You’ve dreamed about trying on wedding gowns. You’ve imagined the perfect style for your walk down the aisle. You’ve maybe even spent time choosing bridesmaids’ dresses. But when, pray tell, did you plan to think about wedding dress alterations?

Wedding dress alterations are a crucial step in achieving your bridal vision, allowing you to tailor the fit, features, and overall feel of your gown, so you can look and feel your best on your big day! Read on to find out what you can expect from your appointment.

Booking Your Alterations Appointment

So, you’ve had your wedding dress appointment (or appointments!). You’ve picked out the dress you’ve been dreaming of for ages! Your next step? Ensuring it fits you perfectly. Lucky for you, David’s has in-house alterations artisans available at your beck and call—whether you bought your dress from David’s or not.

When to Schedule Your First Wedding Dress Fitting

We recommend scheduling your first fitting at least three to four months before your wedding but earlier is always better. If you buy your dress at David’s, you can schedule your appointment in-store before you even leave the store—how convenient is that? If you purchased your gown elsewhere, no worries. Simply book an alterations appointment online to work with one of our talented alterations artisans.

What to Bring to Your Alterations Appointment

Your alterations appointment is where you will prepare your dress for the big day, so you want to bring everything you plan on wearing down the aisle for the most accurate adjustments.

• Your wedding shoes: Imagine it…you get your dress hemmed perfectly to your height wearing flats or sneakers at your appointment, but then you pull out those stunning four-inch heels you found on sale for the wedding day—all of a sudden, your dress is too short! Bringing your wedding shoes (or something similar) to your fitting ensures no hemline hassles.
• Your wedding undergarments: Bringing along the exact shapewear, bra, or slip you intend to wear will make sure your fit is flawless.
• Your wedding accessories: Don’t forget the extras! Pack your veil or any sash or belt you’d like to wear—our artisans can attach the sash or belt to your gown and the veil will just make you feel beautifully bridal.

Missing any (or all) of the above? David’s has it all (and in-store too), so you can grab the slip, shoes, or veil that works and purchase right there. We’ve thought of everything.

What to Expect at Your Wedding Dress Fitting: Common Alterations Explained

Your first fitting will usually take around an hour. This gives your specialist time to see the garment on you, take measurements, pin it in place, and assess what changes are needed for your best fit. If you have customization requests like adding on a swag sleeve or attaching a sash, let them know! If your dress has a train, they’ll also provide you some bustle options so you can bust down on the dance floor.

Some of the most common wedding dress alterations include:

• Hemming: Remember that shoe analogy earlier?
• Taking in or letting out: This will give you a perfect fit at the bust, waist, and hips.
• Bustle creation: Adding loops or buttons to lift the train for easy movement.
• Strap or sleeve adjustments: Our artisans can alter the length or style for comfort, even add or remove straps according to your vision!
• Customizations: Live for the glam? We can even add on lace, beading, or personal touches.

How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost?

This answer depends on a few factors: the complexity of your alterations, the customization features you add, and the fabric of your gown. Basic alterations like hemming or strap adjustments are typically more affordable, while intricate customizations may cost more.

During your fitting, your specialist will provide you a detailed pricing breakdown, so you know exactly what to expect—make sure you factor these alterations costs into your wedding budget!

Your Second and Final Fittings

After your initial appointment, you’ll return at least once more to try on the gown after your alterations are complete to ensure everything looks and feels right. Sometimes, you may require additional changes—that’s why we always recommend giving yourself plenty of time for adjustments before the big day.

Once you’re in your gown, your specialist will show you how to bustle your gown (if applicable), so make sure you bring along a trusted friend or family member who can help you once you’ve said your vows and taken all your photos.

Wedding dress alterations are the final step in making your dream dress truly yours and uniquely you. From scheduling your first fitting to getting the essential adjustments like hemming, bustling, and tailoring the bodice, the process ensures your gown fits comfortably and beautifully. By planning ahead and working with our expert team of alterations artisans, you’ll walk down the aisle in a gown that feels like it was made just for you.

For more bridal tips, wedding trends, and planning advice, visit Pearl by David’s—your go-to source for all things wedding!