Alterations timeline?

I had my first fitting 9 weeks out, second one 5 weeks out, third and final one 2 weeks out which is when I got to take my dress home.

I don't know if the type of dress matters. Also how busy the seamstress is.

I don't think it's out of the realm of normal.
The closer to the date alterations are done the less likely your body could have any major changes.

My seamstress has 30 years of experience and she insisted starting by late April for our mid July elopement. The sides are being taken in, the hem is being shortened, the lace train will be bustled, and cups will be added. My next fitting is in early June and hopefully everything will be perfect... so *crosses fingers* I can keep the dress.

Mine requires 14-16 weeks, however I live in a big city & they’re almost fully booked through the end of year. I would go with what the seamstress says they need.

View Quoted Comment Okay, that’s pretty close to the timeline I was given so that makes me feel better!

View Quoted Comment That’s a great point!

View Quoted Comment It definitely sounds like she knows what she’s doing! I’m sure it will be perfect 💕

View Quoted Comment Yeah, I shouldn’t worry so much 😅 thank you!

I worked in bridal for three years, and 6-8 weeks was always our alterations timeline!

August wedding here with first alteration appointment next week, then one in June, and final in July, and then August if any last minute adjustments are needed.

View Quoted Comment Great, thank you!

The dress boutique I went to said they usually started alterations about 4 months out, and then another visit at around 8 weeks, and if a final fitting was needed there was one more after that. I ordered a pre-owned dress that fit me really well without needing any additional alterations, but lost a bit of weight and thought about having the side seams taken in slightly, so I consulted an independent seamstress who wanted to start my fitting at 6-8 weeks out. Now that dress fits snug (thanks Covid) so I am having a second dress for my reception and dancing and I'm going today and need the dress in two weeks! Its a single layer slip dress so only needs the side seams taken in and hemming (and its designed to fit with a bit of breathing room) so the adjustment is pretty simple.

The seamstress is the pro and will have a good idea about how much time is needed. So many things factor into how much time is needed including how busy the shop is, how many people are working there, the material/fabric and structure of the dress including number of layers, complex details like beading or applique lace, if there is major restructuring (changing the shape of the dress drastically or altering by more than 2 sizes), what sort of alterations are being done (fitting, hemming, and adding a bustle, or things like adding sleeves, changing the back, etc). A simple alteration like hemming a single layer crepe dress may take less than an hour but it depends on where it fits into the seamstress/tailor's schedule and what other projects they also have lined up.

You should definitely preview what sort of alterations are needed. Send the seamstress a photo of your dress (or the brand and style/model number) and let her know what you want done. From there she can make a more accurate estimate of the time she will need. Starting alterations too early is more likely to run the risk of the client's size/shape fluctuating between measurements and final fit; starting too late could result in a rushed product, the need to work overtime, or just not having enough time to finish. They want to get the timing right as much as you do!

View Quoted Comment Great points. I am definitely going to send my seamstress a link to my dress for her to see ahead of time. Thank you so much!