How long do wedding dress alterations take?
By Cloe Pan, Stylist ·
Most wedding dress alterations take two to three fittings spread over the last two to three months before the wedding. Heavily beaded, layered or structured gowns can need longer. At Lichée Bridal, we schedule your fittings back from your wedding date so each stage has time.
A typical timeline
Every dress is different, but a common rhythm looks like this:
- About 8–12 weeks before the wedding — first fitting. The tailor pins the dress on you and plans the work.
- About 4–6 weeks before — second fitting to check and refine the fit.
- About 1–2 weeks before — final fitting, then the dress is ready to take home.
When to start
Book your first alteration fitting as soon as you have the dress and your date. If you're ordering a gown in your size, remember that a special order takes roughly 14–20 weeks to arrive before alterations can begin — so start shopping early enough to allow for both.
What can slow alterations down
- Several skirt layers, each hemmed separately.
- Lace, beading or appliqué that has to be re-set by hand.
- Corsetry or boning in the bodice.
- A significant change in size between fittings.
What to bring to each fitting
Bring the dress, the shoes you'll wear on the day, and your wedding undergarments. Wearing the real pieces means the hem and fit are set once, correctly.
Questions, answered
- How many fittings do wedding dress alterations need?
- Typically two to three — a first fitting to plan and pin, a check-in, and a final fitting before you take the dress home.
- When should I start wedding dress alterations?
- As soon as you have the dress and your date. Most brides have their first alteration fitting about two to three months before the wedding.
- My wedding is soon — can alterations be done faster?
- Tell us your date when you book. We schedule fittings back from the wedding and will tell you honestly what's possible in the time you have.
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