Alterations 101: What To Expect During Alterations

Photo provided by SBB Bride, Lauren. Photography: Trevor Dayley

One of the biggest benefits of purchasing a wedding gown from Suzanne's Bridal Boutique, is having our Master Seamstress, Suzanne, handle your alterations. Suzanne has over 35 years of experience in bridal alterations - but since you probably don’t, here is a crash course on what to expect during the alterations process at SBB.

Timeline: Alterations take time, and Suzanne will need to see you in your dress 3 to 4 times to insure a perfect fit. Bridal gown alterations generally take about two months; if your wedding date does not allow for that much lead time, Suzanne will complete your alterations in the time available. Bridesmaid gowns usually take about a month. Bridesmaids will have 2 to 3 fittings.

What to bring: Bring your shoes, bra, and any other undergarments you plan to wear with your dress to every appointment. Bras, slips, Spanx, and shoes can greatly affect the fit of your dress. Bring a friend with you, especially to your final fitting. This companion may be the only person at your wedding who will know how to do your bustle or tie your corset back!

What to expect: Most brides need some sort of alteration to their gown, so don’t expect your dress to fit like a glove straight out of the bag. When you arrive for your fitting, you will get fully dressed in your wedding attire - right down to your shoes. Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your big day! At your first fitting, you will discuss your alterations needs and custom changes with Suzanne herself. Once you and she agree on what needs to be done, a consultant will get you scheduled for your next appointment and take payment for your alterations. All alterations must be paid for in advance. When you come back for your second fitting, about two weeks later, Suzanne will have pinned up your hem and completed most bodice adjustments. She never cuts your hem before the second fitting! She is a firm believer in ‘measure twice, cut once’! With your hem pinned, she will be able to mark your bustle and double check the rest of the fit. The third fitting is usually your final fitting. At this appointment a consultant will work with you to insure that you are satisfied with the fit of your gown. They'll also teach you and your bridal party how to properly dress you in your gown and how to secure the bustle. Occasionally, mostly in the cases of unique or major alterations, additional fittings are necessary. Usually, your fitting will be complete within 30 minutes.

Got more questions? We've got answers! Send us an email: hello{at}suzannesbridalboutique.com. Or give us a call: 480.926.9106

Suzanne's Bridal Boutique
645 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 174
Gilbert, AZ  85234
www.suzannesbridalboutique.com