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

Just in the Nick of Time!

Sharette found this amazing gown, perfect for her courthouse wedding that was only a couple weeks away. She bought the sample gown by Sottero & Midgley off the rack and Suzanne worked her magical fingers to finish the custom alterations in the nick of time!

 

 

She came in all dolled up and ready to go, we tied up the corset back all tight and fancy and off she went to meet up with her man!

It's times like this when we remember how fun it is to see everything come together and how much we just LOVE a Very Happy Ending!!! Congratulations!!!

One of A Kind... Elizabeth & Taylor

A one of a kind bride, a one of a kind wedding!

Elizabeth's wedding makes a beautiful two page spread in 'The Knot' Wedding Magazine and we're lucky to have played a part... but not as lucky as her Mr.  T! (he's one of a kind too)

(Special thanks to Melanie Duerkopp, and her amazing eye for these fabulous photos)

"We used Suzanne's Bridal for my wedding dress and for some of my family's attire! Suzanne, the owner, is the most warm and loving and caring business owner. She truly loves and cares about all her brides and their families. We worked with her over a year to arrange for fittings and appointments. Her staff are all very professional and very attentive. Everyone remembered our names when we walked in the door. The exact experience I could only dream of having when shopping and purchasing my wedding dress and attendants attire. I have highly recommended Suzanne's Bridal to as many people as possible! Suzanne is truly one of a kind!"

One of a kind is exactly what Suzanne created for Elizabeth.  Wearing this amazing bridal gown by Aire Barcelona... in flawless fashion, Elizabeth inspired her own wedding to be something elegant and memorable, and one of a kind. ;)

Our Beautiful Bride Breeze!

Hi Suzanne!

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the amazing job you did on my dress alterations!  Not only on the alterations but for all of your warmth that you and your staff showed while I was in there for fittings.  You made my wedding dress experience so wonderful....words can not express my gratitude.  I've attached a couple of pictures from the wedding day. 

 

“…the girls lacing up my dress as they watch the video one of my bridesmaids took at one of my fittings.  I'm SO glad she did that...and that was all thanks to (Rosina)  She was just wonderful!!!!”

Breeze wore the Natasha bridal gown by Maggie Sottero for her May 26th wedding day. Doesn't she look fabulous? We think it's a perfect fit for the perfect day!

We love you Breeze, Thank-you for sharing these pictures and the extra effort to tell others what a wonderful experience you had working with all of us! It means so much to be highly complimented!

Truth or Myth?

Truth or Myth: A size 22 wedding dress can't be sized down to a size 10 successfully.

Answer: Myth. The Truth is it can! Just ask our amazing bride Dr. Baldwin! She's picking up her transformed gown today - headed on her way to Maui for her dream wedding (Can I tag along too?)

She fell head over heels in love with a fabulous gown - but the only size available for delivery in time was 6 sizes too big! Welcome to the amazing world of Suzannes Bridal... where 30+ years of sewing expertise will take you from begining to end with exceptional results!

We love getting to know our brides, and Dr. Baldwin is no exception - here's your chance to get a preview of her new romantic thrillers...THREE WEDDINGS AND A MURDER  and FIRST DO NO EVIL  - Suzanne will be uploading her Kindle soon! - Best wishes to the happy couple!

Thank you from Lindsey!

Dear Suzanne,

Mahalo! Thank you so much for everything you do to make my day special! When I went to the front to pay after my first fitting I was told that you were gifting the alterations on my bustle because I'm marrying a "Hawaiian Boy." I was very touched by that and I wanted to let you know. I'm so happy with my dress & thankful that I found it in your shop. Thank you for everything. You are a wonderful person!

Love,
Lindsey Shigemoto







Thank you, Lindsey!

You have become "Ohana" (family) which is what happens when you are a Suzanne's bride! You look so beautiful in your dress and every time you come into my shop you have a smile on your face and the "Aloha Spirit" shines through! I am so happy you are marrying your best friend. Your big day is almost here and it has been an honor and a privilege to serve you.

Mahalo nui loa from the bottom of my heart.

Suzanne

The Entire Dress Process - In 3 Hours Or Less!

It may not be the way most brides choose to get married, but there is something to be said for just getting it done...
When Lisa called us about finding a wedding dress, her wedding date was less than 3 days away. Not a problem for us. We know how to deal with brides in a rush. Our consultants know their gowns and we all have the utmost faith in the magic Suzanne can work on a dress - even when time is of the essence.

But Lisa wasn't able to come in right away to select her gown. She had to be out of town for a couple of days, leaving mere hours for her to choose a dress, have it altered, and get over to her ceremony. Yikes!

Lisa came in at 3:00 on a Sunday. She found a flowy, sweetheart gown with fabric flower accents that she loved (thanks to our amazing consultant Rosina!). We helped her choose some accessories, got Suzanne to do her thing with a needle, and thread and got her on her way. Somehow Lisa made it to her 6:00 ceremony...her mom said she had to get dressed in the car...and it all worked out perfectly!

Now imagine...if Suzanne can do this in 3 hours...imagine what she can do for you...
;)

Best Wedding Wishes,
Suzanne's Bridal Boutique
480.926.9106
www.suzannesbridalboutique.com
www.facebook.com/suzannesbridalboutique
www.pinterest.com/SuzannesBridal

Un-strapless

Strapless gowns have pretty much ruled the runway for a long, long, long time. We were very happy to see that the new seasons bring more sleeved and strapped options. From spaghetti straps to wide, decorated straps, short and lacy sleeves to long and elegant ones - everyone can find a length they are comfortable with. We also carry a selection of sleeved, modest gowns that are ready for your church or temple wedding. But if you don't find exactly what you want, Suzanne is more than happy to add on sleeves to that sleeveless number you've fallen in love with at our boutique.

What do you think? Are sleeves or straps for you?

Suzanne's Bridal Boutique
480.926.9106
www.suzannesbridalboutique.com
www.facebook.com/suzannesbridalboutique

The Puppy Bride

We were cleaning out some old files today and ran across this adorable picture of this adorable li'l Puppy Bride. Isn't this the cutest thing?

Where did the miniature bridal cape come from? Oh, Suzanne whipped that up for the tiny pup while the bride was in for her alterations. Isn't she amazing? Now imagine what kind of alterations magic she can perform for you....

We'll see ya soon!

Suzanne's Bridal Boutique
480.926.9106
www.suzannesbridalboutique.com
www.facebook.com/suzannesbridalboutique

Get Into Some Hanky Panky

I'd like to say that what you wear underneath you wedding gown is nobody's business, but the truth is, it's my business.  I want you to look good on your wedding day, so it's my job to make sure you're wearing the right under-things so that your dress fits you just right.

That being said, there is one underthing that I have very little comment on: your underwear.  So long that it doesn't bunch or show underneath your gown, I don't care whether you choose granny panties, a V-string, or go commando!  But if I might make a suggestion...

A Hollywood favorite that you can pesonalize with your own message of love...Hanky Panky thong undies!  And if you buy them this month, 5% of the sale goes to Make A Wish Foundation (one of our favorite charities).  So head on over to HankyPanky.com and pick out two or three.  You'll be feeling as fabulous underneath your dress as you look on the outside. ;)

Best Wedding Wishes,
2sday
Bridal Fashion Consultant

Suzanne's Bridal Boutique
http://www.suzannesbridalboutique.com/
480.926.9106

Making Dress Dreams Come True

For every bride who wonders if her dress dreams can really come true...meet the lovely Britney.  Her beautiful Moonlight Bridal gown was a long time in the making, including several custom alterations. But in the end she got exactly what she wanted.  And the adorable matching dress that her daughter the flower girl is wearing...Suzanne made that just for her!

Be sure to come by and let us make your dress dreams come true too!
See you soon!
Suzanne's Bridal Boutique
480.926.9106
http://www.suzannesbridalboutique.com/