When should I start my gown alterations?

[kcoursolle]

If my wedding is in mid august, when should I start to alter my gown? I would say that the alterations needed are moderately difficult. It''s a size 8 and needs to come in to a 4 petite, but the gown itself is very simple. The gown doesn''t have any lace or bead work, just a plain style satin strapless gown.

Thanks!

 

[jaz464]

My bridal shop told me not to have my first appointment any sooner than 8 weeks before the wedding.

 

[poptart]

I would go in to a reputable dress shop now and ask them when they think it needs to be done. If they have to take it in four sizes you will probably need them to alter it and then have you try it a few times to make sure it fits right. Mine took (I think) about a 6 to 10 weeks and it was moderately difficult because it had beadwork on the bottom so it had to be taken up at the waist. (They make them for women about 5''11" and I''m 4''11"... big problem!). The hemming probably won''t be too difficult on yours if it doesn''t have anything intricate on the bottom. But you should start asking around now because if you wait and end up having to get it rushed to be done for some unforseen reason, it will cost a LOT more. Good luck!

Marisa

 

[mercoledi]

Hi,
I would take the gown to a few places and ask how long it would take and for a quote on the cost. I brought mine in for alterations not quite 2 months in advanced and was charged a hefty rush fee (the shop''s policy was 3mos for wedding gowns; rush fees or 10-30% are pretty common). Basically call around to/visit a few places and see who you like, then find out when they think you should bring it in.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

My wedding was Aug 12th, my first fitting was the weekend of June 15th. I had a hem, bustle, and the bodice was taken in slightly.

 

[KimberlyH]

My dress had to be taken down several sizes and lots of lace work was involved, it took about 2 months and we were down to the wire. In fact, I never told anyone except my husband, including my mom who paid the hefty bill, that the dress wasn''t completely finished. The seamstress had to hem the bottom, which was scalloped, and reattach the scallops, she did but forgot to trim it, so there was hanging fabric left over (hard to picture, I know). No one knew, but it was really upsetting to me and I she and I had become friendly and made plans to get together post-wedding but I never bothered to call because of what she did (actually didn''t).

Sorry for the hijack, just wanted to share my seamstress story as a beware to brides not to wait too long for alterations.

 

[kcoursolle]

Thanks guys, this was really helpful. I think I will start looking at getting quotes this march and probably start alterations early this summer to avoid rush fees.

 

[appletini]

If you go to a bridal shop...at least 2 months. However you can check your local knot message board to find out if there is a good seamstress in your area. In Houston there is a lady named Arlene who has a 1 week turnaround, and does alterations on lots of high end gowns...the best part about her is a) she has a degree in fashion b) loves her job c) is precious d)very reasonable prices e)quick turnaround and f) honest.

 

[jcrow]

i called the bridal salon and asked them the timeline. they asked when my bridal portraits were and figured out a date from there. when it''s all said and done, i''ll have 3 fittings- the last one being 2 weeks before the wedding. i had the length altered, a bustle added & the bodice taken in.

 

[anacgarcia]

I think 1 month before is good timing, if you do it before it may be loose by the time of your wedding ''cause most brides loose weight last weeks before the wedding..

hope it''s true