An Alterations Rundown | Alterations Information and Important Timeline Takeaways

We're bridal experts and know we'll find you the wedding dress of your dreams. That being said, we leave alterations to the experts. Below is a quick rundown of common wedding dress alterations questions. Alterations are to be expected with any dress you order so make sure to read through, boo.

WHAT ARE ALTERATIONS?

Alterations are the procedure of having your wedding gown custom-fitted to you by a skilled seamstress once your ordered wedding dress has arrived. Each anna bé location has seamstresses they recommend nearby. Alterations are not done in-house, which is typical for most bridal boutiques.

WHY DO I NEED ALTERATIONS?

Want your wedding dress to fit perfectly? If yes, then alterations are essential. While we do our best to order your wedding dress in the closest size possible, you’re most likely going to need adjustments. Some common wedding dress adjustments include a hem, bustle + cups installed, and straps taken up. Sometimes bridal skirts and bodices can also need altering depending on the size range between your hips, waist, and bust and the dress silhouette you choose. A professional bridal seamstress has years of experience working with wedding dresses and the various challenges involved. Often, the seamstresses we recommend are familiar with our designers' construction, which is always a plus, especially with the unique techniques and fabrics that often come with couture bridal gowns.

WHEN DO I START ALTERATIONS?

Alterations happen after you pick up your wedding dress from the bridal boutique. Depending on your wedding timeline, you’ll either bring the gown home with you or head straight into alterations. Pre-COVID, alterations usually started 3-4 months out from your wedding day, but due to COVID delays, some markets are experiencing alterations timelines that are even longer. With very busy 2022 and 2023 wedding seasons ahead, you'll want to give yourself plenty of time for alterations to take place. Make sure you are booking your alterations appointment in advance as calendars are filling up quickly.

This leads us to an additional alterations expense some brides encounter. WHEN you get alterations done contributes to your total wedding gown alterations expenses. If a bridal seamstress needs to expedite your fittings due to your timeline, it is going to be more costly than a typical alterations timeline. With COVID delays, we encourage you to contact your local boutique if you are unsure of your individual alterations timeline.