Almost every wedding dress needs some alteration, even the ones ordered in exactly the right size. That surprises some brides — you have already found the one, so surely it should just fit? What actually happens is more interesting than that. Alterations are the stage that turns a beautiful gown, bought off a rail in a standard size, into a dress that fits nobody else on earth the way it fits you.
When Your Gown Arrives
Once your dress arrives at Serenity and passes our checks, you will come back in to try on your own gown for the first time since you said yes. This appointment matters more than it might seem. It is our chance to see exactly how the dress sits on you now — not on the sample rail, not in your imagination during the months of waiting — and to talk through what alterations are likely to be needed.
Choosing Your Seamstress
You will already have details of the seamstresses we recommend, and you are completely free to choose your own if you prefer. Alterations happen separately from Serenity Brides, so your seamstress will advise you directly on her availability, her fitting schedule, the work required and the cost. Do not leave your first contact until your dress arrives if your wedding date is getting close. Good bridal seamstresses become very busy, particularly through spring and summer, and the ones worth waiting for are usually worth waiting for.
What Counts as Normal
Hemming is the most common adjustment, along with taking in or refining the bodice, altering straps or shoulders, and arranging the bustle so the train can be lifted for dancing later in the day. Some brides need very little work. Others want more substantial changes, or a bit of personalisation along the way. Your seamstress will tell you what your particular gown needs — there is no universal answer, because no two dresses (or brides) are quite the same shape.
Your First Fitting
At your first alterations appointment, your seamstress will assess the fit properly with the gown on you, pin or mark the areas that need changing, and explain what she recommends. This is the moment to say something if anything feels uncomfortable or not quite right. She cannot fix what you do not mention.
Take the shoes you plan to wear on the day, or a pair with exactly the same heel height — it changes the hem length more than you would think. Take the underwear or shapewear you intend to wear too, especially if it affects how the bodice sits, and bring your veil or any accessory that touches the neckline if you already have it. Seeing everything together now saves surprises later.
How Many Fittings Will You Need?
There is no fixed number. It depends on the gown and the amount of work involved, and your seamstress will tell you when she needs to see you again. What we would say is: try not to rush this part. A gown that has been properly fitted, with time for adjustments to settle, feels entirely different to wear than one finished in a hurry the week before.
Bodies fluctuate a little in the run-up to a wedding, and that is completely normal — no need to worry about small changes. If you know something more significant is happening, tell your seamstress as early as you can, because it may mean extra work.
Your Final Fitting
This is your chance to make sure the gown feels comfortable, secure and exactly as you want it — not just standing still in front of a mirror. Walk in it. Sit in it. If there is a bustle, ask to see exactly how it works, and consider bringing along whoever will be fastening it later that day, so they have seen it done once before they have to do it live.
Once your seamstress is happy, agree when and how you will collect the gown and how best to store it until the wedding. If you are not quite ready to take it home from Serenity after your first try-on, you are welcome to leave it with us for £5 a week, payable monthly in advance, which covers storage and insurance.
Alteration charges sit separately from the price of your dress, and your seamstress is the one who advises you on the work, the timing and the cost. The one thing worth holding onto through the whole process: if something does not feel right, say so. That is exactly what these fittings are for.
If your dress has just arrived and you are wondering what happens next, call us on 01206 577756 or book a fitting appointment — we will talk you through it.