Let’s talk through tailoring & otherwise known as alterations!
When
The common misconception is starting as soon as the gown arrives, which is not entirely false. Sometime the gown comes in a few months earlier than expected; side note, we LOVE when this happens! If the gown arrives four or five months before the wedding, please hold off on alterations. I’ll explain why. I know it is so exciting when the gown is in and we just want to get it fitting perfectly so we can wear it all over the house, but the recommended timeframe to start alterations is six to eight weeks before the wedding date, or date of departure for the wedding. More on that in the FAQ below. If the gown arrives 4 weeks before the wedding, don’t stress out! You have plenty of time! It happens and it will fit perfectly as well!
Where
Give The Bustle a call or text when you're ready to book your first fitting appointment and we'll help you connect with our recommended seamstress. She is right next door to us, how convenient!
What you'll need
Most importantly bring your shoes to all the appointments. If you forget them at home, turn around and grab those shoes girl! The seamstress can’t do two of the most important alterations without the shoes, a hem and a bustle. Next up, bring any undergarments you plan on wearing the day of your wedding, spanks, panties, etc. If the gown has a low back and you’re wearing spanks, you want to be sure they don’t show, bring three pairs if you need to. Undergarments can alter your measurements.
Cost
Alterations is a separate fee from the cost of the gown. The Bustle can give a rough estimate, but don’t quote us because we aren’t altering the gown. There is a broad price range based on what you'll need altered, the fabrics of the gown, how many layers are in the gown, etc. The typical price range is anywhere from $400 to $1,200.
What to expect
Typically, most brides will visit the seamstress three times, some only need two visit and some need four. The first appointment is where the bride should let the seamstress know what they would like done aside from what the seamstress sees already. If the bride is wanting to lower the back, add fabric, make a sleeve, add a slit, etc., they should say so in the beginning of the appointment. This is not the time to be shy! Let the seamstress know exactly what you want, what you like, what you don’t like, how you feel. The seamstress will be honest with you and say their opinion or if it is not doable. The first appointment will just be a pinning appointment, pinning the hem, bustle, sides, straps, cups and anything additional. It is a process, so if you feel it isn’t tight enough, just wait until the second appointment because the seamstress can always take it in more but can’t always let it out. It does not cost more if you want her to take it in more, but it will cost extra if you need her to let it out because it is too tight now. The second appointment is again a place to voice concerns, adjustments to the fit or length, and the third appointment is as well but for most the third appointment is pick up day!
EXTRA FAQ
Why do I have to wait until 6-8 weeks before the wedding to get my gown fitted? Well, you do not ‘have’ to, it is recommended and there are two reasons why. First, we are women, we fluctuate in weight, even if you think you don’t, you do. Reason number two, you will end up paying more if you leave with the gown fitting perfectly and then need to come back two months later because now it’s too tight or too loose. You want to achieve the best fit as possible, so you want to be as close to the wedding date as possible!
Why is the price of alterations so high? Truly it isn’t high. I know you’re saying “uh yes, it is” but just hear me out. Imagine having to sit down for 24 hours or more, squinting are small pieces of threads and beading, using your fingers to perfectly restitch someone else stitching (the designers). It not an easy task and requires a lot of patience, endurance, and skill.
Does everyone need alterations? Yes! Everyone needs alterations. Unless you are the one in five hundred that is just the perfect sample size, height with your shoes and doesn’t want or need a bustle. Chances are, you will need all the typical alterations, which includes, hem, bustle, side seams, cups, and straps. On the off chance you don’t need a few of those, the bustle is one thing that you can’t run from unless you have a second dress for dancing and greeting guests. The designers do not send the gowns with bustles because a bustle is different on everyone, it is based on your height.
