Everything you plan on wearing with your wedding gown, such as your EXACT wedding shoes, the bra or undergarments you are planning to wear under the gown, anything you plan on adding to the dress (if you want to customize or personalize your gown, ensure to have any lace or materials necessary or pictures to be able to show your seamstress what you are looking to accomplish).

Changing the shoes or undergarments between fittings can cause the gown to fit differently and may require additional alterations. Also fluctuating your routine before or during alterations can change the fit. If you’ve started biking or running, your legs may become more toned, creating a fitted gown to become tight due to muscle. Remember—gowns are measured in inches, not by weight. The scale is not a factor when alterations are being done.

Whether planned or not, a lot can happen in the months between special ordering your wedding gown and when the gown arrives. Being proactive is always your best plan of action! Sometimes we may need to order fabric from the designer to help with your alterations. These items can take months to come in, so reaching out early is best so we can help you assess what you will be needing and get everything in time.

Expert alterations are essential to the final look of your gown. Special ordered dresses are not ordered to be a custom fit. It is very common to need straps shortened, bodice tightened or released, cups replaced or repositioned and hem. Customizations, like bustling are also done by your seamstress. Special occasion alterations are a special skill set, it’s important that your seamstress or tailor have experience with the construction methods and fabrics involved.

Timing is very important. Highly qualified seamstresses are in demand, therefore getting your appointment(s) in their books early is wise. Wedding dress alterations often begin 3 to 4 months before your wedding day. Be open regarding any concerns you have about weight, fit & possible customizations.

Disclaimer: The following contact information is subject to change. Bridal Chateau is not affiliated in any way with any of these businesses, and has no control over their hours of operation, pricing or finished product. We provide this list as a reference and resource, not as a recommendation.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the fitting process, please call 716-631-8345.

Deb Alterations—144 N. Ogden St, Buffalo, NY 14206—716-893-2608

L.E. Wasselmann Inc.—564 Colvin, Buffalo, NY 14216—716-875-3141

Prestige Tailoring—555 Colvin, Buffalo, NY 14216—716-874-2559

Alterations by Candice—968 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220—716-824-9310

Colvin Cleaners—2375 Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY 14217—716-873-2952

The Creative Studio—3337 N Gravel Rd, Medina, NY 14103—585-261-3866

Tom & Luigi’s Tailors—4130 Seneca St, West Seneca, NY 14224—716-674-9095

Sew Classy Boutique—976 Union Road Suite B, West Seneca, NY 14224—716-480-0375

Goldsworthy Alterations & Design—276 W Main St, Fredonia, NY 14063—716-969-7730

John Paul Tailors—3806 Union Rd, Cheektowaga, NY 14225—716-395-3556

Expert alterations are essential to the final look of your gown. Special ordered dresses are not ordered to be a custom fit. It is very common to need straps shortened, bodice tightened or released, cups replaced or repositioned and hem. Customizations, like bustling are also done by your seamstress. Special occasion alterations are a special skill set, it’s important that your seamstress or tailor have experience with the construction methods and fabrics involved. Going to a tailor should be like any other vendor that you book for your wedding. If you don’t feel that comfort level in the rapport, check out other options.

Timing is very important. Highly qualified seamstresses are in demand, therefore getting your appointment(s) in their books early is wise. Wedding dress alterations often begin 3 to 4 months before your wedding day. Be open regarding any concerns you have about weight, fit & possible customizations.

Disclaimer: The following contact information is subject to change. Bridal Chateau is not affiliated in any way with any of these businesses, and has no control over their hours of operation, pricing or finished product. We provide this list as a reference and resource, not as a recommendation.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the fitting process, please call 716-631-8345.

Alex Fashion & Bridal—3300 Monroe Ave, Rochester, NY 14618—583-506-8506

Bespoke Designs by Mary Ellen Hill—137 East Ave, Ste 201, Rochester, NY 14604—585-429-0223

I Do Alterations—19 State St, Pittsford, NY 14534—585-831-7833

The Creative Studio—3337 N Gravel Rd, Medina, NY 14103—585-261-3866

Eugene Taddeo (Fashion First Bridal)—480 Stafford Ave, East Syracuse, NY 13206—315-214-3181

Pat Van Wie—5 South Division St, Oswego, NY 13216—tvanwie@twcny.rr.com

Sewing & Alterations by Julie Hotchkiss—2648 Lincoln , St, Weedsport, NY 13166—315-834-9726

Sharon’s Sewing—101 Inwood Drive, Syracuse, NY 13219—315-382-1669

The Perfect Fit by Maria Bertone—115 Lynhurst Ave, North Syracuse, NY 13212—315-416-3177

Reach out to us! Even though we do not have an alteration department doesn’t mean we don’t know how to sew. We are happy to walk you through the process of what can be done and the right questions to ask. Sometimes, the reality of a seamstress saying something can’t be done just means she doesn’t have the particular skill set to accomplish what you are asking. Getting a second opinion or asking us is always an option. Any wedding gown can be taken in within 2 sizes. Can a wedding gown be taken down more? Yes! Can every seamstress accomplish that? No. Sometimes you just need to have a bigger conversation. Never be afraid to ask questions or to speak up.