As nice as it would be to walk into a bridal atelier and find that the dress you fell in love with fits you perfectly, this isn't the reality for most. The good news is, that's where a tailor comes in. Emily Erdly, owner of Lovely Bride Atlanta and Love Bride Charleston, told The Knot, "Common alterations include hemming (to adjust the skirt length of your dress), adding a bustle (to pin up your train for a night of dancing!), adjusting the length of straps [or] sleeves, and taking the dress in but also letting it out a bit (we've all been there!)."
You should get started on those alterations on your wedding dress three months out from the wedding — particularly if you know your tailor is booked and busy. Of course, the rush of post-pandemics doesn't help, either. "While prior to the pandemic we would generally suggest leaving a two-month window for alterations, we now recommend contacting your seamstress as soon as you have your gown to create the best game plan together," Erdly explained. "They will work backwards from your wedding date and provide a schedule for your alteration appointments. Depending on your timeline, some seamstresses can also accommodate rushes."
You'll want to set up three separate fittings with your tailor, to ensure that the dress fits perfectly and that all of the changes you'd like are made to your satisfaction.
