WHY ALMOST EVERY BRIDE NEEDS TO HAVE HER WEDDING DRESS ALTERED
Wedding dresses are fundamentally different from most high-street dresses in terms of fit and sizing. Even if a bride’s main measurements—bust, waist, and hips—perfectly align with a wedding dress size chart, alterations are almost always necessary for several reasons:
Materials
High-street dresses are often designed for mass production and rely on stretchy, knitted fabrics or relaxed cuts to fit a wide range of body shapes with no adjustments. In contrast, wedding dresses are meticulously crafted to achieve a specific silhouette, using woven, non-stretch fabrics that don’t adapt easily to individual body variations.
Individual shapes and proportions
If we take 10 brides who all choose the same wedding dress style, are all size 12, and share identical bust, waist, and hip measurements, each will still require unique alterations. This is because other factors, such as shoulder width, front width, shoulder-to-waist length (both front and back), underbust, bicep size, the specific shape of their bust and hips, and even the posture, must also be considered when fitting a wedding dress, and standard sizing doesn’t account for these nuances of each bride’s body. Unlike high-street dresses, wedding gowns are typically made from woven fabrics with little to no stretch, making precise tailoring essential. This meticulous process ensures the dress not only fits perfectly but also flatters each bride’s unique body shape.
The intended fit of the design
Some wedding dress styles are designed to be more fitted than others, meaning they are more likely to require additional alterations compared to looser-fitting designs. For instance, a dress with a blousy top and an A-line skirt typically needs fewer adjustments because it naturally drapes away from the body. In contrast, a mermaid-style dress, which is closely fitted around the bust, waist, and hips, demands more precise tailoring to achieve the perfect silhouette. Fitted styles need to hug the body flawlessly, emphasising curves while maintaining comfort, making alterations a key part of achieving the intended look. Ultimately, the level of adjustments depends on the complexity of the design and how closely it conforms to your unique shape.
Complexity of the design
Wedding dresses often feature intricate details, such as boning, embellishments, and delicate lace, all of which need to fit perfectly to achieve their intended look. Even a slight error in fit can distort the silhouette, cause puckering or gaps in the fabric, or make the dress uncomfortable to wear. Proper alterations ensure these design elements sit exactly where they should and look how they were intended by the designer.
Body changes
Brides often (and they should) begin shopping for their wedding dresses 9-18 months before their wedding day. During the months leading up to the big day, natural weight fluctuations or changes due to fitness goals can lead to variations in their measurements and overall body shape. As a result, adjustments closer to the wedding become necessary. Tailoring ensures the dress fits perfectly, accommodating any changes in the bride's body and preserving the intended look and comfort of the gown.
Length adjustments
Wedding dresses often come with extra fabric at the hem to accommodate taller brides or those who choose high heels. Every bride is a different height with different height heels. The shape of her body, her posture and personal preference about the length of her wedding dress all affect the length of the birdies wedding dress. Properly tailoring the hem not only enhances the dress's overall appearance but also ensures the bride can move comfortably, without having to worry about tripping over the hem. This adjustment is particularly important for dresses with intricate hems or trains, as it preserves their beauty while achieving the perfect fit for the bride’s height and shoe choice.
Wedding dresses are highly customised garments, where even the smallest details can significantly impact their look and feel. Alterations play a vital role in bridging the gap between the standard dress design, size and fit and the bride's unique shape and preferences. Finding the perfect wedding dress is more than simply choosing a size from a chart—it’s about achieving a flawless fit that complements your individual body shape and style. The materials, intricate designs, and expert structuring required for wedding gowns distinguish them from everyday fashion, making alterations almost always essential. With professional adjustments, your wedding dress becomes a perfectly tailored piece, ensuring you feel as beautiful and confident as you deserve on your special day.
- Miina -