Choosing a wedding dress is probably one of the most important decisions a bride can make and having to have alterations is common. Dorking’s Felicity Westmacott is an expert in this field and has provided some amazing advice below so that any bride to be can be confident of getting the perfect fit.
Felicity is also running a open day at her boutique on Saturday 15th March, 10am-3pm. Felicity is usually appointment only so this is an opportunity for anyone who has been curious about the pretty and striking wedding dresses that are on display in the window. Brides are especially welcome but it is for anyone interested in what a bespoke dressmaker does behind closed doors!
Photo credits: @rachelmillsphotography
As a wedding dress alterations specialist of over 20 years experience I am happy to bring you some tips on how to make the process as stress free as possible. If you are looking for a seamstress in Surrey of course I recommend myself and you are welcome to enquire via my website for a free consultation appointment.
Where to find a seamstress
The shop where you find your dress might have a list of recommended sewists, or have their own in-house worker. You can also ask friends who they used or you can google to find a seamstress elsewhere. Many people travel quite a way to see me because I am fortunate to have exceptional reviews but there are quite a lot of us around and you should be able to find someone close by with a good reputation.
Find a seamstress you trust
Wherever you have found your seamstress check their online reviews to gauge their reputation. You can get a good sense of their professionalism from the look of their website or when you visit their work space. Getting undressed and trusting someone with perfecting your wedding dress is an intimate process so it’s a good idea to pick someone you feel really comfortable with.
Book early, as soon as you have bought your dress
Each seamstress has their own way of working but we all get booked up months ahead, especially in the busy spring and summer months. I normally recommend alterations are started 6-8 weeks before your wedding day. I usually keep a dress with me for two weeks to complete the work between fittings, so the 6-8 weeks allows for two or three fittings with a few weeks spare for comfort.
If your dress needs dry-cleaning allow extra time
Many dry cleaners want to have a wedding dress in their premises for a minimum of 2 weeks, maybe as long as 6 weeks, to fit it into their schedule. If you make sure to inform them you are having the dress cleaned prior to your wedding day, not after, they can make sure they meet necessary deadlines.
Have realistic budget expectations
Most wedding dress alterations with me cost between £300-£500 total though they do vary as much as the work that needs doing. A mistake many brides make is assuming that alteration costs will be proportional to the cost of their dress, but this is not the case. Buying a cheap dress that needs a lot of work can end up costing as much or more than a more expensive dress that needs very little changing.
Buy a dress that is close to your size
I have hands, not wands. While the work I do can seem to many people like magic and I have been known to work wonders – wonders often take a lot of work and end up being expensive. Choosing a dress as close as possible to your actual size will give the best result. Making a dress smaller is much easier than expanding one. A change up or down one dress size is usually possible without too much bother, but adding or reducing more than 2 sizes, can result in proportions beyond just the width of the dress around you being less than ideal.
Try not to change weight after the fitting process has started
If you know you are planning to lose or gain weight make sure to inform your seamstress when you first enquire. They can then advise if a date closer to the wedding is advisable to ensure the dress fits your final figure. If you change shape during the fitting process and this requires further alterations you should expect to have to pay for the extra work.
Bring your underwear and shoes to fittings from the start
Many dresses require structural undergarments and these will change the shape of the dress worn on top, and the alterations required to make all the layers lie together perfectly. Your shoes are essential to pinning the hem length accurately. Bring both to every fitting to ensure accurate alterations.
Avoid wearing heavy make-up
I never wear any make-up at all while I work. The risk of foundation, lipstick or mascara getting onto a white dress and leaving a mark is just too high. You’ll want to feel and look good while trying on your dress so don’t come plain faced if that’s not your usual, but a lipstick mark from lifting the dress over your head will spoil everyone’s day and is best avoided. For the same reason make sure you are showered and fresh, and avoid perfumes or fake-tan. It’s often a good idea to remove jewellery that might snag delicate fabrics and people end up leaving bits behind so I normally advise to simply leave such things at home.
Feedback is always welcome
Whether your alterations are a simple hem length and straps coming up, or a very complicated bodice re-make the process is all about communication. I always want to hear your ideas and how you hope the dress will look and then I can advise different options on how to achieve the desired result. If you are not sure about something, say so! Whether during the fitting or when you look at photos afterwards. Assume nothing and always tell me if something is worrying you, I can’t have too much information. On the flip side some dresses do take more than one fitting to perfect, so try to trust the process. I love working with brides to make something perfect, and the magic sometimes takes a little time to get right.
Photo credits:
1. @studiochloedavid
2. @voyteckphoto
3. @matibarker
4. @dante.k.photo
