Choosing the perfect wedding gown is as much about the fit as it is about the style. Custom alterations ensure your dream dress will look beautiful, flatter your figure, and feel comfortable throughout the festivities. Here are a few tips to help you shop strategically and get the most out of your fitting sessions.

How to Make Your Wedding Gown Look Its Best

1. Keep Alterations in Mind When Shopping

Wedding gowns are sized differently than most other dresses because the shapes and fabrics are so specific. This means you’ll need to plan for alterations to get the right fit at the shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. You could need any or all of those areas changed, so factor that into your overall budget. You should also make sure that a dress can be altered before buying it. Custom beading or intricate lace can’t always be changed, limiting the areas a tailor can work on. If they can be altered, it may be very time-consuming and expensive to preserve the pattern.

2. Start Early & Check Often

Alterations take time, and no bride wants to worry about whether their dress will be finished in time. Every designer’s pattern sizing is unique, so it might take a couple of tries to get the custom alterations right. Schedule multiple fittings to account for normal fluctuations or any weight-loss goals you have. The first fitting should be about 90 days out from the wedding. This is the tailor’s chance to see how the dress in your size fits your body with the first round of conservative alterations. The final fitting should be at least two weeks before the wedding to make sure subsequent alterations fit properly and achieve your desired look. If the wedding gown needs any minor adjustments, you will still have a little time before the big day.

3. Bring All the Right Accessories

The wedding gown may be the primary focus of your ensemble, but it’s only one part. Wearing the right shoes during alterations helps the tailor determine whether the skirt’s hem is in the right place. If you plan to use shapewear or specific undergarments, such as a strapless or backless bra, wear them during the fitting so you know that the dress offers enough coverage when you sit, walk, and stand. Bringing other accessories, including the veil or a decorative belt, helps you preview the head-to-toe look and ensure it’s exactly what you want.

If you’re looking for custom alterations for your wedding gown, contact 6 Avenue Tailor. The Midtown tailor has been serving New York City for more than 30 years and provides a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all customers. They offer walk-ins and flexible appointments to fit your busy schedule, so you can be confident in how your gown looks and fits. Call (212) 593-1925 to schedule a fitting, and like the shop on Facebook for more tips.