Many times when you are purchasing a wedding gown, and it is not custom made, alterations are necessary. The decision to have a professional seamstress do the alterations, is every bit as critical as choosing which dress to buy.

Once you have found a quality seamstress, the next thing is Timing.

Timing is everything – it’s important to time your alterations right. If you bring your gown in too early, you might not end up with a proper fit, as you may lose or gain weight after your bridal gown has been altered. If you bring your gown in too late, you run the risk of not having enough time to have the changes done. It is recommended to allow six to eight weeks before the wedding for the alterations, since they are time consuming and complex work.

Where to go? – Most reputable bridal shops usually offer alterations. Be aware that your local dress maker might not know the intricacies of these wedding dresses. Wedding gowns have so many complex details, from boning to hems and bustles, it’s best to find a professional who has years of experience in restyling and altering bridal gowns. Usually, bridal shops that offer alteration services are the best option since they have the experience and expertise in the field.

What to bring? – When coming to alterations, do not just bring your wedding dress, make sure you bring your undergarments, shoes and accessories to your fitting . You should have your shoes and undergarments on hand in order to obtain the proper length and fitting of your bridal gown. Your veil and accessories will ensure that you have the perfect balance.

As a word of advice: begin looking for your shoes, accessories and undergarments immediately after purchasing your dress.

Who to bring? – It is a great idea to have your mum or friends and family to help you select the dress, and accompany you to the fittings. It is important to have the same pair of eyes telling you how the dress looks after each fitting. And because your maid of honor will need to know how to create the bustle, it is a great idea to bring her to your last fitting so that she can learn how your gown works.

Many brides wonder about the cost of having alterations done, and costs vary depending on what needs to be done, the fabric, the layers underneath, and the complexity of the dress. Make sure you get a quote your happy with before committing to the alterations.