DIY wedding dress alterations

I totally wouldn't want to be responsible. If you have experience that's cool.

But I rather pay a professional then screw up my dress.

Keep us posted.

Haha and I would rather screw up my own dress than have someone else screw it up!

How is this the second DIY alterations post in 2 days?

Amanda, having sewing experience is not the same as having experience in altering wedding dresses. It looks like you're already going forward with this, but I would reconsider.

I love sewing and used to dream of making my own wedding dress. After sewing my own bridesmaid dress once I thought better of it. If you have worked professionally making or altering wedding gowns then go for it. If you are like me and have a wide range of hobby sewing experience (quilting, doll making, costume making, garment construction) but have never specialized in altering fine fabrics I would take away the stress of tackling a new sewing endeavor and leave it to someone that has had a lot of experience.

Oh lord, I would never. Of course, I don't have much experience with sewing/alterations at all.

This is a HUGE undertaking. There's a reason it will cost you $300, and it's not Big Wedding trying to squeeze your pockets dry. I would definitely reconsider doing it yourself unless you are trained to alter fine fabrics.

I have altered fine fabrics in the past. I am also aware of the time investment. (Why alterations cost so much) Thank you all for your consideration. I'm sure there are lots of posters who think about this undertaking without considering all the likely consequences or difficulties involved. What I was hoping to reach out for support for was with other people who may be in similar circumstances where you have the skills/ knowledge, and this is just a time investment that you are adding into your wedding planning. Why would I pay someone else to do something that I already know how to do? Time. As it stands right now, I have the time. I get that this might not be the choice for every bride, but for me, I would much rather invest my time in this instance.

I'm with Amanda...I have sewing experience too and the thought of saving money and being able to say that I did the alterations myself would be a pretty cool feeling. I did not do my own alterations because of all the ruffles...I do not have much experience with ruffles. While I was wearing the dress and watching the tailor mark and pin my dress...I looked at my mother and told her I could have done that. It would have also saved me $320! There is a time crunch though on my end with my wedding in 45 days and I simply don't have the time. So, technically $320 was for my sanity and security that the dress would be done correctly. If I had more time though...knowing how to hem the dress with ruffles (The go down the dress, not across), I would do it myself next time...(not next wedding, but next formal dress).

That being said, it is extremely difficult to alter clothes for yourself. Do you have someone who can help you with the markings of the fabrics while the dress is on you? This may be a challenge to find someone who is willing to mark (pencil, pen, chalk, pins, etc.) your dress for your alterations. That's a lot of responsibility too. I hope you can find someone.

Good Luck! Take before and after photos! I can't wait to see how great your dress looks!

FMIL is doing my alterations, she's a master seamstress. Seriously the woman is a wizard with a sewing machine! If she's confident and has experience, I say go for it!

Glad I found his post. I too am going to alter my dress myself. I don't want to spend $500 on altering something that only needs to be hemmed an 1"and the side bust taken in 1/2. Maybe we are crazy for taking this on but it makes or dress a little bit more special. I'm going to start Friday! Wish me luck! As I will be wishing you all the luck! Please give updates!

My mom has been sewing her whole life and is really talented at it. I sew, as well, but no where near at the level she is at. I mentioned to my mom that she could do my alterations and she looked at me like I was crazy. She said she would never touch it because she has no experience with wedding gowns and it would be well worth the money taking it to a specialist. Wedding gowns are not cheap so spending an extra $300 for professional alterations is not much compared to the price of the gown. It sounds like you are not going to change your mind but just my two cents.

Best of luck Jeanette! Is your wedding date really next month? That definitely adds the pressure on to it if that's the case!

Hi Amanda! I commend anyone who would like to take the challenge of doing their own alterations. Not all alterations are difficult, and I even offer one on one sessions for those who would like to be guided along the way (especially if you get to a point where you are stuck!)

Good luck to you!

www.sewcialsllc.com and on FB

You are so brave! You need to keep us posted!

Good luck!!!