Your dream dress for your wedding might not be something you can find in a bridal shop. While there are thousands of gowns out there, you might have a very particular idea about what you want to wear on your special day that no designer has replicated. What do you do then? Do you give up on your dream look?
Don’t do that! Because even if you can’t find your exact vision in stores, what you can do is find a dress that’s close enough, and then customize it with alterations to make it perfect. Here are five common types of alterations you can request for a unique look.
Added Decorations
Sometimes, you’ll find the perfect wedding dress in terms of style, fit, and silhouette, but it lacks flair. Maybe you want a little more sparkle, or texture to break up a plain bodice. You can add these with custom embellishments! Ask a tailor to incorporate decorative elements like lace appliqué, beading, pearls, or even sequins to your dress. You can dictate where these embellishments go, how many you’d like, and what kind of materials they’re made of.
Sleeve Adjustments
Sleeves can completely change the vibe of a gown. If you find a strapless dress you love but want a bit more coverage for a church ceremony, a tailor can add sleeves using matching fabric or illusion lace. Or if you find a long-sleeved gown that feels too heavy for a summer wedding, you can have the sleeves removed or shortened to a cap sleeve.
Neckline Changes
The neckline frames your face, so it’s important that it suits your style. If a dress has a high neck that feels too restrictive, a seamstress can open it up into a scoop, V-neck, or sweetheart neckline. You can also go the other way. If a neckline feels too plunging for your comfort, ask a seamstress to add modesty panels or lace overlays to provide coverage.
Hemline Modifications
Hemming is a standard alteration for length, but you can also use it to change the style of the dress.
For a modern twist, consider shortening a floor-length gown to tea-length or knee-length. This is especially popular for reception dresses or casual outdoor weddings. Alternatively, you can create a high-low hemline to show off your shoes while keeping the drama of a train in the back.
Adding a Bustle
If your dress has a train, a bustle can be very helpful for the reception. This alteration lifts the train off the ground so you can dance and mingle without tripping or having your dress stepped on.
There are several types of bustles—like the American (over-bustle) or French (under-bustle)—and each creates a different look. A skilled tailor can recommend the best style for your fabric and silhouette.
Your Dream Dress Is Possible
These are some of the ways you can customize a wedding dress with alterations. If you can’t find your dream dress on the rack, head over to a seamstress with a “base” dress; it could be just a few alterations away from being what you always wanted.
