Chicago Wedding & Party Resource 2017 Spring / Summer

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F A S H I O N S , J E W E L R Y , A C C E S S O R I E S F O R M E N & W O M E N
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
54
The Smart Bride’s
Guide to Alterations
You’ve found the dress. Now what? Here are 4 expert tips to
make your tailoring experience painless
By Heather Dornhecker, CTW Features
Now that your dress has finally come
in, it’s time to make it look like it
was made just for you. Most gowns
need some sort of alteration, but the
process is easier than you think.
1. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Don’t commit to your bridal shop’s
alteration service without research-
ing other options. Solicit or research
names of trusted tailors to inquire
about their industry experience,
alterations timeline, and estimated
price. Find someone you like and
feel would treat your dress as if it
were their own. Be picky and don’t
settle.
2. GIVE YOURSELF ENOUGH
TIME
Allow eight to 10 weeks from your
first fitting to your last as an ideal
alterations timeline. On average,
brides have three to four fittings,
each focused on different design
elements.
Contact your seamstress as soon as
your dress arrives so the tailor can
work you into her busy schedule.
3. SET AN APPROPRIATE
BUDGET
Brides can expect to pay between
$400 and $700 for professional tai-
loring. Anything less and you might
not trust it.Bad work can ruin your
dress.
One way to keep costs down is to
order your dress in the right size.
Rule of thumb: listen to your bridal
consultant. Specialty shops use Euro-
pean sizing, so don’t feel discouraged
when she suggests 1-2 sizes larger
than your jean size. Remember, you
can take a dress in easier than you
can let it out.
4. BRING THE ESSENTIALS
Bringing your shoes and undergar-
ments to your fittings is nearly as
important as bringing your dress.
These accessories allow you to obtain
the proper length and fit of your
gown. If you can’t commit to a shoe
by your first fitting, find one with
your desired heel height.
While it’s important to bring friends
to fittings, keep your entourage
small. Invite a trusted friend or
relative for a second set of eyes. A
bridesmaid should also be present at
your final appointment so the seam-
stress can teach her how to tackle
your bustle.
The more prepared you are for
alterations, the better your chance of
your dress fitting perfectly. After all,
you’ve spent all that time finding the
dress, right? Why risk it not fitting
like a glove?
© CTW Features