You want to look perfect on your wedding day, and the fit of your wedding dress will play an absolutely vital role. So, alterations are of utmost importance! You may spend generously to get the dress of your dreams, but if it is ill-fitted, it will not be money well spent. Pick any wedding dress, it will need some alteration here and there to make it just right for you. Setting aside enough time for your bridal dress alteration is, therefore, great advice. Here’s what you should know:

1. Buy the dress a few months in advance

Unplanned wedding-dress alterations are stressful to deal with. If you want the process to be smooth, it is recommended that you buy the dress well in advance, at least six months before the D-day. This will ensure that you have an ample amount of time for tailoring and all the fittings. It is equally crucial to time your alterations right to make sure all the modifications you want are incorporated.

2. Get an honest opinion

When you show up for bridal dress alterations, let a close friend or family member come along. Having a couple of people whom you trust will be helpful as you will get honest opinions about the dress fitting. But avoid bringing in the entire bride tribe. Too many opinions may overwhelm or confuse you.

3. Carry your accessories to the alteration

Bring all the accessories you are planning to wear on your special day when you come for your dress alterations. From your lingerie to the shapewear. Do not forget the shoes! They determine your gown’s length. If you haven’t picked up the shoes for the first fitting, bring another pair of similar height you want to wear. If you have the veil, jewelry, and hair accessories with you, it will be easier to alter the dress perfectly. You will also get a better picture of the final look. 

4. Invest in the right size dress

Usually, bridal dresses run small. So, if you are a 10 or 12, the bridal gown maybe a 14. Losing a few pounds before the wedding may be an agenda but do not get fixated on a particular size. Instead, find the size that fits the present you nicely. Some brides invest in a smaller-sized gown 8-10 months before the ceremony thinking they will shed some weight, but in case that does not happen, they are left with an ill-fitting dress. Avoid making this mistake.

Final words

A perfect wedding day is made up of many ingredients, and a nicely-fitted wedding gown is one of them. Most brides-to-be start looking for the dress of their dreams the next day after saying yes to the marriage proposal. But the process is a tad long. It does not end with the purchase. Bridal dress alterations go a long way in ensuring yours look picture perfect.

Want to get your wedding gown altered? We offer alterations for bridal dresses, vintage dress restoration, and more. Get in touch with us! 

When you buy a custom designer dress, it usually means a wait of at least a few months before you can actually receive the dress. With the unprecedented times that we are living in now, chances are you may find yourself with a slightly tighter wedding timeline, and that is when buying an off-the-rack dress is a great option. It is convenient and oftentimes, budget-friendly. Also, there is nothing quite like the joy and excitement of being able to take your dress home the same day or sometimes, a few days. However, even though off-the-rack wedding dresses offer a slew of undeniable benefits, there are some things that you need to keep in mind when you shop for them. Here are some tips to find the perfect wedding dress off the rack:

1. Always check the dresses carefully

It is important for you to remember that off-the-rack dresses are often tried on by previous brides, which is why there are chances of slight wear and tear. You should always inspect the pieces carefully before you buy. Check for loose threads, makeup marks, and even armpit stains. Look at the beading, buttons, zips and other embellishments to make sure that everything is intact. If you do find a flaw, decide if it is worth repairing or you need to keep looking.

2. Buy a dress that is somewhat true to size

When you find a dress you love, it can be tempting to say yes to it even though it is the wrong size. This is an urge you should resist at all costs. You should always look for a gown that fits you as closely as possible. Sure, bigger and smaller dresses can be altered but too much of a difference can affect the integrity of the design. For instance, it will not be possible to tailor down a size 10 when you wear a size two.

3. Know that sample and off-the-rack are different things

A common mistake most brides make when shopping for off-the-rack dresses is assuming that they are the same as sample dresses. While off-the-rack dresses are definitely less expensive than their custom counterparts, they are not always a bargain. If you are looking for a dress under a strict budget, you can always shop end of season sales when you can find an array of sample dresses on the floor, usually at highly affordable prices.

4. You can still get some alterations done

Even when you shop off the rack, you may still want some basic alterations, like hemming the gown or adding a belt, and that is completely okay. But for that to happen, you need to have the time and budget because, depending on the changes, it may take up to a month or two, for your dress to be ready. For alterations for bridal dresses, no matter how small, you should always consult a professional.
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Shop for bridal dresses, bridesmaid dresses and mother of bride dresses from some of the best brands and designers at Bridal & Veil. We also offer bridal dress alteration services. Get in touch with us for more information.