Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Atlanta | Sydney Long

Hello, future bridesmaids!

As one of the bride’s right-hand ladies, you’ll have two main responsibilities: 

In between those two events, there’s one very important thing to do. You have to get your bridesmaid dress altered so it fits as perfectly as possible!

So, how do you know if your dress will even need alterations? Or when you’ll need to do them? Or how much they’re going to cost? 

For all the bridesmaids out there who aren’t sure what to expect, here’s everything you need to know about bridesmaid dress alterations:

How Do I Know If I Need My Dress Tailored?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Baton Rouge | Katelyn Marie Craven

This complicated question has a simple answer:

If the dress doesn’t fit you perfectly, you need alterations.

Alterations will be necessary in almost every case. After all, you’re going to want to look and feel your best on the wedding day and in the photos that live on forever!

When it comes to a long day of standing, dancing, and posing for photos, being comfortable is just as important as looking great. And there’s nothing comfortable about a dress that doesn’t fit right. 

Still looking for the perfect bridesmaid dress? Find a Bella Bridesmaids location near you!

Most Common Dress Alterations

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Now that we agree that alterations are almost always a MUST, let’s discuss the most common kinds:

1. Hem the Length

Because there’s no good way to add length to a gown, most designers make their gowns on the long side to fit women of different heights.

If you’re petite, there’s a good chance you’ll need to have your gown shortened by at least an inch. And if you’re tall, you may need to order your dress in an extra-long length. 

This often adds an extra 5 inches. So if you only need 1–2 extra inches of the 5, you’ll still need to hem the dress to the perfect length once it arrives and you select your shoes. 

2. Take in the Bust

We all have different body types, and they’re all gorgeous! But for the pear-shaped body, finding a dress that fits your hips and derriere almost always means that the top will be too loose.

Tailors can take in the bodice (usually at the side seams) so the dress fits properly over your bust, and you’re completely free to bust a move.

3. Take in the Waist and Hips

Do you always have to go up a size or two to find a dress that fits your bust? If so, you’re probably used to buying dresses with too much room in the waist and hips.

Similar to taking in the bust, a tailor can take in the waist and hip so the dress fits perfectly from head to toe.

4. Shorten the Straps

Unless you’re wearing a strapless dress, the length of the straps may be problematic. Ask a tailor to adjust the length rather than fussing to keep the straps on your shoulders all day.

Whether your gown has spaghetti straps or wide ones, a tailor can easily shorten your shoulder straps. 

Related: Pregnant Bridesmaid Guide: Dresses, Alterations, Timeline, and More

What To Bring to a Dress Fitting

Your bridesmaid dress isn’t the only thing you should bring to your first fitting.

Be sure to bring the shoes you plan to wear on the wedding day. That’s the only way to ensure you’ll have the proper hemline.

You should also bring or wear the undergarments you want to wear with the dress. Many bridesmaid dress styles already have built-in bra cups, but if you plan on wearing a bra, put it on when you try on the dress for the tailor. This way, you’ll get the perfect fit!

If you might wear any other shapewear, bring that too. With the exception of jewelry and hair accessories, you should bring everything to the fitting that you’re going to wear on the big day.

When Should You Have Alterations Done?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Madison | Dyanna LaMora

Don’t wait until the last minute to try on your dress or get your alterations!

Recommended Bridesmaid Dress Timeline

Here's our recommended time frame.

Schedule your bridesmaid dress fitting approximately one month before the wedding date. Some bridesmaids prefer to do it earlier, but it’s best to wait until a month before to ensure the most accurate fit.

If you think your dress needs extensive adjustments, schedule your first alteration appointment about six weeks in advance. That way, you’ll have plenty of time to do a second fitting and a final fitting when the tailoring is completed.

Consider the Season

During peak wedding season (June to October), bridal boutiques get busier than toy stores at Christmas time. That means turnaround times can be longer than usual. 

So, schedule your fitting as far ahead as possible (at least two months in advance) to ensure you get an appointment.

Try the Dress on Again Before the Wedding

About one week before the wedding, when all of your alterations are complete, try the dress on at home to ensure it still fits. 

Don’t wait until the morning of the wedding to find out you can’t zip it up!

How Much Do Bridesmaid Dress Alterations Cost?

Let’s talk $$$. 

The price for alteration services varies depending on where you live. However, most bridesmaids can expect to pay between $75 and $150 for dress alterations. In some cities, tailoring can cost closer to $240.

It all depends on what the dress needs.

For example, common alterations like shortening the hem length or straps will likely cost less than extensive alterations, like taking the sides in. 

Dress details are another factor that makes a huge difference in the cost of alterations. Though glamorous and beautiful, gowns with beading, sequins, and appliques take more time and skill to alter. You may have to pay a little extra to have an expert seamstress alter an embellished dress. 

Having the proper alterations is a must. You want your hem to move gracefully and your straps to lay nicely on your shoulders. 

A good tailor or dressmaker will make your dress look and fit stunningly, so finding the right one is essential! If you don’t know one, ask your local Bella Bridesmaids showroom for a recommendation. Book your appointment in advance, and remember to take your shoes and undergarments with you on the day of the fitting!

Taking the time to alter your dress before the big day ensures smooth sailing the day of. And that will keep you looking and feeling your best from the walk down the aisle to the last dance at the reception! 

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