Wedding Dress Alterations Toronto ☑️ Bridal Alterations

As a general rule, it usually takes 3-6 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.

Timing is key when it comes to wedding dress alterations and 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!

Every fitting session takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour and ideally, 2-3 wedding fittings are enough to achieve the desired fit of your wedding dress and .

Of course, the number of fittings depends on the dress and whether you require basic tweaks or major remodeling. For plain wedding dresses, we usually need 2 fittings and for more complex gowns 3 fittings. 

The standard flow of wedding dress fittings is as follows:

Initial Consultation: The alteration process begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, we discuss your vision, take precise measurements, and assess the necessary alterations. You will try on the dress, and our seamstress will pin and mark the areas that need alteration. 

Subsequent Fittings: Each fitting allows us to make fine adjustments and ensure the dress is shaping up as desired. We pay close attention to every detail, ensuring that each modification enhances the dress’s fit and style.

Final Fitting and Pick Up: The final fitting is where you see the transformed dress in its full glory. You will try your bridal gown on to make sure you’re 100% happy and if there aren’t any adjustments needed, you will take your wedding gown home!

In general, it is always better to have a wedding dress that is a few sizes bigger than a smaller one. Wedding dresses can usually be altered up to 2-3 sizes smaller or one size larger.

This range will allow us to make 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 bridal tailors in Etobicoke, who can assess the dress and provide expert guidance on the feasible alterations to achieve the perfect fit for your wedding day.

When you come to your initial fitting, 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 wedding 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, 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.

Hem Adjustments

One of the most common alterations is adjusting the hem of the wedding dress. Since wedding dresses come in standard lengths that rarely match a bride’s height perfectly, hemming is essential. This alteration ensures the dress doesn’t drag on the ground, preventing potential damage and allowing the bride to walk comfortably.

Types of Hemming:

Straight Hem: Suitable for simpler dresses without intricate lace or beadwork at the bottom.

Layered Hem: Required for dresses with multiple layers, such as tulle or organza.

Decorative Hem: For gowns with lace or embellishments at the hemline, the tailor must carefully remove and reattach these details after adjusting the length. 

Taking In or Letting Out the Sides

Another frequent alteration involves taking in or letting out the sides of the dress to ensure a perfect fit around the bust, waist, and hips. This alteration is crucial for achieving the desired silhouette and comfort.

Seam Allowance: The amount of extra fabric inside the seams determines how much the dress can be let out.

Fabric Type: Some fabrics, like satin or silk, are easier to alter than others, such as lace or heavily beaded materials.

Adjusting the Bust

Perfecting the fit around the bust area is essential for both comfort and aesthetics. Bust adjustments can include taking in the sides, adding or removing padding, or adjusting the cup size.

Common Adjustments:

Taking In the Bust: For a more snug fit.

Adding Cups or Padding: To enhance shape and support.

Adjusting Straps or Neckline: To ensure everything stays in place.

 Strap and Sleeve Adjustments

For dresses with straps or sleeves, alterations might be needed to ensure they fit well and stay in place without digging into the skin or slipping off.

Types of Adjustments:

Shortening or Lengthening Straps: To prevent them from slipping off the shoulders.

Altering Sleeve Length: Adjustments might be necessary to properly fit long sleeves.

Adding a Bustle

Adding a bustle allows the train to be lifted off the ground and secured, making it easier for the bride to move around and dance.

Bustle Types:

Over-Bustle (American Bustle): The train is lifted over the skirt and attached at several points.

Under-Bustle (French Bustle): The train is tucked under the skirt and secured from underneath.

Waistline Alterations

The waistline is a critical area for achieving a flattering fit. Alterations here can significantly affect how the dress looks and feels.

Techniques:

Taking In or Letting Out: Adjust the dress at the waist for a more tailored fit.

Adding Boning: For extra structure and support, especially in strapless dresses.

Lengthening or Shortening the Bodice

The bodice length should complement the bride’s torso. An ill-fitting bodice can lead to discomfort and an unflattering appearance.

Adjustments:

Shortening the Bodice: For brides with shorter torsos, to avoid bunching fabric.

Lengthening the Bodice: For taller brides or those with longer torsos, to ensure a smooth fit.

Neckline Alterations

Altering the neckline can dramatically change the look of the dress, making it more personalized to the bride’s style and comfort level.

Types of Alterations:

Raising or Lowering: Adjusting the height of the neckline for modesty or a more dramatic look.

Reshaping: Changing the shape of the neckline (e.g., from a square to a sweetheart neckline).

Adding or Removing Details

Sometimes, brides wish to customize their dresses further by adding or removing certain details.

Customizations:

Adding Sleeves or Straps: For more coverage or style.

Removing Embellishments: Simplify the dress by removing beads, sequins, or lace.

Adding Appliques: Enhancing the dress with additional decorative elements.

Fixing Zippers and Closures

Ensuring that zippers, buttons, or other closures are functioning correctly is a vital part of the alteration process.

Types of Fixes:

Replacing Zippers: If the original zipper is faulty or doesn’t align properly.

Adjusting Button Placement: Ensuring buttons are securely attached and properly spaced.

You can learn more about the common alterations at Heilibridal or the Knot ( Wedding Dress Alterations 101)

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.

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

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.

• 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

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

• Alex Perry
• Alexandra Grecco
• Alyne
• Berta
• Dan Jones
• Elavonza
• Enzoani
• Essense Of Australia
• Eva Lendel
• Galia Lahav
• Hayley Paige
• Inbal Dror
• Ines Di Santo
• La Perle
• Madi Lane
• Madison James
• Martina Liana
• Mon Cheri
• Monique Lhuillier
• Mori Lee
• Paloma Blanca
• Pnina Tornai
• Pronovias
• Rime Arodaky
• Romona Keveza
• Rosa Clara
• Rue De Seine
• Savannah Miller
• Sophia Tolli
• Stella York
• Theia
• Vera Wang
• Zac Posen
• and more

Wedding alterations can be a complex process, especially when it comes to bridal gowns. Bridal gown alterations require a different approach than regular alterations due to the delicate fabrics, intricate beadwork or lace, and the importance of achieving the perfect fit for the bride.

Specialized Skills: Altering a wedding dress requires a high level of expertise. Seamstresses who specialize in bridal wear are skilled in handling delicate fabrics, intricate beading, and complex designs.

Time-Consuming Process: Wedding dress alterations are time-intensive and each adjustment, from hemming to restructuring bodices, takes hours of careful work to ensure the dress fits perfectly.

Multiple Fittings: Brides typically need several fittings to achieve the perfect fit. Each fitting involves adjustments and refinements, contributing to the overall cost.

Delicate Materials: Wedding dresses are often made from luxurious and delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and tulle. These materials require careful handling and precise work, which increases the cost of alterations.

Customization: Many brides request custom changes to their dresses, such as adding sleeves, changing necklines, or incorporating intricate details. These customizations require additional time and expertise.

Urgency: Brides who need last-minute alterations may face higher costs due to the rush and prioritization of their orders.

Brides across the GTA prefer our shop for their alteration needs, including:

Etobicoke

• Alderwood
• Clairville
• East Mall
• Eatonville
• Eringate
• Humber Bay
• Humber Valley
• Islington City Centre West
• Kingsview
• Kipling
• Lakeshore
• Markland Wood
• Martin Grove
• Mimico
• Princess Gardens
• Princess-Rosethorn
• Richview
• Royal York
• Sherway Gardens
• Sunnylea
• The Kingsway
• The Queensway
• West Mall
• Westmount

Greater Toronto Area

• Markham
• Milton
• Mississauga
• Scarborough
• North York
• Oakville
• Richmond Hill
• Vaughan