Scheduling a bridal dress alteration appointment is the best way to ensure your wedding gown looks and feels perfect by the time of your big day. However, there are certain factors that make the repair process more challenging than it should be. Before and during alterations for bridal dresses, plan ahead and carefully consider all aspects of repairs to help the process go smoothly.
Wedding Gown Repair Mistakes
There are so many things to think about in preparation for your wedding, and that includes your wedding dress. Even after you’ve found your dream gown, issues can still arise. So, below are some common bridal alteration mistakes and how to avoid them during your wedding planning process.
#1 – Not Getting the Proper Size
Sometimes, issues arise before altering even begins. Wedding dresses almost always need some adjustments, but some require more than others. While a dress size can be changed slightly, complications occur when it’s far too large or small. However, it’s easier to make a dress smaller than larger, so if you have to choose between two, go with the bigger size.
When picking out your perfect dress, try to get one that’s as close to your size as possible. If the size is too far off, alterations may take longer than normal or not be possible. Also, think about if your weight might change before the wedding. If there’s a chance you may gain or lose weight by then, that’s a consideration to mention during the alteration process.
Once you have your dress, allow your tailor to get your exact measurements. Don’t rush this process because it’s necessary for ensuring the altered dress fits your body perfectly.
#2 – Scheduling Alterations for Bridal Dresses Too Late
If you wait too long to get your alterations scheduled, you might not have enough time to get everything completed. Alterations should take place about six to eight weeks before your wedding so you have plenty of time for additional fittings while being close enough for accurate measurements.
While small adjustments can be made with short notice, general alterations require time in between fittings. A short time frame doesn’t allow for complex changes, especially on delicate materials. To reduce stress for you and your tailor, plan ahead.
However, if your weight might fluctuate, don’t schedule your appointment too soon either. Otherwise, your measurements might not be the same by the time of your wedding day, making your dress fit uncomfortably.
#3 – Not Planning for Difficult Fabrics
Some fabrics are much harder for tailors to work with. If the materials are too thick or too delicate, it might take longer to alter your dress and cost more. Some delicate fabrics that could take more time include silk, chiffon, and satin. Dresses with intricate embellishments can also be more difficult to adjust.
Of course, you don’t have to say no to your dream dress just because it has small details and dainty fabrics. However, you need to take that into consideration when planning your alterations. Consider scheduling repairs a few weeks earlier than needed to give the tailor extra time to work on your luxurious dress. That way, you can ensure your gown looks perfect while giving the tailor plenty of time to handle all the adjustments.
#4 – Requesting Too Many Complicated Changes
Every bride should be able to wear their ideal dress. Yet, it’s important to stay reasonable with your alteration requests. Changing the dress too drastically, such as trying to change the silhouette and style, can make alterations take longer, cost more, and require more fittings than normal. Your alterations should include small modifications to make the current dress look and feel better, not change its appearance completely.
If you have your heart set on over-complicated requests, make sure you schedule your appointments and fittings far in advance. Also, communicate your expectations with your tailor to ensure it’s something they can comfortably handle in the timeframe. In many cases, if your dress adjustments are too extreme, it might make more sense to choose a different dress than try to completely change your current one.
#5 – Forgetting Important Items for Fittings
During your wedding dress fittings, it’s a good idea to bring anything you’ll be wearing with the dress. Wear the undergarments and shoes that you plan to wear on your big day. These items can affect the fit and length of the dress, changing the exact alterations as a result. If you don’t have your shoes yet, wear ones with a heel of the same height.
You may also want to bring your other wedding accessories, such as jewelry, veils, and hair accessories. While these items might not affect the fit, they can influence the outfit’s appearance. You may end up requesting different changes based on how those items look with your dress, so it’s a great idea to see it all together if possible.
#6 – Using Incorrect Bridal Gown Storage
Before and after your dress is altered, it’s important to use proper bridal gown storage to preserve it until your wedding day. Keep it in a breathable, acid-free chest or garment bag whenever it’s not in use.
Without a proper storage container, the dress could become damaged, discolored, or stained, which can be difficult to fix at the last minute. It’s best to keep it in a safe storage space as much as possible until the wedding day.
Turn to an Experienced Tailor to Avoid Bridal Dress Alteration Pitfalls
All the above aspects are important to consider when getting your wedding dress altered. Yet, another important way to avoid mistakes is to work with a tailor that specializes in wedding dresses. That expertise can help the process go smoothly while making you feel better knowing your dress is in good hands.
If you live in the Houston area, consider Montrose Tailors for your wedding gown repairs and alterations. We have lots of experience working with wedding dresses, so we know how to handle the delicate materials and unique designs of bridal gowns. Book an appointment today to get your luxurious dress ready in time for your special day.