Bridal Alterations Etiquette

Alright, you secured a spot with a talented bridal seamstress and the moment has finally come. It is time to go to your first bridal alterations consultation. I have compiled a list of bridal alterations etiquette that will help you prepare for your alterations journey and will help you become your seamstress’s favorite client! 

1. Be punctual – being early is not ON TIME!

Being punctual means arriving at the time you were scheduled. If you are a responsible girlie that likes to show up 15 minutes early everywhere, keep in mind that this does not work for a bridal seamstress. If you get in early, chances are you will interrupt the previous appointment and remember: everyone deserves the seamstress’s whole attention. So be mindful of your fellow brides and of your seamstress.

2. Limit companions -

This rule is more to protect you than anything else. During the initial consultation your seamstress needs you to be completely honest with her about the things you want to fix/address about your dress. Those things might be very intimate and maybe even a big insecurity of yours and believe me: no one wants an audience when telling our seamstress if they can help us hide them! Don’t worry, if you want to bring guests for moral support, us seamstresses completely understand, just ask beforehand and the seamstress will tell you how many people they can accommodate.

3. Communicate clearly - 

There is nothing a bridal seamstress loves more than full transparency from a bride. Whether you are on a weight loss journey, using ozempic, trying to get pregnant, already pregnant or idk getting a boob job in two weeks – communicate! Bridal gown alterations is a service that heavily relies on your HONEST feedback. If something is not comfortable, to your liking or just plain off, please please COMMUNICATE IT!! I cannot stress this enough, us seamstresses cannot feel the dress on you, and what might look great to us, might feel uncomfortable for you. Having good communication during fittings with your seamstress will ensure your dress fits amazing and that we all have a great experience. 

4. Be Respectful- 

Allow your seamstress to access the state of your dress and the fit. Allow her to pin, measure and give suggestions, she will then ask for feedback and your thoughts on the fit of the dress. Do not try to tell your seamstress how or what she needs to do to your dress, she is the professional and knows the best way to tackle your fit issues. A good seamstress will make suggestions and request your feedback and only once you both are on the same page, will make the decision to go ahead with the specific alteration. Being respectful here means allowing the professional to do their work. 

I hope that these not so obvious rules will help you become your seamstress’s favorite client and most importantly, it will ensure your alterations are executed promptly and to the highest standards. Remember that even though the bridal seamstress is the professional, it is your COLLABORATION that makes all the difference and ensures quality results. Trust the process and enjoy the journey!