BY AUDREY ALLEN, A PLUS CURVES BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
THE PERFECT FIT
Everything your seamstress wants you to know before your dress fitting Picture it, you found the one person that you’re ready to do life with. You’ve said yes to the dress but there’s just one problem, it doesn’t fit! Let me be the first to tell you, this is completely normal. The majority of the time alterations will be necessary to achieve the best look and feel for your special day. I’m here to answer your most common questions regarding wedding gown alterations, ease your mind about fit issues, and make sure you’re prepared for your alterations appointment. So let’s talk about the most common fit issues and how to fix them! MY GOWN IS TOO LONG! WHAT SHOULD I DO? First things first, are you wearing your wedding shoes when trying on your gown? Shoes can make a big difference and sometimes shoes can be the difference from your gown being too long or it being the perfect length. For this reason, always remember to bring your shoes to every alteration fitting. If your gown is still too long while wearing your shoes, that means you need a hem. That’s when your seamstress will shorten the front of your gown, tapering the sides while leaving the back of your gown, including your train, the same length. Once this alteration has been made, the front will be floor length. You will no longer be stepping on your gown and will not need to hold your dress up when you walk, ensuring your comfort and safety as you walk down the aisle! WHAT IS A BUSTLE, AND DO I NEED ONE? Oh, the elusive bustle. By definition, a wedding dress bustle is a sewing alteration that lifts and secures the train of a gown usually with hooks, buttons, or ribbons. This alteration transforms a long train into a manageable length for the reception, allowing the bride to walk, mingle, and dance safely! If you are planning to wear your wedding gown for the duration of your wedding and reception, a bustle is necessary. If you choose to change into a reception gown, it’s more likely that a bustle is not necessary. A common misconception is that the hanger loop located on the underside of your gown is a bustle. This, in fact, is only used to hang your train when on the hanger. 30 | COASTAL WEDDINGS MAGAZINE
MY GOWN FEELS TOO LOOSE! If your gown is too big, then you need to have it taken in. Whether it’s your bust, waist, or skirt, taking in your gown is an alteration that your seamstress will be able to do for you! Generally, pins are used to measure how much your gown needs to be taken in for the perfect fit. For strapless gowns, you will need a more snug fit than a gown with straps or sleeves. MY GOWN IS TOO SMALL! This can be a scary feeling, but rest assured, your bridal seamstress has seen this fit issue many times! The solution can be a number of things. If there is sufficient seam allowance inside of your gown, then it may be able to be let out. If there is not enough seam allowance to do this, then fabric panels may also be added to provide the additional inches you’ll need for the proper fit. But in my experience, the best way to fix this issue is to add a corset back! Corsets add a romantic back detail to your gown, while also giving flexibility to sizing that no other option can provide. This means that if your measurements fluctuate up or down, your gown will still fit properly. This is especially beneficial to brides who are expecting. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY FITTING? You will need to bring your gown, your shoes or a shoe with the exact same heel height, and your undergarments if you choose to wear any. Many times your wedding gown will be designed with enough support that no additional shapewear is needed. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? This depends on many factors including your wedding date, your seamstress’s schedule, and the complexity of your specific alterations. If special order materials and fabrics are needed, delivery time will also play a factor. Bridal gown alterations are an important step in your wedding process. I hope that this information will empower you to move along your journey with the confidence and peace of mind that every bride deserves! A Plus Curves Bridal Boutique carries a curated size-inclusive collection of gowns, as well providing alterations to brides and their bridal party. Learn more at apluscurves.com