Gown alterations: 7 things every bride needs to know By Chris Christen / World-Herald staff writer Oct 9, 2019 Fit is everything when it comes to a wedding dress. Here are seven key things to know about bridal alterations. 1. Plan to order your dress eight to 12 months in advance of your wedding and stay on schedule. “Having your dress in and waiting in alterations for a couple of months is always less stressful than wait- ing for the dress to arrive and cutting it short for alterations,” says Tracy Ponec of Rhylan Lang in the Old Market. If you’re planning a fall 2020 wedding, it’s not too early to begin dress shopping. 2. Be aware that seamstresses are extremely busy during prime wedding alterations season, April through October. As soon as you order your dress and have an approximate delivery date, it’s a good idea to reserve a spot on a seamstress’ calendar. Rhylan Lang makes in-salon alterations available to brides who subscribe to its VIP service. “When the dress arrives, we store it until it goes into alter- nations and never has to leave the store until you pick it up a week before your wedding,” Ponec says. 3. Budget for alterations. Most seamstresses who specialize in bridal gowns charge per service rather than a flat rate. Customizations beyond simply fitting the gown — adding lace or beading or re- shaping the silhouette, for example — can add up quickly. “There’s no way to give you an average (cost) for alterations,” Ponec says. “There are too many variables from dress to dress.” Consulting with a seamstress or a knowledgeable dress consultant before you buy is one way to make sure a dress still falls within your budget after alterations. 4. If your bridal consultant recommends a custom measurement, opt for it. Some designers offer the option of a specified hem length. The customization, known as a hollow-to-hem measurement, in- volves a charge that’s often comparable to having the dress altered by a seamstress, Ponec says. “If a custom measurement is beneficial to the bride, we’ll highly recommend it,” she says. That’s often the case with a petite figure, in order for the dress to be in proportion to her height and build. 5. Consider your fabric choice. The slinkier the fabric, the harder it will be to fix the fit if you gain or lose weight. A dress with all-over lace or a high-low hemline poses different alterations challenges and considerations. And added expense, if an alteration can be done in the first place.
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