Wedding dress alterations: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What wedding dress alterations is

A seamstress fits a bridal gown to the wearer with adjustments such as hemming, bustling, taking in the bodice, adding a lining or replacing beading. The fitting is planned around the shoes, the undergarments and the date of the wedding.

Signs you need it

  • Your gown was ordered in a size that fits the bodice but not the waist or hips
  • The hem must be set for the heels you will wear on the day
  • You want the gown bustled so the train can be lifted for the reception
  • Beading, lace or a lining needs repair before the wedding
  • Your weight or shape has changed since the gown was ordered

What the pro does

  • Asks about the gown, the wedding date, the shoes and the undergarments you will wear
  • Checks the gown's construction, lining, beading and seams before any change
  • Fits you in the gown and marks the bodice, waist, hem and bustle points
  • Makes the changes in several steps and checks the fit at each fitting
  • Hems the gown to the height for your shoes and sets the bustle if needed
  • Gives you a care and storage plan so the gown is ready on the day

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • How many fittings the gown needs and how many changes each fitting covers
  • The gown's fabric, lining and beading, which affect the time to alter
  • Whether the bodice, the waist, the hem and the bustle all need changes
  • Whether lace, beading or a train needs repair
  • How many weeks are left before the wedding and whether a rush is needed
  • Whether a custom bustle or added structure is part of the job

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number of fittings and the changes planned for each one
  • Whether the hem, bustle and bodice changes are all included
  • Whether repairs to lace, beading or the train are included
  • The date of the final fitting and the pick-up or delivery date
  • Whether a steam, storage or travel service is included

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you show me bridal alterations you have done on gowns like mine?
  • How many fittings will I need, and when should they be scheduled?
  • Will you need the shoes I plan to wear for the hem?
  • How do you protect the beading and lace during the alterations?
  • What is your plan for the bustle, and will you show me how it works?
  • What happens if the gown needs a change after the final fitting?
  • How should I store the gown before and after the wedding?

Red flags

  • Will not look at the gown's construction or fabric before quoting
  • Plans all the changes for one fitting with no chance to check the fit
  • Cuts or trims the gown before a fitting is done
  • Does not ask about the shoes or the undergarments you will wear
  • Cannot show work on gowns with beading or lace like yours

What you can do yourself

You can keep the gown clean, hang it in a dry place away from sunlight, and keep the beading untouched. Bring the shoes you will wear and the undergarments you plan to use to each fitting. Hire a bridal seamstress for any fitting, hem, bustle, bodice change or beading repair, because a mistake on a bridal gown is hard to undo.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for bridal alterations or sewing, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for a portfolio of gowns the seamstress has altered and proof of bridal training or work in a bridal shop.

Wedding dress alterations questions

When should I schedule the first fitting?

Book the first fitting as soon as the gown arrives, so there is time for several fittings. Ask the seamstress how many weeks they need before the final fitting.

Should I wear the shoes I will get married in?

Yes. Hemming depends on the heel height, so bring the shoes you plan to wear, or a pair with the same heel. Tell the seamstress if you plan to change shoes during the day.

Can the gown be altered if it was made to a fixed size?

Many gowns can be altered, but the limits depend on the seams, the lining and the beading. Ask the seamstress what the gown can take before you agree to any large change.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More tailoring, crafts and styling guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request wedding dress alterations