We are often asked if a wedding dress can be made bigger or smaller.
Wedding dresses can usually be altered and made bigger or smaller depending on the fit, the dress’s design and the construction.
Making a Wedding Dress Bigger..
- This can be done by letting out the seams and is dependent on the extra fabric in the seam allowances. If the seam allowance is generous, it can be let out to make the dress bigger. This is usually possible with designer wedding dresses.
- Adding panels… If there’s not enough seam allowance, fabric panels can sometimes be added to the sides or back to increase the size. It’s always best to speak to an experienced bridal seamstress
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Changing the Closure… In some cases, altering the closure (e.g., changing a zipper to a lace-up back) can provide more room.
There is usually a limit of how much a wedding dress can be made bigger.
Making a Wedding Dress Smaller.
Taking in Seams… The most common way to make a wedding dress smaller is by taking in the seams. This is usually done at the side seams, but sometimes at the back seams as well
Reshaping Bodice…
If your wedding dress bodice is too big, it can be reshaped by taking in the bust, waist, or both.
Shortening Straps or Hem…
Straps can be shortened if they are too long, and the hem can be taken up if the dress is too long.
Most brides need their wedding dress taking in to fit and an experienced bridal seamstress can easily take in a wedding dress by at least 2 sizes.
It’s always best to contact an experienced bridal seamstress and is dependent on the dress’s construction and how much fabric is available in the seams.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
