Dress the part
Say so long to ill-fitting wedding attire
Seamstresses and tailors are sometimes the unsung heroes of weddings.These individuals often work tirelessly under pressure to ensure that tuxes are taken in at the right places and that gowns are hemmed to perfection. People may underestimate the importance of good wedding-ensemble alterations, but having someone who is skilled with a needle and thread is essential to looking your best on such a momentous day.
“David’s Bridal is unique in that we have in-house experts who are highly skilled to execute all alterations on site as needed by the bride,” said Rosa-Lan Jarman, director of alterations at David’s Bridal in Little Rock. “We execute all projects based on what is needed to be done to the garment and when it is needed by the bride.”
Proper fit can be as important as the gown or suit.Although some couples will spend thousands of dollars on wedding attire, many will not research the person to handle any necessary alterations. Few, if any, wedding ensembles can be purchased right off the rack and worn without custom tailoring.The scope of the alterations will depend on the desired changes and how well the clothing initially fits. Timing is crucial, and these guidelines can facilitate the process of wedding alterations.
LENGTH OF TIME
It’s difficult to say how long alterations will take, as it depends on the extent of the work and how busy the seamstress or tailor is.And until the alterations have begun, seamstresses and tailors may not know how long the job will take.
“You want to give your seamstress a couple of months, if possible,” said Melissa Stanley, manager at The Bridal Cottage in North Little Rock. She added that it doesn’t always take that long, but if the seamstress is working under a compacted time frame, most of them will fill the order, but there will more than likely be an extra fee.
Like the consultants at The Bridal Cottage, advises allowing between two and three months from a first fitting to the last as an ideal timeline to make all of the alterations. For complicated gowns, brides or bridal-party members may need three or four fittings, with the last occurring a few weeks before the wedding.
ALTERATION COSTS
Cost alone should not dictate where to go for alterations. For instance, David’s Bridal will
David’s Bridal is unique in that we have inhouse experts who are highly skilled to execute all alterations on-site as needed by the bride.We execute all projects based on what is needed to be done to the garment and when it is needed.” Rosa-Lan Jarman DIRECTOR OF ALTERATIONS AT DAVID’S BRIDAL IN LITTLE ROCK
alter all garments they sell, from flower-girl dresses to bridal gowns, and everything in between.
“As long as we carry it, and sell it … we will alter it,” Jarman said.“A hem can range anywhere from $30 to $150, depending on the style and complexity.”
The costs can include many factors, including which fabrics are used in the gown or suit, what types of alterations are requested (minor tweaks or a major overhaul), proximity to the wedding date and even geographical location. Brides can also add straps, beading, lace or other detailing, but it will affect the cost of the gown.
The Bridal Cottage has its own seamstress, and the seamstress will typically quote between $200 and $300 for an alteration, depending on how much needs to be done to the dress and how elaborate the dress is, Stanley said.
WHOM TO CHOOSE
Many bridal salons and formal-wear retailers will have someone on staff who can handle alterations. If a store doesn’t have a tailor or seamstress, or if this person isn’t able to provide what is needed, take the clothing to a professional who specializes in wedding wear. Gowns can be complex, with wedding gowns featuring bustles, intricate hems, boning, beading and much more, so try to work with experienced professionals who have seen it all.
Ask friends and family for recommendations, or find out if the wedding planner or retailer who sold you the dress can recommend anyone.
“You’d want to take the store’s recommendations, or any friends who have recently got their dress altered,” Stanley said.
When attending a fitting, bring along the shoes and undergarments that will be worn on the wedding day so the fit can be matched accordingly. Also take one friend or family member who can offer an extra opinion on how the clothing falls and fits. If the bride’s maid or matron of honor needs to learn how to bustle a gown, she might want to come.
Skilled tailors or seamstresses help couples look their best on their wedding days, and finding reliable professionals should be part of wedding planning.
“We are the experts with all of the products that we carry — and we know our dresses inside and out, from the unique construction to the carefully crafted details,” Jarman said.