Bridesmaid Alterations

Alterations can be done about 2 weeks before the wedding, depending on what needs to be done. This can be helpful if you are coming in from out of town and don't have a seamstress in your area. Most of the rules apply for bridesmaids fittings as in for wedding dresses.

If the dress is long, then shoes are a must. If you don't have your shoes, please have a shoe with the correct heal height so that an accurate hem can be pinned. Most long bridesmaid dresses come with a train on the back of the hem. Be sure and check with the bride to know whether or not she wants you to keep the train or that you may have it cut off during the hemming process.

If you are a C cup or bigger, then a bra would be helpful. For a full bust line, the correct fitting bra will give you lift and a good profile. Those who are looking for a more fuller figure profile, having padded cups sewn in is a quick and inexpensive solution.

Usually it takes 2 fittings when having your bridesmaid dress altered. At the 1st fitting your seamstress will talk to you about how you want your dress to fit, pin your dress as needed to be taken in, and pin a hem as per the brides instructions. Please speak up with any concerns or suggestions you may have. For strapless dresses, one important component in having your dress sit properly on you is with an inside belt. This may need to be added to the waist of your dress before an accurate measurement can be taken of your hem. Also most strapless dresses will come with a set of straps that can be attached for added comfort and fit.

Depending on the amount of alterations will ultimately determine how many fittings you will need. Your seamstress may wait to alter the hem until after your dress has been refitted and is sitting on you properly. You also need to get your weight as stable as possible. A drop or gain of more than 10 pounds will result in a major change in how your dress fits and will end up costing you more in alterations for numerous changes.

Lastly, the cost of alterations can run you anywhere between $25 - $150, but will ultimately be determined by the amount of work you have done. Your seamstress should be able to give you an estimate of the cost at your 1st fitting.