LoveToKnow Weddings:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Comments

Thanks for sharing the recommendation, Debbie! It is always important to investigate seamstresses before agreeing to alterations to be sure you're comfortable with them.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

I highly recommend San Jude's Bridal in Ajax to anyone needing bridal alterations. Their alterations are done in house in their designer's workshop and this makes a huge difference! Many seamstresses simply 'adjust' dresses but at San Jude's Bridal their designer ensures that the design of the dress is always protected while its being altered. This is really important as otherwise if you happen to be short (like me!) you may have your dress simply chopped to length and not properly altered to fit. I was sooo happy with the results, I will only go to San Jude's Bridal for my alterations from now on.

-- Contributed by: Debbie

Lori - That shouldn't be a difficult alteration, depending on the waistline of your dress. In most cases, the way the seamstress would make this change would be to detach the skirt (if possible) to raise the skirt at the waist, rather than cutting off at the bottom. Of course, if your dress has a simple hem, then trimming it that way would also be an easy fix. You'll want to visit a local seamstress and explain your wishes thoroughly to get an accurate estimate, both in terms of time and cost. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

i have a hi-low dress. the hem begins on my calf area and falls on the ground. is it possible to start the hem at the knees and end at the ankles? is this a difficult task for the seamstress?

-- Contributed by: lori

Jeska - You would have to contact a local seamstress with your ideas and what you'd like the hem to look like to see if their expertise can make it happen. It is certainly an option and would make your dress even more uniquely you.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

Hello just wondering i just purchased a pick-up skirt bottomed wedding dress and was wondering, instead of cutting the excess off would it be pretty easy to make the bottom more of a scalloped edged dress with maybe some really nice appliques or something.

-- Contributed by: Jeska

Jennifer - A ball gown can be altered a bit to be toned down if there are layers beneath the outer skirt that can be removed (excess tulle, a crinoline, etc.). Otherwise, it may take extensive alterations to remove parts of the skirt to get rid of excess fabric so it is slimmer.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

Can a ball gown be altered to be less poofy?

-- Contributed by: Jennifer

Sara - You can rub the holes gently with your fingers to realign the fibers, or take the dress to be cleaned thoroughly which should help adjust the old hem. Otherwise, just remember that very few wedding guests are likely to notice such a small detail -- your beautiful dress and lovely smile will distract them! Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

Hi I just got my finished altered dress back 4 days until the wedding...Well there are some mysterious seamms at the hem where it appears the panels have been let out a bit. The problem is I can see needle holes from hem up about six inches. Do you have a suggestion on how to get them out? The fibers seem to be intact.It is a silk satin dress.Thank you

-- Contributed by: sara

Kiyomi, In order to replaced a back zipper with lace, it would either need to be an alteration to a mostlty backless dress, use a panel of stretch lace, or incorporate a sturdier lace with buttons to allow the gown to fit properly. Bring your dress to a seamstress she should be able to let you know what options would work best for you specific dress. Best wishes.

-- Contributed by: Amy Finley

Holly, An experienced seamstress will be able to take in your dress even with the beaded bodice. Be aware that this may be more expensive type of alteration, and some portions of the beadwork may need to be redone or readjusted. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Amy Finley

How do I change a zipper back to a lace-up back?

-- Contributed by: kiyomi

Hi I am frightened my dress may be too big. The bust area could fit me in double. Do you think that a seemstress could take a dress in maybe two to three dress sizes with beading on the bodice?

-- Contributed by: What's Too Big?

Jennifer - You may want to read our article on Camouflage_Wedding_Dresses - there are a few companies that offer camo gowns, or you can contact a local seamstress for a custom dress. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Amy Finley

I WAS WONDERING IF U COULD MAKE ME A CAMOUFLAGE WEDDING GOWN?

-- Contributed by: jennifer

Hi Lucy, If there is sufficient room in the seam area, it's possible she can let it out along the seam. With satin, however, a seamstress may have to add an additional piece or panel to increase the bust area. Since dress designs can be very different, the determination how best to alter the bust area will depend on the dress and how the seamstress feels with be the least obtrusive way to make the alteration. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Amy Finley

Hi I have a satin dress that has become very tight around the bust area. What is the best way to adjust this area? If I go to a streamstress i want to make sure i know what is right. Thank you Lucy

-- Contributed by: Lucy

Danielle - Both ways can be used to create the effect you're looking for, but you should ask the seamstresses for examples of their work and to see if they've made those types of alterations before since it can be a challenging way to redesign the dress. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

Kayla - You will need to consult with an experienced seamstress about whether or not they can adjust that specific style to the size you need. Letting a dress out is more challenging than taking it in, but it will depend on the amount of detail and how the seams are fitted.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

Hello Lori,

I have a satin dress that i would like very much to have the back zipper taken out and replaced with a lace up. The dress needs to be taken in about a dress size to fit properly in the bust area/bustier. I have seen two seamstresses with conflicting answers. The first said that she would take in along the sides of dress, remove zipper and replace. The other said you don't take in the side but remove zipper and cut out matierial around it in the form of a V. Is it possible to do and is either way correct? There is embrodiery on front and back with nothing on the sides and some boning which gives it a great shape. I appreciate any advice you may give as an experienced semastress. Thank you. Danielle

-- Contributed by: danielle

i bought a dress in a size 6...i need it taken out to be bigger in the chest about 1-1/2 inches......it is a casablanca style no. 1863....is it possible to take it out......how difficult is it

-- Contributed by: Kayla Christmas

Lori - The cost depends on how you want the train attached, the intricacy of the dress, and the time available to make the alterations. Different seamstresses charge different rates, so it would be best to shop around and find one whom you are comfortable with and who can work within your budget.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

Danielle - You can consult a seamstress about those types of intensive alterations. It ought to be possible, but it depends on the intricacy of the dress and how it the bodice is attached to the skirt.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

I purchaed a dress with a very small train on it. I bought a long train that needs attached to the dress. Is this hard and expensive?

-- Contributed by: LORI WILLINGS

My dress is kind of small on top, is it possible to have the zipper removed and a corset with a modesty panel put in?

-- Contributed by: Danielle

Janina - You may consider adding a small bolero or jacket over the dress to make it modest for the ceremony; the jacket could be removed for the reception if desired. Many seamstresses can also add "modesty panels" to the front and back of a dress -- they may be lace or sheer fabric that protects the modesty of the dress and adds a wonderful detail.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

We purchased a strapless bridal gown for our daughter's wedding knowing we were going to add a sleeve option. Now we are needing to choose an even more modest option. Any ideas?

-- Contributed by: Janina Petty

Emily - Those alterations sound feasible, depending on how much you'd like to spend and how much time you have for alterations before your wedding, including times for fittings and when your wedding is (whether your seamstress will be busier). I'd suggest contacting a local seamstress you'd like to work with and taking your dress to her to show her the alterations you would like. If you can, bring along pictures of dresses with similar designs to what you're proposing, or create a sketch of what you envision so there is no mistake about what you'd like to do with your dress. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

My dress is kind of small on top, is it possible to have the zipper removed and a corset with a modesty panel put in? Also, I'm having the satin lining of my train hemmed so the lining is all one length, and just the 2 sheer tulle layers show as the train. Is it possible to put a french or california bustle since it is only the sheer part that needs to be bustled? Thank you.

-- Contributed by: Emily

Gessika - The train could be sewn up with just a couple loose tacks -- they might not hold forever, but for one night of dancing and romance it should be fine. Be sure she uses sturdy thread to keep the tacks secure, or else you may look for a dress with a very short train or no train at all so you don't have to worry about this detail. If you do need to have it sewn, you can look at bustles to see how it should look and it's not too difficult to replicate that sort of alteration, even if it isn't a perfect job. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

I am getting married on Saturday (the 15th of December). Yes, last minute we know. My soon to be Mother-in-law sews and said she would sew my train up, how ever she isn't sure what she's doing. I have been searching on line to find tips or instructions on how to do this and I can't. I am almost ready to go by a "How to" book.. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you, Gessika

-- Contributed by: Gessika

Rene - Yes, most wedding dresses can be made slightly larger, but not by much because of the detail and delicacy of the fabric. If the seams are taken out, for example, the old seam holes may be visible in a larger size. Generally seamstresses much prefer to alter a size down (much easier and neater to do), but if the increase is only a little bit, it may be possible. Other options may be to investigate different undergarments that can help a bride control her figure in her dress, or to opt for a healthy diet and exercise plan that can help a bride maintain her weight before the wedding.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

on alterations can you make a wedding dress larger?

-- Contributed by: Rene Willis
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