Wedding season is JUST around the corner! Remember this post about Blush Makeup Artistry and the 2 most important things every bride should consider? Well I promised to follow up with what every bride MUST know part 2... about wedding dress alterations. After a seriously l o n g delay, [sorry!] here it is!
After you pick out and order your dress in your size, there's always at least one, if not 2,3,4 fittings to ensure the perfect fit. There are a few crucial things to know before you decide who will alter your dress...
1. The mark up in bridal shops is astronomical [!!!] Most commonly brides will go to an "in house" seamstress wherever they purchase their dress from - makes sense. Here's what you need to know: Many of those "experts" in alterations just have a general knowledge of how to sew and are actually paid near minimum wage (or at least not very much). The bridal stores mark up the cost of alterations and make a huge profit off your already big investment - [dresses aren't cheap!]. which means your cost of alterations is not reflective of the quality of service you're receiving.
2. Similar to your makeup artist you want to find someone with a great eye for detail and preferrably a perfectionist. If you choose to use a seamstress [other than at the bridal shop you purchase your dress from] do your homework - ask other brides about their experience, read reviews online, etc. Not to scare anyone but there are definitely some horror stories. There are so many things to consider, especially if you have intricate beading, any lace, boning, a low back, a neckline you want to create, pleats you want to add, etc. Don't spend all that money on your dress and not have it altered by a professional.
If you live locally, I recommend using Mary Hafner. I had a wonderful experience and she transformed my dress from an ill-fitting, plain gown to a sophisticated, perfectly fitting, dress of my dreams. She has a unique eye for knowing what looks best (alteration -wise ) with your body type, whether that's adding ruching, to helping you know what jewelry to wear to compliment your dress, or even how to wear your hair to look best with your dress style. She has impeccable taste and she will make your dress fit flawlessly. AND, best part is, she's extremely affordable.
Here's my dress before Mary altered it:
not sure if you can tell in the pics above, but I'm actually pulling on the dress in some places to make the dress appear to fit better
As you can see it not only fits better, but she fixed some tule underneath my dress, gave it a more fit and flare mermaid look (which I requested) and made sure the dress was fitted in the right places, was the perfect length with my shoes, and she completely transformed my dress into one I adored.
Here's a few pics of Mary in action:
She also made my garder and here she's helping me put it on:
Even if your dress does not require major alterations, regardless of your need, I really encourage you to give Mary a call. If you don't live locally, do your research and find a local seamstress who has years of experience and again, do your homework to ensure they know what they're doing.
Contact Mary at:
503-508-8013
503-508-8013
Ps. Have you seen Ruche's [one of my favorite online boutique's that's affordable] new bridal line, To have and to hold yet? Check it out!
