Bridesmaid Alterations: What to Expect and When to Schedule

Why alterations are expected

Bridesmaid dresses are made in standard sizes, so a small adjustment is part of the process rather than a sign that something went wrong.

The usual adjustments

Hemming is the most common, followed by taking in the bodice or adjusting straps. Each bridesmaid should bring the shoes she plans to wear, since heel height changes the hem.

When to schedule

Book fittings once the dresses arrive, and leave a final fitting a few weeks before the wedding. Waiting until the week of leaves no room for the unexpected.

What to bring

Shoes, the undergarments she will wear on the day, and any wrap or accessory that affects the line of the dress.

For out-of-town bridesmaids

A trusted local seamstress can do the work. Share the dress details and the shoe height with her, and ask the bridesmaid to send a photo once it is finished.

Kept in one place

At Bliss, alterations are handled in-house, so the same team follows each dress through to the final fitting.