This updated guide explains common wedding dress alterations - hemming, bodice and sleeve adjustments, bustles, and final steaming - plus timeline and budgeting advice. Start alterations 8-12 weeks before the wedding, bring shoes to fittings, and confirm pricing and bustle options with an experienced bridal seamstress. Prices vary by region and fabric complexity.

What to expect from wedding dress alterations

Your gown should fit comfortably and look intentional on your wedding day. Alterations commonly include hemming, bodice adjustments, sleeve changes, a bustle for the train, and final steaming/pressing. Expect at least two to three fittings: an initial assessment, a mid-point fitting (if needed), and a final fitting close to the wedding.

Typical timeline

Start alterations 8-12 weeks before the wedding for a new gown; allow more time for heavily beaded, couture, or secondhand dresses. Plan a final fitting 1-2 weeks before the ceremony so hem length and bustle placement are exact.

Hemming and trains

Hemming is often the baseline alteration. Simple hems (single-layer, minimal fabric) can be inexpensive; multi-layer skirts, heavy lace, or cathedral trains require more work and cost more. Hemming with a train and multiple layers frequently increases the price because of the labor and fabric handling involved.

Bodice work and beadwork

Adjusting the bodice - taking in or letting out seams, altering darts, or repositioning boning - affects fit and posture. Hand-sewn beadwork or delicate trims add time and will increase costs because they require careful removal and reattachment.

Sleeves and structural adjustments

Sleeves may need to be shortened or reshaped to suit your arm length and dress style. Structural changes (adding cups, reinforcing straps, changing closures) improve comfort and silhouette but add labor.

Bustles

A bustle lets you lift the train for the reception. There are many bustle styles (overbustle, underbustle, French bustle, cathedral bustle). The number of attachment points and complexity determine cost; discuss options with your seamstress to match your dress fabric and reception plans.

Steaming and pressing; veils

Final steaming/pressing removes shipping creases and flattening from fittings. Veils and simple gowns require less time than layered or heavily embellised garments. Ask whether pressing is included in your alteration package.

Bridesmaids' dresses and budgeting

If you have bridesmaids, their basic alterations (hemming, minor take-ins) are usually less complex than bridal work but add up. Consider asking bridesmaids to cover their own alteration costs or collect a portion in the bridal budget.

How to get the best outcome

  • Choose an experienced bridal seamstress or an alterations shop with wedding references.
  • Bring shoes and undergarments to fittings.
  • Confirm pricing structure: flat rates vs. hourly, what's included, and bustle options.
  • Get a written timeline and final fitting date.
Note: Prices for specific services vary widely by region, fabric complexity, and individual shops. Typical price ranges and hourly rates change over time and by location.
  1. Verify up-to-date typical price ranges for hemming, bustle installation, bodice alterations (hourly vs flat-rate) in major US metro areas as of 2025.
  2. Confirm current average hourly rates for experienced bridal seamstresses in 2025.
  3. Confirm common turnaround timelines recommended by bridal shops in 2025.

FAQs about Wedding Dress Alterations

When should I start wedding dress alterations?
Start 8-12 weeks before the wedding for a new gown. Allow extra time for heavily beaded, couture, or used dresses. Schedule a final fitting 1-2 weeks before the ceremony.
What does hemming include?
Hemming adjusts the dress length to your shoes and stance. Simple hems cost less; multi-layer skirts, crinolines, and long trains require more labor and cost more.
How does beadwork affect alteration cost?
Hand-sewn beadwork raises cost because beads often must be removed and reattached by hand, which is time-consuming and delicate.
What is a bustle and do I need one?
A bustle secures the train to allow easier movement at the reception. If your dress has a train, a bustle is recommended; the style and number of attachment points determine complexity.
Should bridesmaids pay for their alterations?
Bridesmaids often pay for their own standard alterations (hemming, minor take-ins). If you prefer, you can budget to cover part or all of their costs.