Wedding Dress Alterations in Toronto ☑️ NLefashion

As a general rule, it usually takes 3-5 weeks to alter a bridal gown, but it can vary depending on the service and how many dresses we have in our queue. For more complicated projects we might need more time, so you should aim to have your bridal alteration appointment at least six weeks before your wedding date.

How soon before my wedding should I get my dress altered?

Timing is key when it comes to wedding dress alterations. It’s generally recommended to schedule your alterations about 6-8 weeks before your wedding day. This timeframe gives us enough time for multiple fittings and any necessary adjustments.

Your wedding dress shouldn’t be a source of stress, so it is always better to allow plenty of time for your wedding dress alterations!

Altering a wedding dress for a destination wedding

It’s important to consider the timing to ensure a seamless experience. As our alterations will be done in-store, it’s crucial to take into consideration the need to complete the dress before you travel. Plan your alteration appointments with ample time before your departure date, allowing sufficient time for the alterations to be completed and any necessary fittings or adjustments to be made.

Ideally, three wedding fittings are enough to achieve the desired fit of your wedding dress, but of course, this depends on the bridal gown.

The number of fittings depends on the dress and whether you require basic tweaks or major remodeling & restyling. For plain wedding dresses, we usually need 2 fittings and for more complex gowns 3 fittings. Every Fitting session takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The standard flow of wedding dress fittings is as follows:

• The first fitting: We will assess the fabric, and overall structure of the dress. The bridal dress is examined from all angles in order to find the alterations that should be done to fit in the bride’s unique figure. It is also the perfect opportunity to add special details or remodel your wedding gown. 
• The second fitting: Our bridal seamstresses will make sure that we addressed all the concerns from the first fitting and will check for any outstanding tweaks that we have to make. We will also check that you can move around comfortably and that there’s no obvious wrinkling, bunching, or pulling of material. 
• The third fitting is for any final touch-ups. You will try your bridal gown on to make sure you’re 100% happy. If there aren’t any wrinkles or adjustments needed, you will take your wedding gown home!

In general, it is always better to have a dress that is a few sizes bigger than a smaller one. Wedding dresses can usually be altered up to two sizes smaller or one size larger, ensuring a proper fit while maintaining the dress’s integrity, structure and design. This range will allow us to do the necessary adjustments to make it fit perfectly, while still ensuring that the dress retains its original look and quality.

However, it’s important to note that the extent of alterations may also depend on factors such as the dress’s original construction, design details, and the type of fabric used. Therefore, it is crucial to consult our skilled tailors, who can assess the dress and provide expert guidance on the feasible alterations to achieve the perfect fit for your wedding day.

Can a wedding dress be too big to alter?

Wedding dresses can be altered to approximately one to two sizes. While most wedding dresses can be altered to some extent, downsizing by more than a few sizes is possible, but it may require extensive alterations that could potentially affect the proportions and design elements of the dress. In some cases, the dress may need to be recut if more than three sizes need to be taken in.

Can a tailor make a small dress larger?

While minor adjustments can improve the fit of a small dress, making it significantly larger is a more complex process. A seamstress can often add more fabric to the bust or waist area, but there are limitations to enlarging a dress, especially if it requires substantial size increases.

When you come to your initial fitting appointment, there are several things you should bring with you such as shoes to properly mark the hem and anything else that you plan to wear on your special day and that can greatly impact the fit of your dress, such as the undergarments (bra, cups, slip, corsets).

Our Tailor will do everything to make sure your gown fits perfectly, but you should also take a close look at the fit and how the fabric falls.

If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Be direct about how you envision your gown looking and feeling. If there are any significant changes you want to make, such as adding illusion lace sleeves or altering the neckline, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Finally, if you feel more comfortable bringing a member of the bridal party or your mother with you, then you are more than welcome to do so.

We all know that you need to find the perfect wedding dress for your big day. One that will flatter your curves, look gorgeous in photos and keep you cool on a hot summer’s day. But what happens when you go to try this gown on at home and it doesn’t fit properly or worse, needs some kind of alteration?

Some common wedding dress alterations we provide include shortening the hem, taking in/out on the hips and waist, removing or adding sleeves, train loop, bustling, button and shortening straps, taking in around the chest, adding a waist stay, and altering the neckline and back, adding darts or replacing the zipper.

Here are the descriptions of the alterations every bride should be prepared for…

1) Sleeve shortening/lengthening: Depending on how narrow or wide your arms are, sleeves can be altered (shortened or lengthened) accordingly. Did you know that most bridal shops cut dresses with built-in ease? So they’re made 2 inches bigger than your measurements to ensure a good fit.

2) Waistline alteration: To get that waist-train or princess cut effect, your dress will have to be taken in at the side seams. But don’t worry if your dress is made too tight for comfort! Your seamstress can also remove fabric from the front of the dress so you’ll still have plenty of room to breathe.

3) Bust alteration: Wedding dresses are often designed with built-in cups or padding, but many girls need more support than this provides. If it’s simply not enough, our tailor can always add an extra layer underneath using boning and/or heavy interfacing to create the desired shape for you.

4) Hips alteration: This is a tricky one as you should try and keep your hips looking as natural as possible. But if there’s too much fabric hanging off the side seams, it can be taken in so that nothing looks out of place.

5) Hem alteration: This is probably the most common alteration. Wedding dress hemming will depend on your dress and shoes, but the length should always allow you to walk comfortably rather than having to shuffle along. If this isn’t the case, your seamstress can lower or raise the hemline accordingly by folding it over at regular intervals.

If your hemline has been taken up or down too much, you can always have it re-hemmed. Your tailor will then need to unpick the original stitching and hand stitch a new hem into place. This is not only useful for uneven hems but also if the fabric has started to fray in certain areas.

6) Train alteration: A wedding gown train can be altered depending on how far down you want it to the trail – may be only around 2 inches – or it might need its base shortened or completely removed.

7) Side seam alteration: If a dart has been sewn into the side seams, it can be taken out to create a looser fit – especially if you have a small bust – or moved further up if there’s too much material at the waist. This is also useful for getting rid of bulges around your middle as darted areas will typically sit flat against your body and smooth out any bumps.

8) Shoulder strap adjustment: If they’re digging in under your armpits due to buckles that are too loose, find those straps and loosen those buckles slightly. Also, notice how high those shoulder straps sit and whether they need to be adjusted so that they don’t slip off your shoulders.

9) Altering the neckline: One of our popular services that can make a huge impact is neckline alteration and we can have the neckline opened or closed.

10) Adding or removing straps/sleeves: If you want more coverage on your arms, adding sleeves can be a great solution!

11) Narrowing or widening the skirt. This is another difficult alteration that requires a lot of experience. 

In addition to the common bridal alterations, we can also take over projects that require a particular level of tailoring skills and level of expertise to restyle or remodel completely a wedding dress.

Our skilled team of bridal dress tailors is well-known for its exceptional craftsmanship. If your wedding dress, or any formal occasion dress, doesn’t fit you perfectly, our seamstresses will skillfully alter it so it does. We handle all kinds of adjustments, including adding sleeves to strapless gowns, shortening dresses, taking in waists and hips, and more!

While it is possible to attempt DIY wedding dress alterations, it’s important to consider your sewing skills and the complexity of the alterations required. Wedding dresses often have complicated designs and delicate fabrics, which may be challenging to work with without professional expertise. 

What are the pros and cons of DIY wedding dress alterations?

The pros of DIY alterations include potential cost savings and the satisfaction of personal involvement. However, the cons include the risk of damaging the dress due to lack of experience, potential fitting issues or inconsistent results, and the time and effort required to acquire the necessary skills. DIY alterations are best suited for simple adjustments or temporary fixes that do not compromise the dress’s structure or design.

When should I consider professional alterations over DIY?

Professional alterations should be considered when the alterations required are complex, involve detailed work, or require significant size modifications. If the dress has valuable sentimental or monetary worth, or if you want to ensure the highest quality and precise fit, professional expertise is essential. Professional alterations also provide peace of mind, as experienced seamstresses have the skills and knowledge to handle delicate fabrics and intricate designs with care.

To make the bridal alterations process easier, we provide a FREE consultation with our wedding dress tailor.

Our free consultation takes 15-20 minutes and we will have the chance to see the dress on you and provide you with an estimate. If you require pinning of the apparel, there is an additional fee that is waived if you decide to proceed with us.

Our goal is to achieve the perfect result and our dress tailor will help you decide which adjustments will work best without compromising the style of your dress. All the Gowns are constructed differently, and some styles and materials are just naturally easier to alter than others.

There are also many parts on the dress, so altering one may affect another part and that is why it is hard to give you an estimated price, only by looking at the photos.

From our experience working with bridal stores, our prices are on average 20-40% lower, as we do all the bridal alterations in our shop in Toronto, without outsourcing the projects.

Find the starting Prices for ALL the bridal alteration services we provide to our clients in Toronto, on our website, or book a free consultation so we can see the dress on you and provide you with the final price.

Does second-hand or sample dress alteration cost less?

When it comes to altering second-hand or sample dresses, the cost of alterations is not determined by the cost of the dress itself. Instead, the cost of alterations depends on the complexity of the modifications needed. Factors such as the type of fabric, the design, and the specific alterations required will influence the overall cost.

For brides who ordered their wedding dress online and received it a little later, we provide Rush Fittings & Alteration, depending on the dress and the time we have available.

First, we need to see the wedding gown on you and find all the alterations that should be done. If the alteration is possible, then the alterations may be subject to a rush fee, but we need the bride to be extremely flexible with availability for fittings.

The best-selling wedding dress silhouettes we had the chance to alter, both for traditional and micro weddings, are:

• Ball gown wedding dress
• Mermaid dress
• Trumpet dress
• Sheath dress
• A-line dress
• Tea-length dress
• Fit-and-flare dress
• Column dress
• Boho dress
• Vintage dress
• Maternity Wedding Dresses

As for the fabrics, we had the chance to work with:

• Stretch Silk Satin
• Grace Satin
• Hail Spot Tulle
• Charmeuse
• Silk Chiffon
• Organza
• Tulle
• Lace
• Stretch Crepe
• Pure Silk Crepe
• Silk Georgette
• Silk Satin Back Crepe
• Silk Faille
• Velvet
• Silk Mikado
• Silk Duchess Satin
• Silk Zibeline
• Neo-preen Scuba Fabrics
• and more

Altering Second-Hand or Sample Wedding Dresses

When altering pre-owned or sample wedding dresses, it’s important to carefully assess their condition and any previous alterations. Our experienced tailor will evaluate the dress’s fabric, structure, and any existing alterations to determine the best approach for modifications while considering its previous use.

Alterations to Non-Traditional Wedding Dress Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of traditional wedding dresses, there are plenty of stylish alternatives to consider. You can opt for chic jumpsuits, elegant pantsuits, or even a tailored suit for a sophisticated and modern bridal look. Other options include separates like a top and skirt combination or a trendy romper. The key is to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, confident and reflects your personal style on your special day.

Through the years, we had the chance to alter wedding gowns from many different designers and bridal brands such as:

• Alex Perry
• Alexandra Grecco
• Allure Bridals
• Allure Couture
• Allure Romance
• Alyne
• Alyssa Kristin
• Anna Kara
• Anne Barge
• Barbra Allin
• Berta
• Blue Willow Bride
• Blush
• Calla Blanche
• Carol Hannah
• Casablanca
• Catherine Deane
• Dan Jones
• David Tutera Bridal
• Elavonza
• Ella Rosa
• Elysee
• Enaura
• Enzoani
• Essense Of Australia
• Eva Lendel
• Eve of Milady
• Galia Lahav
• Galvan London
• Halseene
• Hayley Paige
• Inbal Dror
• Ines Di Santo
• Julie Vino
• Kenneth Winston
• L’ Amour
• Luna Willow
• La Perle
• Leanne Marshall
• Lillian West
• Madi Lane
• Madison James
• Maggie Sottero
• Martina Liana
• Midgley
• Mikaella Bridal
• Mon Cheri
• Monique Lhuillier
• Mori Lee
• Paloma Blanca
• Pnina Tornai
• Pronovias
• Rachel Rose
• Rebecca Ingram
• Ricca Sposa
• Rime Arodaky
• Rivini
• Robert Bullock
• Romona Keveza
• Rosa Clara
• Rue De Seine
• Savannah Miller
• Sophia Tolli
• Stella York
• Tara Keely
• Tara Lauren
• Theia
• Truvelle
• Val Stefani
• Vera Wang
• Watters
• Willowby
• Wtoo
• Zac Posen
• and more