Do You Need Bridesmaid Dress Alterations?

I can do your bridesmaid dress alterations! The most common alterations needed are hems, the sides taken in; and if your gown has straps sometimes they need to be adjusted.

Your Gown Will Be Properly Hemmed

“I will measure your gown all the way around to make sure your dress hangs evenly.” Except, of course, if you have a train. In the case of a dress with a train-- I pin the front hem and taper at the sides to blend into the train. Many bridesmaids will consider having a bustle added to pick up the train during the reception.

“No pinning it up just in the front only” and then cutting it off by that amount all the way around the hem is done here. Why? Because there is no guarantee that your dress hem will be even that way.

Sometimes the manufacturer will cut the dress uneven. Or your posture can cause a hem to hang uneven. the dress must be pinned “all the way around” to assure the hem will hang evenly when you wear the gown.

The Sides Of Your Gown Will Be Properly Taken In

Another bridesmaid dress alteration “commonly needed” involve the sides for the bust, waist or hip area need to be taken in. Your bridesmaids dress will be taken in at the side seams.

Under rare circumstances should your gown be taken in through the center back. Some tailors use this to short cut the alterations. But when it comes to bridesmaids dress alterations, the best fit comes from taking in the gown at the sides.

In most cases I can take in the gown and not need to cut out the excess fabric in the sides. I leave it as long as it doesn't show or add bulk in the area. When I do need to cut the seams down, I always leave enough to let out “one” size.

This way if the gown needs to be “let out," you have seam allowance to do so.

Or if you decide to “sell your dress,” you can let the person know it can be let back out to “the original size.” This is a good selling point.

Brides! Why You Should Have All Your
Bridesmaid Dress Alterations Done At “One” Place

If you are a bride, have you thought about having all your bridesmaid dress alterations done at the same place? How will that benefit you?

This way the same dress lengths and fit are applied across the board for every bridesmaid. Why is this important?

This results in a “harmonious look” for your wedding. Your guest will notice! Your wedding pictures will show it!

Plus . . . your bridesmaids will appreciate your relieving them of the responsibility to find a sewing professional on their own for their alterations.

For the bridesmaids who are out of town, and cannot come in for a fitting, you can tell them how far from the floor to have their gowns hemmed with their shoes on. I will give you that information so they can pass it on the their seamstress. That way their hems will be in harmony with those who are" in" town.

Remember even though you are the center of attention---with the groom by your side--- everyone else around you should “enhance” you overall look. You will notice this especially when you look at your wedding pictures!

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