When it comes to getting the perfect fit for your wedding dress, it’s important to know what alterations can be made. One question many brides-to-be have is whether any wedding dress can be taken up. The answer is generally yes, but there are some things to keep in mind when considering taking up your dress.
What Does Taking Up a Wedding Dress Mean?
Taking up a wedding dress means shortening the length of the dress. This can be done in different areas of the dress, such as the hemline, the train, or the sleeves. It’s important to note that taking up a wedding dress is not the same as letting it out to make it longer. Adding more fabric to a dress is much more complicated and may not always be possible depending on the design of the dress.
Factors to Consider When Taking Up a Wedding Dress
While most wedding dresses can be taken up, there are a few factors to consider before making any alterations to your gown.
The Design of the Dress
The design of your wedding dress will play a role in how much it can be taken up. If your dress has a lot of intricate lacework or beading, it may be more difficult to shorten the dress without altering the design. A seamstress will need to carefully remove the detailing and reattach it so that it sits properly on the shortened dress. Dresses with complicated designs may also take longer to alter and be more expensive.
The Fabric of the Dress
The fabric of your wedding dress is also an important factor to consider when taking up the dress. Some fabrics, such as chiffon or organza, may be more difficult to work with than others. It’s important to choose a skilled seamstress who has experience working with different types of fabric.
The Style of the Dress
The style of your dress will also impact how much it can be taken up. Dresses with a fitted silhouette or mermaid-style dress may be more difficult to alter, as there is less room for error. A-line or ballgown-style dresses may be easier to alter, as the skirt is fuller and there is more fabric to work with.
The Benefits of Taking Up Your Wedding Dress
There are several benefits to taking up your wedding dress, aside from getting a better fit.
Cost Savings
Shortening the length of your dress is often less expensive than letting the dress out to make it longer. Taking up a dress usually requires less fabric and fewer alterations, so you’ll save money on the alteration costs.
Better Mobility
A shorter dress will allow you to move more freely and dance easier. This is especially important if you plan to have a lively reception or are getting married in a warmer climate.
A More Modern Look
Many modern brides prefer a shorter hemline that falls above the ankle or just below the knee. Shortening the length of your dress can give it a more contemporary look and make it easier to wear after your wedding day.
Choosing the Right Seamstress
When taking up your wedding dress, it’s essential to choose the right seamstress to do the job. Look for someone with experience in working with wedding dresses and different types of fabric. Check for reviews and ask for referrals from past customers. You’ll also want to schedule a consultation with the seamstress to discuss your vision for the dress and get a cost estimate.
Conclusion
Taking up a wedding dress can help you achieve the perfect fit for your big day, no matter the style, design, or fabric of your dress. While there are some factors to consider when making alterations, a skilled seamstress can help you achieve the look you want. By choosing the right professional and discussing your vision for the dress, you’ll be able to confidently walk down the aisle in a dress that fits you perfectly.
FAQ
How do you fix a wedding dress that is too big?
A wedding dress is not just a piece of garment; it is a symbol of love and commitment between two people coming together in marriage. As such, every bride wants to ensure that her wedding dress fits perfectly on her big day. However, sometimes even after thorough measurement, fittings, and alterations, a dress might still feel too big on the bride. In such a case, there are ways to fix the problem and make the dress fit like a glove.
One of the most common solutions for a loose wedding dress is adding some bra cups. The purpose of bra cups is to fill out the bust area if it’s too large in your chest. Bra cups come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can help improve the shape of a dress. The cups can also help with the fit of the dress by reducing any gaping in the neckline.
Another way to fix a wedding dress that’s too big is to find a beautiful sash to cinch your waist. A sash can act as a belt and help gather any excess fabric around the waist, giving the dress a more tailored and comfortable fit. Whether you choose a simple ribbon sash or a more elaborate jeweled belt, a sash can help add definition to a loose wedding dress.
Additionally, you can opt for additional alterations to fix a too-big wedding dress. Bridal salons and seamstresses have extensive experience working with various fabrics and can offer a variety of options to fix sizing issues with your dress. Some of the popular alterations include taking in the sides of the dress, shortening the straps, adjusting the hemline, and adding boning or a corset to improve the overall fit of the dress.
A loose wedding dress doesn’t have to ruin your special day. With a little bit of creativity and imagination, brides can fix the problem and have a dress that fits and looks amazing. Whether it’s adding some bra cups, finding a beautiful sash, or going for additional alterations, there’s always a solution to fix a wedding dress that’s too big. Be patient and open with your seamstress, and you’ll find a way to make your dress perfect.
What if my wedding dress is too small?
Discovering that your dream wedding dress is too tight, or just doesn’t fit, is a frightening and upsetting experience for many brides. You might have been working so hard to achieve your desired body shape, and it can be discouraging to find out that even with all the effort, the dress is still too small. However, you ought not to panic, and there are a few steps to take in order to ensure the perfect fit for your big day.
The first thing you could do in this situation is to slow down and take a deep breath. It’s perfectly understandable to be emotional, but a calm mindset is necessary to work out a solution. Depending on how much time is remaining until the wedding day, the solutions may be different.
If the wedding day is not too close, a viable solution you might consider is losing weight, or specifically dropping the weight around the waist or hip area. This may take a lot of effort, but it could work if done correctly. Try talking with a certified personal trainer or a nutritionist to evaluate options that can suit your unique body shape, lifestyle, and time frame. Although this method may be effective, it is not a quick solution.
Another solution to consider is tailor-made alterations. Experienced seamstresses or tailors can support you in altering the dress to fit your body appropriately. They will change the dress in several areas to ensure a good fit. Make sure you have a trusted source for your modifications, and note that this process will require time and a little extra cost.
If losing weight or dress alterations are not options due to time constraints, then there are some home remedies to consider. In the event that the dress is actually too tight, zip it up a little bit, wear it for five minutes, and zip it up a little more. Repeat until you can zip it all the way up. Your body will adjust to the garment, and the dress will start to shape to your body.
The situation may pose a short-term challenge, but careful planning and action can lead to a satisfactory outcome. Just remember that a positive attitude and proactive steps are essential for finding the best solution possible. So, take a breath, evaluate the options available to you, and you will soon realize that nothing stands in the way of your perfect day, including a too-small dress.
What is a size 14 wedding dress equivalent to?
When it comes to bridal sizing, traditional size charts may not apply. Bridal sizing is typically different from everyday streetwear sizing, making it necessary to understand how to navigate bridal sizing before purchasing a wedding dress.
In general, bridal sizes tend to run smaller than everyday clothing sizes. This means that if you typically wear a size 14 in regular clothing, your bridal dress size might be closer to an 18-20. It’s important to keep in mind that every designer has their own sizing chart, so it’s always best to check the specific designer’s size chart before making a purchase.
Another factor to consider is that wedding dresses typically require alterations to achieve the perfect fit, regardless of your true size. Experienced seamstresses or tailors can adjust the dress to your unique measurements, so don’t stress too much about finding the perfect size. It is advisable to take accurate measurements of your bust, waist, and hips and compare them to the size chart provided by the dress’s manufacturer before making a purchase.
At the end of the day, remember that sizing is just a number, and what matters most is finding a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident on your big day. Don’t get too caught up in the numbers and focus on finding a dress that you love.