Finding the one isn’t just about the wedding dress – it’s also about choosing the right bridal dress shop. Finding your wedding gown is one of the most exciting parts of the bridal experience but finding the dress is only the beginning.
The next step is making sure that gown fits you beautifully, feels comfortable, moves with you, and still looks like the dress you originally fell in love with.
At Ve’Lace Bridal, we are incredibly proud of our alterations department and our expert seamstress, who has been sewing for more than 30 years with a specialization in bridal alterations.
So, what should you expect once alterations begin? Here’s everything we want our Ve’Lace brides to know.
Most Brides Have About Three Fittings
Every bride and every gown is different, but most of our brides complete their alterations in approximately three appointments.
Your first fitting is really your first pinning. This is when the gown is carefully fitted to your body and we determine what alterations are needed.
Your second fitting is more of a try-on. This allows us to see how everything is coming together and whether any additional tweaks or adjustments are needed.
Then comes the final fitting, where we make sure everything is sitting exactly as it should and that any final adjustments have been completed.
At this appointment, we also want you to actually experience your dress. Walk around. Sit down. Move. Practice dancing. Make sure you feel comfortable and confident.
Some brides may require additional fittings, particularly when there are weight fluctuations, custom design changes, extensive alterations or very detailed gowns.
Bring the Same Shoes and Undergarments Every Time
This is one of the most important things we can tell you!
Please bring the exact shoes and undergarments you plan to wear on your wedding day to every fitting.
Your shoe height directly determines the finished length of your gown. If you switch to a different heel height after the dress has already been hemmed, your gown could suddenly be too long or too short — which may mean the hem has to be done again.
The same goes for undergarments. A different bra, shapewear or cup can change the way your gown sits on your body.
Consistency matters.
Bridal Bustles Are Our Specialty
We take tremendous pride in our bridal bustles.
A bridal bustle is not simply a loop added to the back of a dress. It needs to properly support the weight of your train while also complementing the gown’s shape, fabric and overall design.
We will show you different bustle options that work with your particular gown, and you are welcome to choose the look you love most.
This is also something to keep in mind when choosing where to have your wedding gown altered. A business that offers general tailoring does not necessarily specialize in bridal gowns — and may not specialize in bridal bustles.
Bridal alterations require a very particular understanding of construction, fabrics, lace, structure, boning, appliqués, trains and finishing techniques.
Bring Your Bustle Helper
We generally recommend bringing only one or two guests to your fittings.
For your final fitting, however, there is one person we especially want you to bring if possible: the person who will be bustling your gown on your wedding day.
We provide a bustle tutorial so your designated helper can see exactly how your bustle works and practice it before the big day.
That can save a lot of confusion when the reception begins!
Yes, Sometimes We Cut Your Dress While You’re Wearing It
This one can make brides nervous.
Depending on the fabric and the type of alteration being performed, you may occasionally see your seamstress cut fabric while the gown is actually on you.
Don’t panic.
We have a saying around here:
“A confident cut is the sign of an experienced seamstress.”
Of course, not every fabric can or should be raw-cut. Different materials and different gowns require different techniques.
The important part is having someone who understands exactly what the fabric allows and how the gown is constructed.
We Protect the Integrity of Your Gown
One of our biggest priorities during alterations is preserving the original design of your wedding dress.
Great alterations should not make your gown look “altered.”
They should make it look like it was made for you.
The goal is to create the right fit while still respecting the lines, proportions, structure and design details that made you fall in love with the gown in the first place.
The skill of your seamstress can have an enormous impact on the finished result, and that craftsmanship is something we take tremendous pride in.
What Do Bridal Alterations Cost?
At Ve’Lace Bridal, bridal alterations typically begin around $800.
The final price will depend on the gown, its construction and fabric, the amount of work required, any customizations and other individual factors.
A 50% deposit is due at the first fitting, with the remaining balance due when your gown is picked up.
Please Skip the Spray Tan and Heavy Makeup
We recommend avoiding spray tans, heavy makeup and any products that may transfer onto your wedding gown during your fitting appointments.
Wedding gowns — especially lighter fabrics — can easily pick up makeup, bronzer and tanning products.
We do offer complimentary spot cleaning when appropriate, but professional dry cleaning is a separate service and charge.
Save Those Fabric Scraps
Whenever alterations leave behind usable fabric, we provide those pieces to you.
Why keep them?
Leftover wedding gown fabric can be used to wrap your bouquet, create a keepsake, incorporate into another wedding detail or simply save as a sentimental piece of your dress.
Not every gown or alteration will result in excess fabric, but when it does, it belongs to you.
Your Final Fitting Is More Than a Try-On
Your final fitting is your chance to make sure you are truly ready to spend an entire wedding day in your dress.
Walk in it.
Sit in it.
Move around.
Practice dancing.
Make sure nothing feels uncomfortable or restrictive.
Your wedding gown should look incredible, but you also need to be able to actually enjoy your wedding day while wearing it.
The Ve’Lace Difference
Beautiful alterations are not simply about making a dress smaller or shorter.
They are about fit, proportion, structure, movement, craftsmanship and preserving the beauty of the gown you fell in love with.
That is why we recommend our alterations department to our brides. We know the level of experience, bridal knowledge and care that goes into every gown entrusted to us.
Because when your wedding day arrives, your dress shouldn’t simply fit.
It should feel like it was always meant to fit you that way.
Ve’Lace Bridal
11 Mechanic Street
Bellingham, MA 02019
508-966-0091
velacebridal@gmail.com
Where Happily Ever After Begins
