Everything You Need to Know About Alterations

One of the most exciting moments in the wedding planning process is when your dress or suit arrives—it’s the moment your dream look starts to feel real. But there’s an important step between receiving your wedding attire and walking down the aisle that often catches brides and grooms off guard: alterations. At Mimi's Bridal and the majority of high-end bridal boutiques, we do not provide in-house alterations. However, we work closely with trusted local seamstresses and tailors who specialize in bridal and formalwear. Whether you're a bride, groom, or member of the wedding party, here's what you need to know about alterations—and why they’re a necessary part of the process.

Why Alterations Are Essential

Wedding dresses and tuxedos are not custom-made to your exact measurements. Instead, they’re ordered in the size that fits your largest measurement (for example, bust, waist, or hips for dresses), and then tailored to fit your unique body shape once they arrive. Even if the size seems “perfect” on paper, professional adjustments are almost always needed for a truly flawless fit.

Bridal gowns, in particular, are complex garments made with multiple layers, delicate fabrics, and intricate details. A well-fitted dress hugs you in the right places, stays comfortable all day, and moves with you naturally—from walking down the aisle to dancing the night away. The same goes for tuxes and suits—proper tailoring ensures sharp lines, clean shoulders, and pants that don’t bunch or drag.

Common Alterations You Might Need

For Wedding Dresses:

• Hemming the length

• Taking in (or letting out) the sides

• Adjusting straps or sleeves

• Adding a bustle (to lift the train after the ceremony)

• Modifying neckline or back details

• Adding sleeves

For Tuxes and Suits:

• Hemming pants

• Adjusting sleeve length

• Taking in or letting out the waist or jacket

• Tapering for a slimmer fit

What It Costs—and Why

Here’s where many brides and grooms are surprised: alterations are a separate cost from the dress or tux purchase. Alterations prices can come as a shock to the bride who has just spent her entire dress budget on the dress itself (we get it). Why do they cost so much? Allow us to give a plug for seamstresses. These days, finding a great seamstress is like finding buried treasure. They don't grow on trees! We've heard the horror stories of ruined bridal gowns, which is why we are so picky when it comes to the seamstresses we will recommend. A good seamstress puts in hours of physical labor and pays attention to the tiniest details to ensure the perfect fit. The price can vary widely depending on what needs to be done and how detailed your gown or suit is. As a rough guide:

• Basic alterations (like hemming and simple adjustments) might range from $150–$400 for a bridal gown.

• More complex changes or designer gowns can run $500+.

• Tux or suit alterations are generally less expensive, ranging from $20–$100, depending on the work involved.

It’s a good idea to budget for alterations early in your planning process so you're not caught off guard later.

Our Recommendations

Since we don’t perform alterations in-house, we maintain a list of experienced local seamstresses who specialize in bridal and formalwear. These professionals understand the care and craftsmanship required to handle wedding garments. When your gown or tux arrives, we’ll happily point you in the right direction to ensure you’re in good hands.

Timing Matters

We recommend reaching out to your seamstress immediately after purchasing your dress, rather than waiting for it to arrive. Seamstress' books fill up extremely quickly, so it's important to get on their radar as soon as possible. Give them an estimate of when your dress should be arriving (your bridal stylist should give you this information when you purchase) so that they can ensure they'll have time. You'll want to plan 1-3 months for alterations, especially for bridal gowns. Some brides need more than one fitting to get the perfect result. For tuxes and suits, fittings typically happen closer to the wedding, but leaving time for adjustments is key.

Note: Here at Mimi's Bridal, our rental suits come hemmed with adjustable waists. Only purchase suits require alterations.

Final Thoughts

Alterations are not a sign that something’s “wrong” with your dress or tux—they’re part of the process of making your look yours. A good fit not only enhances your comfort and confidence but also ensures you’ll look your absolute best in every photo and memory.

If you have any questions about what to expect when your gown or tux arrives, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!