Although planning a wedding is exciting, it is also stressful.
You want everything to be perfect the day you say your vows.
Shopping for a new wedding dress, can also be stressful.
Sometimes you may spend months picking it out only to find that it doesn’t fit perfectly.
What do you do then?
So, Can a Wedding Dress Be Taken in 2 Sizes?
Yes. In fact, two sizes is considered the safe zone. However, please remember that this will depend on the particular dress. Usually, tailors consider one’s size, the gown’s current size and its peculiarity when deciding which special alterations to make.
Some tailors can go as much as five sizes in. But you need to find a very good tailor. Otherwise, your dress may be damaged. Also, remember that wedding dresses come in weird sizes and may not be normal shop sizes.
What’s the Safest Wedding Dress Sizing Down?
Keep in mind, that it is easier to take in a wedding dress not vice versa.
And this alteration is common since every bride is unique.
But, many women tend to lose weight while anticipating their big day. Therefore, it makes it hard to estimate the goal size.
Thankfully, most tailors can go down a size or two without damaging the dress.
That way, the gown will maintain its integrity and construction.
The sewist will take in the seams in the needed area. If the burst is big, they can add bra cups rather than taking in the seams.
That way, you won’t need a bra, and the dress won’t lose its integrity.
What If the Bridal Dress Is Too Big?
Remember, the closer you are to your actual size, the better it is.
The gown will look good when it’s altered close to how it was originally designed. But it’s worth noting that the sizing of a wedding dress differs from that of a ready-to-wear gown.
This is something to consider if you are buying your dress online, as you risk getting a dress that’s too small or too big.
Another challenge is that you may lose a lot of weight due to the stress involved in planning a wedding.
In these cases, your tailor will need to take in more than two sizes of the dress. But taking a wedding gown in three or more sizes is extreme but not impossible.
An experienced sewist can figure out how to make a big dress fit. But remember that such alterations are costly and time-consuming.
Plus, they risk damaging the dress’s integrity and can also affect the appliques or beadwork look.
It is crucial you find a professional to help you with this.
Research different tailors within your location and try reading reviews by other brides.
Please do not give your gown to a person who doesn’t have experience working on wedding dresses.
Can All Wedding Dresses Be Taken in?
Yes. All wedding dresses can be altered, but the extent of the alteration varies. For example, if your wedding dress is embellished with corseted bodies in a sophisticated manner, it’s advisable not to go beyond two sizes.
Also, note that some fabrics need hand stitching as they can’t be machine sewed.
Unfortunately, some sewists only know how to work on machine stitches. It is always advisable to work with a professional sewist.
Again remember that bridal stylists will assure brides that any change is possible on the dress without considering its features. Sadly, this is not true.
All gowns have unique limitations, which may be difficult to specify since every dress is unique. But a sewist works case-to-case basis and can thus advise you correctly.
What Factors Affect the Complexity of Alteration?
1. Silhouette
The main thing your tailor will consider when deciding the alterations to your dress is its silhouette.
If you have an A-line and ball gown dress, it won’t need to be altered on the hip since the skirt is full and flowy. Reducing the waist will typically not affect the fit.
Therefore, the tailor won’t need to alter the whole dress afterwards.
But if the silhouette is fitted as with mermaid and trumpet dresses, many alterations are required even if the gown is only loose in one area.
2. Gown Intricacy
Another thing sewists consider is how intricate the gown is.
If the seams have special embellishments, they will need to be removed before altering the dress and be attached back afterwards. This is also the same case with lace overlay or appliques.
Dresses with lace overlays on both seam sides connecting to one pattern need a lot of work to be perfect once the size is reduced.
Again, remember that it’s generally more difficult to take in corseted bodies than plain fabric bodies.
Sometimes the sewist may be forced to replace a lace corset with buttons or a zipper and remove the boning, which means more work.
3. Fabric Type
Lastly, the type of fabric will affect the extent of alterations.
If the fabric is thick, like cotton and polyester, it will be easier to take in compared to a thick natural silk, which is more delicate.
Luxurious fabrics tend to show sewing flaws, forcing the seamstress to be extra cautious not to damage the material.
How Much Time Do Alterations Take?
That depends on the alterations and the extent to which a sewist needs to go. Taking in the seams will not take long unless the dress is extremely big.
A week will be enough for the tailor to handle this task. But, if the design and the fabric are intricate, expect them to take longer. So allow for a week or two to prevent rushing them.
It is also not advisable to make alterations to your wedding dress when it’s too early.
A lot can change from now to the time of your wedding. So, making alterations six months prior is usually not advisable.
Make the changes in either three or two months because your tailor will have enough time to make the changes, and your weight will not shift drastically.
How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost?
Wedding dress alterations cost varies significantly. But the prices range from $150-$700.
This price includes hemming, bra cups and other alterations besides taking in or letting out the seams.
Ideally, you will pay $30-$90 per side to take in the dress.
It can be higher depending on the intricacy of your dress.
If your dress is too large or has many things to be replaced, you will pay more. Budget for at least $150.
Conclusion
Taking in a wedding dress in two sizes is pretty common and standard.
This reduction won’t affect the dress’s integrity or construction as much.
But anything further than this risk damaging the dress. Please consult with a professional sewist on the right steps.