Where to get your wedding dressed hemmed in Austin?

If you've never purchased a wedding dress before, you might be surprised to learn how the procedure works once you start the process. You will try on sample wedding dresses while shopping at a bridal boutique in hopes of finding one that you adore. Once you have made your choice and purchase, your bridal stylist will collect your accurate measurements and send those along with the order details to the designated designer that makes your dress. The designer then makes a made-to-order version of your wedding gown in whichever size is closest to your dimensions based on their size chart. The majority of people fall between wedding dress sizes and no two bodies are precisely the same.

That said, it is advised to plan ahead for modifications and fittings, including when to schedule them and how much monetary budget you should set aside to cover the cost, no matter where you are in your wedding dress shopping process. Since it is difficult to find a wedding dress that completely fits you, most wedding dresses require adjustments - especially if you are planning on “sweating for the dress”. In line with this, there are a number of things you should take into account before going to a seamstress.

It is known how easy it is to become overwhelmed when going dress shopping for the first time. Hence, we've put up a thorough list of advice you should bear in mind before you pay your hard-earned money on a wedding dress at the bridal boutique in order to assist you plan your time while you are getting ready to wear the most significant dress of your life. Your ideal gown will look even better than you had hoped for on your special day, with the help of this alteration advice and, of course, your trusted seamstress. And when in doubt, if you have any questions - it’s always best to ask the bridal shop where your dress came from. They likely may have some options for you as well.

First things first, “The Golden Rule of Wedding Dress Alterations” is before you take it to a seamstress for modifications, be sure that the garment should be slightly too big and not too small. This is necessary for a secure and accurate fit.

Second, don’t go too early or too late.

It's best to purchase your gown as soon as possible. You shouldn't leave making modifications until the last minute once your ideal gown has been delivered. High-profile seamstresses have a lot of clientele, so it takes them a while to do the job. Keep in mind that it isn’t unheard of that you would modify a dress more than twice to get the one that fits you the best.
Additionally, since your body size is always changing, you should also avoid going too early. On the morning of your wedding, it can be disappointing to discover that your stunning wedding dress does not fit. The time between your wedding day and dress alteration should not be too long. We recommend alterations happen around 3 months before your day. Again, check the runway of the seamstress to be sure you can get it and that timeframe is best for them too.

What to Expect at Your Wedding Dress Fitting

Is it difficult to modify a wedding dress?

Simple bridal alterations like modifying the hemline, altering the straps, and adding a bustle to the skirt are all simple tasks that any skilled seamstress can do with ease. Finding a skilled tailor is especially vital if you intend to make more significant alterations, such as adding elaborate beading or taking in a wedding dress that is several sizes too big. Before scheduling an appointment for modifications, take some time to read reviews and peruse examples of their prior work. It also doesn't hurt to ask a reliable friend or relative if they know anyone they can personally recommend.

Where do you go to get your wedding gown altered?

You need to find a professional seamstress or tailor in your neighborhood who has experience with wedding dress adjustments by doing some research. It is advised to stay local for your modifications if you bought your wedding dress from a retailer outside of the region in which you primarily reside because the process will require a number of meetings that spread out over a few months.

Some bridal salons have in-house alterations services, which can be a huge convenience. If you choose one of their seamstresses, you might even be eligible for a discount. If not, the store where you bought your dress will be able to suggest a few local experts.

Schedule not just one, but three dress fittings.

It's typical for bridal shops and seamstresses to advise at least three wedding dress fittings. Plan your first fitting to happen about three months prior to your wedding, your second fitting for about a month prior to your wedding, and your final fitting for two weeks prior to your wedding day. If you're adding significant alterations, such as long sleeves or a train, you might need an additional fitting. At the final fitting, your gown usually goes home with you - as close to your wedding day is IDEAL!

If your wedding dress first doesn't fit perfectly, DON’T PANIC.

During your first fitting, you get to try on your actual wedding dress for the first time. But don't panic if it doesn't fit perfectly—this is totally normal. Be direct with your seamstress about how you envision your dress looking and feeling, and if there are any significant changes you want to make, such as adding straps or altering the neckline. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be honest and ask questions! Chances are, your seamstress has seen it all, and they might have some fabulous expert advice to share.

Here's a list of the few common adjustments for wedding dresses:

1. Reducing the hem

The hem of wedding dresses is frequently made extra-long by the producers so that it would fit clients who are taller. The most
frequent modification that is made to practically every customer is to shorten the hem. The cost of this operation is difficult to estimate because it depends on the intricacy and details and it also depends on the number of layers and whether any lace needs to be removed before being reattached to the final hem length, etc.

2. Back adjustments

Almost always, the back of your wedding dress can be altered, regardless of the style. Additionally, it is feasible to construct
something, like a lace back for a strapless gown. This part of the dress is actually something a seamstress can be creative. If you intend to ask your seamstress to adjust the back of your wedding gown, it is very helpful to bring some sample images that you desire with you.

3. Attaching a waistband or a waist stay

A waist stay is a band or ribbon that fits snugly around your waist and is tucked inside your dress. If your strapless gown is missing this, we suggest adding it. It works wonders in maintaining your dress in the proper position because it stops it from slipping down.

4. Cutting the straps shorter

Many wedding dresses feature somewhat longer straps so that they can accommodate a variety of brides that have different body sizes and structures. This simple adjustment only costs a few dollars, but then again it depends on the details.

5. Adjusting the neckline

Neckline changes are frequently requested, and they are simple to do. You can have the neckline altered in both directions by having it opened or closed. The price varies greatly based on the desired style. When speaking with a seamstress, it is generally helpful to have some inspiration images on hand.

6. Attaching sleeves or making other particular modifications

At times, the ideal wedding dress simply isn't available off the rack. When larger adjustments are in concern, it is then possible to make significant changes to a dress. It is advised purchasing a dress that comes the closest to your ideal and then consulting a seamstress for larger alterations. Adding sleeves is one of the most popular significant alterations, but you can also ask for a longer hem, more lace, or a long train. Even if you don't receive a made-to-measure gown, you don't have to sacrifice your sense of style.

Here are also the best wedding dress tailors that you might want to look into in the Austin Area - tell them Wedding Day Girl sent you :):

• Olga European Fashion Alterations

• Couture Tailors in Westlake

• Lidia’s Alterations and Tailoring

• House of Deane

• Austin Alterations