In order for you to feel incredible and comfortable on your wedding day, as well as looking radiant, a perfect fitting wedding gown is a must.
Today we’re delighted to introduce Clare from the Alteration Centre, based at South Anne Street, Dublin 2. We had some burning questions to ask and Clare was only too happy to share her professional knowhow! If you’ve any questions to do with altering your wedding gown, your maids or even your grooms, we bet we’ve got the answer for you below…
1. What’s the number one alteration you recommend for the best fit?
The number one alteration I recommend for a wedding dress is adjusting the hem length. It’s the most common and essential alteration to ensure the bride can walk comfortably without tripping and that the dress flows beautifully especially with heels on. Feeling Confident and Comfortable throughout the big day is essential.
Also the hem length is the most popular Alteration and is generally always needed.
A close second would be bodice adjustments (like taking in or letting out the sides) to make sure the dress fits perfectly around the bust and waist, giving that flawless, custom-fit look, including the Straps or Shoulders Sitting correctly.
2. I’m guessing you can make a dress a size too big smaller, but can you go the other way? If for example you purchase a dress from a sample sale can you make it a size bigger?
Yes, a wedding dress can often be let out, but it depends on the designer and how much seam allowance they’ve included while Making the dress. Some dresses have generous inlays that allow for extra room, while others don’t. The style of the dress also plays a big role. If there isn’t enough fabric to let out, we can still explore creative solutions—like adding discreet panels or incorporating a corset back—to achieve the desired fit without compromising the overall design.
3. What is your ideal timeline for wedding dress alterations?
We recommend beginning wedding dress alterations around 6 to 12 weeks before the wedding day. This timeline allows for any necessary adjustments, multiple fittings if needed, and accommodates any body changes. Ideally, we like to have all alterations completed at least two weeks before the wedding, so the dress is ready and perfect without any last-minute stress.
4. How many fittings do you usually suggest? And what happens at each one?
We typically recommend two to three fittings. The first fitting focuses on assessing the overall fit, discussing the brides preferences, and pinning any necessary alterations. The second fitting is usually for reviewing those adjustments, refining the fit, and adding details like a bustle if needed. A third fitting is only scheduled if further tweaks are required, but most brides are fully fitted by the second or third visit.
5. How close to the wedding do you suggest the final fitting should be?
We recommend scheduling the final fitting about three to four weeks before the wedding, so the dress is ready and at home with the bride well in advance. If a final check is needed, we can accommodate fittings up to two weeks before the big day. And of course, if any last-minute alterations are needed, we’ll always do our best to accommodate and ensure
6. What’s the largest alteration/customisation you’ve carried out on a wedding dress been?
We’ve carried out quite a few significant alterations over the years, but one that stands out was a full restyling for a petite bride. The dress needed to be made larger, so we added panels and reshaped certain elements to achieve the perfect fit. It took three to four fittings to get everything just right, but the transformation was beautiful—and it was so rewarding to see the bride feel confident and comfortable in a dress that truly fit her.
7. What should I bring to my fitting?
For your fitting, bring the shoes you plan to wear on the big day to ensure the dress fits perfectly with the right heel height. Also, don’t forget any shapewear or special underwear you’ll wear, as well as any underskirts or additional layers. These items help us achieve the best fit, ensuring the bride looks and feels her best on the wedding day.
8. Is each alteration priced individually?
The cost of alterations depends on the specific work needed. For example, hemming has a set price, while adjustments to the bust, waist, tapering, and straps are priced separately. After the first fitting, each bride is provided with an estimate, and any additional alterations required later will incur extra costs. Typically, the price remains consistent unless further changes are needed.
9. Can you explain what a bustle is and why brides should consider adding one to their gown?
A bustle is a discreet loop-and-button or ribbon system added to lift the train of the dress off the floor after the ceremony. It’s a popular choice for the reception, making it easier for the bride to move around, dance, and enjoy the evening without worrying about the length of the gown. It not only offers practicality but can also give the dress a new silhouette for the later part of the day.
10. If my weight changes after my dress is ordered are you still able to work with it?
If a bride’s weight changes after the dress is ordered, we can almost always work with it. It really depends on the designer and how much seam allowance or inlays the dress has to work with. That said, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Our goal is always to take the stress off the bride and find the best solution to ensure a comfortable and beautiful fit.
Thanks to Clare for taking the time to guide us on all things altertations!
