What can be Done in Alterations
Photography by Mariela Campbell
Alterations- the magical land where a dress becomes YOUR dress. Fitted to a T to your one of a kind body, with all the bells and whistles your heart desires. We do not offer in-house alterations here at Beloved, but we have a list of highly recommended seamstresses we send home with you and your dress in a lovely little booklet and tote bag.
Dresses are made to be extra long/tall because it’s much easier and cheaper to remove fabric as opposed to add! That’s why we clip you into dresses in the fitting room so you can get a better idea of what it would look like tailored. When selecting dresses to try on at the start of your appointment, don’t rule out any too quickly! Let’s talk standard changes and customizations:
Standards:
Hem- trimming the length of skirt to match your height so the edge lightly brushes the floor with your shoes on.
Bustle- adding hidden loops, ribbons, or buttons to hook up a long train for the reception so no one’s tripping over your dress on the dance floor! An easy 2-in-1 look.
Strap pickup- shortening a shoulder strap to ensure your bust is supported and the straps lay flat against your skin.
Side Seams- taking in or letting out the bust (sometimes with a gusset, which is underarm mesh), waist, and hip areas to hug your shape.
Correct bra cup size- you can even bring in a copy of your favorite push-up bra to have sewn into your gown!
Customs:
Bodice lining- if a bodice is see-thru, you can opt to line it with a fabric the same color as your skirt.
Removing- want to take off those spaghetti straps to make your dress strapless? Go for it!
Adding- alternatively, you can add a strap to a strapless dress (on or off-shoulder, detachable or attached), a draped pearl or diamond string, or bridal buttons down the back.
Skirt volume- Skirt too voluminous for your taste? You can remove a layer or crinoline/horse hair. Skirt too flat for your taste? Add a layer or crinaline/horse hair or a petticoat! We even have some sample ones in the boutique to play around with.
Pockets- if you’re itching for pockets in an A-line or ballgown silhouette to stash your tissues, makeup, or snacks- make it happen!
Reinforcing structure- want a no-budge bodice? Add silicone lining to your straps/neckline, a bra-band if your dress back can cover it, and boning (vertical plastic or metal rods)
Cleavage coverage- If a plunging neckline is too deep for your comfortability, you can pin it together higher up!
Back- Swap out a zipper back for a lace up corset back!
All our bodies by design naturally fluctuate in weight, so we recommend getting your dress altered about 3 months out from your wedding. That way you’ll be close enough to your wedding day size but also give your seamstress ample time to do their magic. Pricing of your alterations will vary, depending on a variety of factors. How much of the torso needs to be taken in, if the hem has a raw (simple to cut) or detailed (more complex to cut) edge, or if there’s significant damage that needs to be repaired will all inform your alterations bill. It’s best to contact your prospective seamstress to inquire about their individual pricing! If you’d like your gown to be extra fresh and clean for your big day, you can also dry clean your gown 2-4 weeks prior. Feel free to bring a steamer to your venue to smooth out any crinkles or creases in your gown before putting it on. Voila! Your wedding dress is perfect, isle-ready, and bound to make your betrothed cry as you embark on your journey together as a married couple.