Start Alterations 3-4 Weeks Before Wedding

At the bridal shop I worked at, they said set the 1st apt 6-8 weeks before. At 3-4 weeks you definitely would be charged a rush fee. Typically, you’ll need 2 apts. But 3 is not uncommon.

I think it will depend. Since I’m not local to my bridal shop, they told me they could do alterations within a couple days so I could come get my dress over a long weekend. I do expect the potential to need additional alterations near me since I’ll have 2 months after I get the dress.

View Quoted Comment Thanks for the info. Why do they need to do so many fittings? If it’s almost my size can’t they just take the measurement once, alter it, and be done with it in 3 weeks?

View Quoted Comment Multiple fittings allow for errors and minor or major adjustments. I’d start sooner rather than later. You never know how busy they are or will be.
Get it done and be done is my theory - one more item complete

You'll probably want multiple fittings. My dress basically fit, but it took three fittings for me to feel like the dress was coming together because we kept finding things to adjust to make it fit better. Also the first time the seamstress pinned the sleeves so I can barely move my arms, and I didn't think about it until my second fitting. You should allow for trial and error.

Most seamstresses will want you to come in way before that. I would suggest starting alterations (regardless of how minor they are) at the 2 month mark.

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I have a question cause I think u used David's Bridal?

View Quoted Comment Yep I did! I think it highly depends on the David's Bridal and the seamstress you happen to get. I got a lady late at night who didn't really take much care, and my second Sunday appointment they also told me the hem was fine when I could just barely walk. They had the manager come out for my third fitting so she could fix the hem, the shoulder straps, and the bustle that was wonky after fixing the hem. Make sure you stand up for what you want. I let it go the first time because I didn't want to come off as pushy and I figured she knew what she was doing, but there's a line between being a bridezilla and just needing it to be right. The manager even mentioned adding elastic to the shoulder straps so they stay in place but also allow me to move my arms. You can see a lot of pins, and this us my third fitting where it finally started looking right.

I think it will depend. My bridal shop has me starting my fittings April 16 for my August 1 wedding. Most times you will need at least 2 appointments, maybe even 3.

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My question is...how close to the wedding were they STILL making alterations and did they charge extra? I had my 1st fitting 8 weeks before my wedding. I am having them take out my corset and add a zipper. In order to do that, they had to let it out. My next fitting is 03/14 and this is when she will pin and size it to me. My wedding is not too far after that on 04/09. If she pins and alters on 03/14 and doesn't have me come back for a 3rd fitting until a couple of weeks later, we will be extremely close to my wedding and wondering what happens if it doesn't fit right.

View Quoted Comment I'm going back for my third tonight, so a month out. Is there a reason she wanted to wait so long? Is it going to take time to do the work to add the zipper? I would call and see if there is any way to get an appointment sooner so you can have a more final fitting on the 14th. I think it should be ok though, but they may charge you rush fees.

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My 1st fitting was 02/01 and her next available recall appt after she thought she'd be done was 03/14. The seamstress is the one that booked my appt. She is well aware of my wedding date and said she'd have time but I'm nervous...especially if I get charged a rush fee when I had no choice whatsoever.

View Quoted Comment 😆 You would think so. Usually it’s because the bride obsesses more over the alterations. I lost 5 pounds the week before my wedding so opted for a 3rd alterations apt! 🤪

My wedding is April 4th, I had my last fitting Feb 21st. I beat the prom rush by just a week. Spring is a super busy time for seamstresses. I had my first fitting the beginning of February around about. My dress fit, but needed the shoulders taken in, and hemmed. I had several layers to my dress and they had to be done separately, also it depends on if you have and breading or lace that needs to be removed and put back on.

I think that's cutting it a little close, and you could incur rush fees.

Since it looks like you're still about 4 months out, why don't you start looking for a seamstress in your area? Or, if you prefer, take it to the place where you bought it. Most bridal shops have an alterations department, or someone they use for alterations. Call them ASAP, and have them tell you what is the best time to make your first appointment.

Right now we're entering prom season, in addition to all of the weddings that are happening all over the country. I think we sometimes forget that these seamstresses have other clients, and lots of other jobs to do--you aren't the only one. So, for them to have enough time to finish your alterations (even if they are minor), you may need to get your dress in there now, so they can put you in line to be served.

I hired my seamstress at 4 months out, and she said I brought it to her "just in time" before the crazy prom/wedding season gets going. Now my dress will be done by the end of this month, before the seamstress has to focus on all the prom dresses!