If you have found your dream wedding gown, it is such an exciting time! You probably can’t wait to get the dress on and show it off to your friends and family. However, before you can say the dress is officially ready, you will more than likely need some alterations to your dress.
One of the things you will need to decide when it comes to your wedding gown is how long it should be. It is totally understandable to not know or to have an idea of your ideal length.
Whether you need a couple of inches taken off the bottom or a change to the length of your wedding gown’s style, it is best to turn to a wedding gown tailor. Most wedding dresses will need some type of alteration, and tailors who specialize in wedding gowns are the best option as they will help to maintain the dresses integrity, shape, and beauty.
A professional tailor has the tools and knowledge to ensure that your dress is the perfect length and style for your body. Before you take your dress to be altered, here are some helpful tips for what to expect when you need to tailor your wedding dress length.
How Long Should My Wedding Dress Be?
There are many different lengths of wedding gowns, and when you choose your wedding gown, pick one that flatters your figure and the style of your wedding.
You might want to choose a tea-length wedding gown, or perhaps a ballgown style, which should be floor-sweeping. There are also sheath styles that are another length altogether. With all of the different wedding gown styles, it can be hard to determine how long your gown should be. When you toss your height and body type into the mix, your wedding gown may need extensive alterations.
A professional tailor that specializes in wedding gowns will be able to look at your wedding gown when it is on your body and make recommendations for the gown’s length.
One of the things you may have heard about wedding dress length is that it should touch the floor. When you attend your wedding dress alteration appointment, you might have this consideration in your mind. In fact, most tailors would suggest that the front of your wedding dress should actually be about one inch from the floor and reach only to the top point of your shoes. The back of the dress should touch the floor. The reasoning behind this is so that you can easily walk down the aisle in your wedding gown without fear of tripping.
Should My Wedding Gown Cover Up My Feet?
When you attend your appointment, you will need to decide if you want your wedding gown to cover your feet.
The tailor may suggest an appropriate length for the particular style of your dress; however, you can let them know if you want to show some or all of your shoes. Keep in mind that a conscientious tailor wants their work to speak for itself, so their recommendations are usually accurate.
Commonly, a ballgown-style wedding gown should cover your shoes only enough to stop you from tripping. That means your shoes should not be seen, except for when you are taking steps. A very long dress at the front can be a tripping hazard, which would be disastrous at your wedding and cause discomfort any time you are walking.
A professional tailor specializing in wedding gowns will understand that the dress should be only about one inch from the floor and slope downwards slightly toward the dress’s back.
What Kind of Dress Can I Wear to My Wedding?
If you have a pair of shoes that you want to show off, or you love showing off your legs, there are some chic short wedding gown styles available.
Short wedding dresses are becoming more popular as wedding fashions evolve. Ankle, calf, and knee-length wedding gowns can be just as glamorous as their longer counterparts. If you have a brunch wedding or a more casual celebration, a shorter-length wedding gown is on-trend.
If you are petite or short in stature, a longer wedding gown might work to your advantage to give the illusion of height. Especially if you choose a mermaid, trumpet, or sheath-style gown.
One thing to consider when you are being measured for the wedding gown alterations is how much you will be dancing at your reception and walking around to greet your guests. If you plan on taking your wedding shoes off and wearing a pair of more comfortable shoes after the wedding ceremony, you should bring them, or ones of the same height (even if they are flip-flops), to give the tailor an idea of the length you need for your alterations.
A professional wedding tailor can take your dream wedding silhouette and make it a reality.
What Type of Shoes Should I Wear To My Wedding?
After your wedding dress, one of the most important purchases you make will be the shoes you will wear for your wedding.
This might seem inconsequential, but the type of shoes you plan to wear will significantly impact your gown’s length. Purchase your wedding shoes before you attend your first alteration appointment so that you can wear them with your dress, and the tailor can see what length it should be and pin it accordingly.
Whether you choose to wear Converse with your gown or a pair of flashy stilettos (or both), the tailor will need to see where your dress falls on the footwear. This is for both safety, but also so that your dress looks as beautiful as it should.
How Do I Find a Professional Tailor?
Many of the best bridal boutiques will have a tailor in-house. This is ideal because the tailor will be accustomed to working with the gown designers found in the boutique.
The typical time you need to for alterations is between six to ten weeks before your wedding day. If you have more work to be done than regular dress alterations, you will want to ensure that you give the tailor more time. A
custom gown can take ten to twelve months, but the process can vary. You will also want to budget for alterations when you are
creating your wedding budget. Expect to pay anywhere from $200-1000 for basic alterations.
If your bridal boutique does not offer alterations on-site, they more than likely have a tailor they work with closely. If this is not the case, it is best to find a tailor specializing in bridal gowns. Wedding dresses are not normal formal wear when it comes to alterations. You might need a bustle, or you might have a corset or boning that needs altering. Professional wedding tailors can alter your gown but maintain the integrity of the construction, the shape, and the beauty.
Viero Bridal offers on-site alterations, beautiful custom-designed couture gowns, designer affordable wedding dresses
in Chicago, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
When you are ready to choose your perfect wedding gown, Viero Bridal will help you choose and tailor the wedding dress of your dreams.
Contact Viero Bridal today!