Can a wedding dress that's too big or too small be altered?
Natalia3 min read
Ordered the wrong size, or your shape changed before the wedding? Good news: many dresses can be adjusted. But not all in the same way.
Taking in: usually possible
Taking in a dress that's too big is the most common case. We usually adjust the sides, back or bust. The difficulty depends mostly on lace, beading and boning along the seams.
Letting out: it depends on seam allowance
To let a dress out, there must be spare fabric inside the seams. Some dresses have it, others very little. When there isn't enough, other options can sometimes be considered, such as adding a panel or turning a zipper into a corset lace-up back.
Why the dress has to be seen
Feasibility depends on construction, fabric and where the decorative details are. Only an examination of the dress — ideally worn — can tell what's possible and give you an accurate quote.