, intricate lace or hand-applied beading.

For that reason, it's sensible to allow an alterations budget in addition to the cost of your wedding dress rather than assuming alterations will be included in the purchase price.

Your bridal store may be able to give you an indication of likely costs, but your seamstress will usually need to see the dress on you before providing an accurate quotation.

Are Alterations Included in the Price of a Wedding Dress?

Usually, alterations are treated separately from the price of the gown, but every bridal store operates differently.

Some stores have an in-house alterations service. Others work closely with independent bridal seamstresses they trust, while some will provide recommendations and allow you to arrange alterations directly.

It's worth asking about this during your bridal appointment, particularly if you're working to a specific overall wedding dress budget.

At a store such as Amare, for example, asking about the complete journey from ordering through to fittings can help you understand what happens after your dress arrives and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Do You Need Your Wedding Shoes for Alterations?

For your hem fitting, ideally yes.

The height of your wedding shoes determines where the dress needs to sit, so changing from flats to a significant heel after your hem has been altered could leave the gown at the wrong length.

If you haven't bought your exact wedding shoes yet, speak to your seamstress. They may simply ask you to bring shoes with the same heel height you're planning to wear.

And if you're wondering what you need before your initial dress-shopping appointments, we've also put together a guide to What Should You Wear to Your Bridal Appointment?

What Underwear Should You Wear to Your Wedding Dress Fitting?

Ideally, wear the underwear or shapewear you're planning to wear on your wedding day.

Different bras and shapewear can change how a gown sits on your body, particularly around the bust and waist. Having the correct foundations at your fittings helps the seamstress achieve the most accurate fit.

That doesn't mean you necessarily need a bra. Many wedding dresses have enough structure and support built into the gown that one isn't required.

Your bridal stylist or seamstress can advise you based on your particular dress.

What If You've Bought Your Wedding Dress Off the Peg?

Alterations can be particularly important when buying an off-the-peg or sample wedding dress because you're purchasing the gown in the size already available rather than ordering a new one.

That doesn't mean it needs to fit perfectly when you buy it.

An experienced stylist should be able to help you understand whether a sample can realistically be altered for you before you make the purchase. If you're considering this route, have a read of our guide to Can You Buy a Wedding Dress Off the Peg? for a fuller explanation of how it works.

Stores such as Lacy Days of Ramsbottom may have their own approach to samples and available gowns, so always speak directly with the store about what's available and what alterations might be required.

What Happens at Your Final Wedding Dress Fitting?

Your final fitting is essentially the last check.

By this stage, the major alterations should have been completed and the dress should be sitting as intended. Your seamstress can check the fit, hem and any finishing details before the gown is prepared for collection.

It's also a useful opportunity to practise moving around in your dress.

Sit down. Walk around. Make sure you're comfortable. If your gown has a bustle, ask someone who's likely to be with you on the wedding day to learn how it works.

This is the moment to ask questions rather than discovering something you're unsure about on the morning of the wedding.

Don't Be Afraid to Speak Up

Perhaps the most important thing during alterations is to communicate.

If something feels uncomfortable, say so. If you're worried about the neckline, mention it. If you can't sit comfortably or you're concerned the dress feels too tight, tell your seamstress.

You aren't being difficult.

The entire purpose of alterations is to make your wedding dress fit you.

By the end of the process, you should be able to walk, sit, breathe, celebrate and hopefully dance in it without spending the day worrying about your dress.

From Finding Your Dress to Wearing It

There's a lot that happens between trying on a wedding dress for the first time and finally putting it on on your wedding morning.

Finding the dress is the exciting beginning. Ordering, delivery, fittings and alterations are what turn that gown into something that's ready for you.

Revide helps you discover independent bridal stores across the UK, explore the designers they stock and find stores that suit your style, budget and plans.

Because finding a beautiful wedding dress matters.

But having one that feels as though it was made for you?

That's the finishing touch.