Bustle
To bustle or not to bustle…
Many brides have no idea what a bustle is and I have a few saying that they will not bother to use one on their wedding day. I assure you that you will be very, very happy later on your big day to be able to bustle up your train and be able to move freely. It is a very small cost of your alteration fee, and trust me you will not regret it!
What Is a Bustle? (Copied from Pinterest)
A wedding dress bustle seamlessly secures the train, or any extra fabric, off of the ground and into the back of the dress to keep it from dragging across the floor all night. Despite what some might think, bustles aren't just for ball gowns or dresses with major train drama. There are many types of bustles and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the wedding dress train to create a uniformed hemline after the ceremony.
There are many ways of doing a bustle, and it depends on the dress you have.
American Bustle/Over Bustle
French Bustle/Under Bustle
Royal Bustle/VictorianBustle
Ballroom Bustle
Bow Bustle.
First Dress Fitting And What To Expect.
I have tried to put together a guide to having your dress altered by me.
Unless your wedding dress is bespoke or made to measure, they are made in the most appropriate standard size for your measurements and then tailored to fit, Not many women fit a standard size as every female body is unique, and having your dress fitted by a seamstress means the dress will be sculpted to fit your beautiful body.
As well as making sure a perfect fit, altering your dress can also involve customising the design, from adding sleeves or to make a corset back.
There are practical alterations that help with your on-the-day comfort as well, such as having a bustle added to a wedding dress with a train so you can move around with ease.
The costs will vary depending on how much work is needed and the kind of dress you have chosen. However, given the importance of alterations to the overall look and feel, it's definitely worth building them into your budget.
If you're ordering a wedding dress from a bridal boutique, it's highly likely that you'll need to have some alterations. That's because most dresses are made to order, not made to measure, so adjustments will ensure it fits you perfectly.
Even if you're not buying your dress from a boutique, alterations can make a difference to the fit of a high street or vintage dress, too.
Wedding dress alteration costs will vary depending on what you need to have done and the style of your gown, but you’ll need to factor them into your budget. I would recommend you budget for between £250-350 for the alteration cost. The hem is usually what costs the most and can vary from between £60-£135.
I offer a free consultation appointment where we will go through every job that is needed on your dress, and I can then give you an idea of the cost.
Bespoke changes like adding straps or extra beading will raise the price.
I normally book you in for a first fitting 8-10 weeks prior to the wedding date, as this allows enough time for me to work my magic and flexibility for you to attend the appointments. I like to have the last appointment booked 2-3 weeks before the wedding date, or travelling date in case there are any last minute tweaks that need doing.
I will book you in for 2 appointments, more if there is any major work to be done on your dress. First appointment lasts between 45-60 minutes. Second and third will be shorter.
Make sure you bring your wedding shoes and underwear to every fitting.
In your first appointment you will wear the dress and I will see where it needs adjusting. This will be the longest appointment as you’re not only getting pinned, but meeting me and we will be discussing your requirements to ensure the best possible fit of your dress.
Try to listen to my advice – If I warn against a change or suggest a different one, it’s for a good reason. I have worked in this industry for a long time, and will know what will work or not.
You will then book in for a second fitting where we will try the dress on again. If anything needs changing we will do this now. This will be a shorter appointment and take about 30 min.
If needed we will then book you in for a third and final appointment.
I can also help you to get dressed on your wedding day to ease the stress for you and your bridal party. Please ask me for more details.
I hope this has answered some of your questions, and I look forward to working with you to make sure you have the best fitted dress on your big day.