Let's talk about alterations. Because I've noticed that this is one of those topics that causes a huge amount of bridal anxiety - and almost all of it is based on things nobody has bothered to explain properly.

So here I am, explaining it properly.

First things first: every dress needs alterations

Yes, every dress. Even a made-to-measure gown. Even a dress that fits beautifully when you try it on. Alterations are not a sign that something has gone wrong. They are a completely normal, expected, built-in part of the bridal process - and any boutique worth its salt will tell you this upfront.

Wedding dresses are ordered to your measurements at the time of purchase, but bodies change. Life happens. And even if nothing changes at all, the final fit of a couture gown requires the kind of precision that can only be achieved by a skilled seamstress working with the actual dress on your actual body. It's not a flaw in the system. It's the system working exactly as it should.

What alterations typically involve

The most common alterations are taking in or letting out the bodice, hemming the skirt (which is more complex than it sounds on a gown with layers or a train), and adjusting the straps or neckline.

If your dress has a corset back, it may need very little alteration at all - which is one of the reasons corset backs are so popular and If it has a zip, the seamstress will work to make sure it sits perfectly against your body, and finally, let’s not forget your Bustle - where the train is pinned up for the reception - this is also common and worth discussing with your seamstress early.

How much should you budget?

This is where I'm going to be brutally honest with you, because I think you deserve that, more than you deserve a vague non-answer.

Alterations can range from a few hundred pounds for straightforward hemming and taking in, to significantly more for complex work on heavily embellished or structured gowns. The exact cost depends on the dress, the seamstress, and what needs doing.

What I will always tell brides: do not cut corners on your seamstress. A cheap alteration on a beautiful dress is a disaster I have seen happen, and it is heartbreaking. Do your research and budget for a good one. Trust me, It is worth every single penny.

When should alterations happen?

Most seamstresses recommend starting alterations around 8 - 12 weeks before your wedding, with a final fitting around a couple of weeks out. This gives time for any tweaks after the first fitting, and accounts for the fact that your body might shift slightly in the final weeks (completely normal, by the way).

The bottom line

Alterations are not a problem. They are not a sign that your dress doesn't fit, and that there has been a breakdown in the system somewhere. They are the final, beautiful step in making your dress completely, perfectly, uniquely yours.

And if you have questions about what to expect for your specific dress? That's exactly what I’m here for.