Weddingbee Blog

I popped into my bridal shop the other day to ask about my schedule for alterations. The shop is the only one in my college town (my mom was up visiting for the day and we decided on a whim to check it out, and found THE dress!) and is pretty small.

I asked them when I should come in for alterations. The employee told me that March should be OK (remember, the wedding is in May), and that I’ll only need one set of alterations. I was aware that my dress doesn’t need much altering–it has a corset back, so basically all I’m getting done is having the hem shortened several inches and having the bust taken in a bit.

I’m quite glad to hear that multiple alterations probably won’t be necessary, at least in my case (I’m sure there are brides out there who have a legitimate need for several sets). My proportions are almost a perfect bridal size 10 (street size 4/6), except for that pesky height issue (I’m 5′ 2″). And if I get the first round done in January and then closer to the wedding find out that further alterations are necessary, we should still have time to do what we have to.

So now, happiness! One set of alterations isn’t that bad at all. Plus, she told me that because of my wonderful, wonderful corset back dress, I can get the alterations done in January to avoid the prom season rush and price-hiking. Then, even if I lose just a couple pounds (that’s really all I’m hoping to lose before the wedding) my dress will still fit fine. Or, if (for some horrible reason) I should gain a couple pounds, the dress will still fit fine. I love corset backs!

This arrangement seems fine to me–I know things operate differrently in small towns, where business is slower and customer service is of utmost importance. I actually feel like I’m getting a pretty good deal out of it. I don’t think this bridal shop is trying to stick it to me, and I love the idea of having my alterations out of the way before my last-minute wedding details creep up on me. Plus, the shop will still hold onto my dress until closer to the wedding (they’ve had it in the shop since I bought it) and will still do the steaming/pressing/etc. for me.

Speaking of which, my mom and I recently figured out how we’ll get my dress from my college town to Kansas City (150 miles away) for the late May wedding. Unlike brides who just have to transport their dresses a short distance, mine is going to have to undergo a 3-hour car ride. I can’t just sling it over the backseat. So we’re going to take the middle and last row of seats out of my mom’s minivan, line the floor of it, and spread the dress as flat as possible (within its garmet/transport bag, of course!). This should keep it from wrinkling on the drive, and when it gets to my parents’ house well be hanging it all by itself in a closet where the cat won’t have access. You can never be too safe with your precious wedding gown!