Saturday, January 14, 2012
Happy New Year! Let’s talk about buying a sample dresses.
So it’s time to shop for your dream dress, but you’re on a tight budget. One thing you can do to be cost effective when it comes to your wedding dress, is to buy a sample dress off the rack and revive it into something spectacular. A sample dress is a wedding dress that brides can try on at a local wedding salon and then purchase a new one. Allot of bridal salons will have sample sales where brides can purchase a gown off the rack for a whole lot less than ordering a new one. Styles change and dresses are retired after a certain number of them have been sold from each designer, so this makes for a great option when trying to have that story book wedding but not break the bank in the process.
The one thing to remember when buying a sample gown is that you are buying it as is. Dresses get tried on allot and most are clamped in the back so that each bride can get an idea of what it will look like when it has been fitted and altered to her size. You can also expect to find snags, tears, and or staining on most sample dresses. So the first thing that you want to do is to get it dry cleaned. Then its time to talk about changing it up and giving it back some life to make it your own special creation.
That is exactly what Carly Williamson did. She fell in love with a beautiful lace and silk pickup gown from designer Paloma Blanca that was a sample wedding dress. Here is what the gown looks like brand new.
It fit her very well so she did not need many alterations. What she did need was repairs to the pickups on the skirt, a new zipper in the back, and I removed the original green sash it had around the waist. Then to make the gown her own, I added, at the brides request, a nice ivory silk ribbon around her waist and some off the shoulder lace sleeves. These 2 items really made the dress a special creation of her own. Carly really loved the end result and it shows in her wedding pics.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Bridesmaid alterations
Alterations can be done about 2 weeks before the wedding, depending on what needs to be done. This can be helpful if you are coming in from out of town and don’t have a seamstress in your area. Most of the rules apply for bridesmaids fittings as in for wedding dresses.
If the dress is long, then shoes are a must. If you don’t have your shoes, please have a shoe with the correct heal height so that an accurate hem can be pinned. Most long bridesmaid dresses come with a train on the back of the hem. Be sure and check with the bride to know whether or not she wants you to keep the train or that you may have it cut off during the hemming process.
If you are a C cup or bigger, then a bra would be helpful. For a full bust line, the correct fitting bra will give you lift and a good profile. Those who are looking for a more fuller figure profile, having padded cups sewn in is a quick and inexpensive solution.
Usually it takes 2 fittings when having your bridesmaid dress altered. At the 1st fitting your seamstress will talk to you about how you want your dress to fit, pin your dress as needed to be taken in, and pin a hem as per the brides instructions. Please speak up with any concerns or suggestions you may have. For strapless dresses, one important component in having your dress sit properly on you is with an inside belt. This may need to be added to the waist of your dress before an accurate measurement can be taken of your hem. Also most strapless dresses will come with a set of straps that can be attached for added comfort and fit.
Depending on the amount of alterations will ultimately determine how many fittings you will need. Your seamstress may wait to alter the hem until after your dress has been refitted and is sitting on you properly. You also need to get your weight as stable as possible. A drop or gain of more than 10 pounds will result in a major change in how your dress fits and will end up costing you more in alterations for numerous changes.
Lastly, the cost of alterations can run you anywhere between $25 - $150, but will ultimately be determined by the amount of work you have done. Your seamstress should be able to give you an estimate of the cost at your 1st fitting.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wedding Dress Alterations
So you’ve found that perfect dress, now let’s get you the perfect fit!
You should schedule your 1st fitting for your wedding dress about 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding. This way you will be at your closest weight that you want to be right before you get married. Most times brides will drop weight right before they get married due to the fact that you are doing lots of planning and running around do allot of extra things that you aren’t normally doing in your normal routine. So lets begin.
The number one thing to think about first is a bra. Do you need one? Most times yes. Especially if you are a C cup or bigger. This is your wedding dress and you want to get the best profile and fit of your dress that you can. Even if you think you are small busted, a long line corset bra works wonders in giving you the support and lift that you need. Also remember that most wedding dresses are heavy and once fitted can flatten your bustline, so please think about purchasing a bra. Padded cups can also be sewn into your dress if you have a low back dress or are a B cup or smaller. Remember cups add padding and shape and don’t do a whole lot in giving you any kind of support.
Next lets talk about shoes. They are also a must for your first fitting. You need to atleast know the height of shoe you are going to wear so that your seamstress can get an accurate measure of where to hem your dress. Make sure that you wear them for a while to get a feel of what it will be like to stand in them all during the wedding ceremony and then all night dancing. Also if you decide to change shoes to a different height, whether it be shorter or taller, you must let your seamstress know, for it can make the difference in having a dress too short or one that you will trip and fall on the day of your wedding.
Depending on the style of dress, wearing an extra petticoat or crinoline can give you a fuller skirt. It may also alleviate the need for a hem adjustment if it is less than an inch too long or if the hem is one that can’t be altered because of a lace edge or beading that will all come apart when altered.
Let’s talk about your weight. You want to get to whatever weight you want to be by the time you start your fittings. You need to get your weight as stable as possible by the time you get to your first fitting. I do understand that brides are trying to lose as much weight as possible for their wedding day but this can make it very difficult for you seamstress. A drop or gain of more than 10 pounds will result in a major change in how your dress fits and will end up costing you more in alterations for numerous changes. Also remember that your dress is very fragile and if it is needed to be let out, the stitching lines or creases from pressing may show.
Usually it takes 2 fittings when having your wedding dress altered. At the 1st fitting, your seamstress will pin your dress as needed to be taken in and talk to you about how you want your dress to fit. Please speak up with any concerns or suggestions you may have, and if you wish to add anything to your dress such as straps, trim, or cap sleeves. Sometimes with strapless dresses, one important component in having your dress sit properly on you is with an inside belt. This may need to be added to the waist of your dress before an accurate measurement can be taken of your hem. Also your seamstress will talk to you about what type of bustle will look best for your dress. Whether you chose a French or Traditional bustle, it should compliment the look and style of your dress.
Alterations will then be made to your dress and a second fitting will be required. Depending on the amount of alterations will ultimately determine how many fittings you will need. Your seamstress may wait to alter the hem until after your dress has been refitted and is sitting on you properly. If at all possible, bring someone with you to your last fitting. Your seamstress will want to teach you and whoever is with you how to get into your dress, how to do up the bustle, and care instructions for your dress until your wedding day. Your dress should be pressed and ready for you to take home.
Lastly, the cost of alterations can run you anywhere between $300 - $600, but will ultimately be determined by the amount of work you have done to your gown and by how much time it takes. Your seamstress should be able to give you an estimate of the cost at your 1st fitting.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Welcome to my new blog page
Hello and welcome to the world of wedding dress and formal occasion clothing alterations. I have so many great ideas and advice that I would like to share with you. I am not just altering these dresses, but creating works of art. Nothing makes a statement more than when a bride can add lots of special touches to make the dress unique. So stay tuned as I bring you some of the latest projects that I have been working on.
