Bridal gowns are produced using standardised size charts rather than being made to each individual body. When you say yes to your dress, your stylist will carefully measure your bust, waist, and hips and consult the designer’s specific size chart, which varies from brand to brand.

Together with your stylist, a recommended size will be discussed. In most cases, this recommendation is usually based on your largest measurement (As a guide, this is often the hips for fitted gowns or the waist for A-line styles). This ensures the dress can be comfortably altered to fit you rather than being too small in one area.

It is very normal, and completely expected, that your gown will then require some nips and tucks during alterations. This is talked through at the time of ordering so you know what to expect later on.

Because every designer uses a different size chart, you may find you measure one size in one designer and a completely different size in another. This is entirely normal and does not reflect your body, and rather how different brands grade their patterns.

Occasionally, some designers are able to accept bespoke measurements at the point of ordering. These are still based on three measurements and translated into a two-dimensional pattern, which then needs to be adjusted onto your three-dimensional body. Even in these cases, professional alterations are still required to achieve the best fit.

True made-to-measure couture gowns involve 30 or more individual measurements, multiple fittings during construction, and bespoke pattern drafting. This level of service typically starts at around £7,000 and is not something offered by most mainstream bridal designers, including those we work with.

Even details such as hem length, which can sometimes be ordered to a custom height, often still need refinement once the dress is on your body, with your shoes, and in motion.

Bodies are beautifully changeable. If you are on a wellness journey, pregnant or post-partum, recovering from illness, or anticipate any significant changes to your body shape, we always encourage you to share this with your stylist at the time of ordering. This helps us guide you towards the most suitable size and approach, though alterations are always carried out based on your body at the time of fitting.

In short, alterations are not a sign that something has gone wrong. They are a normal, expected, and essential part of creating a gown that truly fits you.

We recommend reaching out to your chosen seamstress as soon as possible after purchasing your gown, even if your dress hasn’t arrived yet. Many book up well in advance, particularly during peak wedding season.

Most brides begin alterations around 6–12 weeks before the wedding. Your seamstress will advise on timings based on their workflow, your dress, any changes you’d like to make, and your wedding date.

Typically, brides have two to three fittings. This allows time for initial adjustments, careful fine-tuning, and a final check closer to the wedding.

Common bridal alterations may include:

• Hemming the gown to suit your chosen shoes
  
• Adjusting the bodice, waist, or hips
• Adding bust cups, so you don’t have to wear a bra
• Altering or adding straps or sleeves
  
• Adding a bustle to lift the train for the evening
  
• Subtle customisations such as lace placement or neckline refinements
  

Your seamstress will guide you through what’s possible for your specific gown.

Alteration costs vary depending on the dress, fabrics, and complexity of the work involved. As a general guide, we suggest budgeting between £200 and £600 for standard bridal alterations. More intricate gowns or bespoke changes may cost more. Your seamstress will always be able to advise once they’ve seen you in the dress.

Your seamstress will usually ask you to bring:

• Your wedding shoes (or shoes with the same heel height)
  
• Any undergarments or shapewear you plan to wear (yes, even your knickers can make a huge difference to how your gown fits and sits!)
  
• Accessories that may affect the fit, such as straps or sleeves
  

This helps ensure the most accurate and comfortable fit from the very start.

A few gentle tips to help everything run smoothly:

• Book early to secure your place
  
• Be open about comfort, small adjustments can make a big difference. Just because a dress might typically be worn skin-tight, doesn’t necessarily mean that yours has to, you are the bride and the decision ends with you!
  
• Let your seamstress know about any fitness goals or body-change plans
  
• Try to maintain your body shape once alterations begin
  
• Ask your seamstress about bringing guests to your fittings (We would advise really limiting this to the person you know has got your back, and the same vision for your bridal look. Too many guests and opinions can leave you feeling unheard and confused.)

Clear communication helps your seamstress achieve the best possible result.

In many cases, yes. Some seamstresses offer restyling options such as changing necklines, adding sleeves, or adjusting backs. What’s possible will depend on the gown’s design and fabric, and is best discussed during your consultation.

Not at all, this list is simply a guide to help you get started. You’re always welcome to choose any seamstress you feel comfortable with.  If you have any personal recommendations for us, we are always keen to know!