Wedding Dress Alterations: Timeline, Cost, and What to Expect

Wedding dresses are not like buying jeans. Even when you order your exact measurements, the gown arrives as a canvas — beautifully constructed, correctly sized, but not yet fitted to your specific body. Alterations are where that canvas becomes your dress. Hemming, bodice adjustments, bustle construction, and fine-tuning the fit through the torso and hips — these are standard, expected steps that virtually every bride goes through.

Understanding the process removes anxiety and helps you budget accurately. Here's what we tell every bride at Annika Bridal when she places her gown order.

When Should You Start Alterations?

Begin alterations 8 to 10 weeks before your wedding date. This gives you time for the standard two to three fitting appointments with comfortable spacing between each, plus a buffer for any complications. Your first fitting should happen as soon as your gown arrives from the designer — ideally at the 10-week mark.

• First fitting (8–10 weeks before) — your seamstress pins all adjustments. Hemming is measured, bodice fit is assessed, and the bustle method is discussed. Bring your wedding shoes, undergarments, and any accessories that affect fit (like a belt or sash).
• Second fitting (5–6 weeks before) — major alterations are complete. You try on the adjusted gown and assess the fit. Minor tweaks may be needed. The bustle is often pinned and practiced at this fitting.
• Final fitting (2–3 weeks before) — everything should be perfect. Sit, walk, dance, raise your arms, hug someone. Test every movement you'll make on your wedding day. Practice the bustle until someone in your wedding party can do it confidently.
• Pick-up (1 week before) — collect your finished gown in its garment bag. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

What Are the Most Common Wedding Dress Alterations?

Hemming

The most universal alteration. Unless you're the exact height the designer designed for (typically 5'8" in heels), your dress will need to be shortened or, less commonly, lengthened. Hemming a wedding dress is more complex than hemming a pair of pants — multiple layers of fabric (lining, tulle, lace) may each need individual attention, and the hem must be finished cleanly on every layer.

Bodice Adjustments

Taking in or letting out the bodice for a precise fit through the bust, waist, and hips. Most gowns have seam allowances that permit adjustments of one to two sizes in either direction. If you're between sizes when ordering, most bridal consultants will recommend ordering the larger size and having it taken in — it's technically easier and produces a better result.

Bustle Construction

The bustle is a system of hooks, buttons, or ties that lifts your train off the ground for the reception. There are several bustle styles — American (the train folds under), French (the train is gathered into points on the back of the skirt), and Austrian (the train is lifted in a smooth curve). Your seamstress will recommend the best bustle type for your gown's design, weight, and the number of layers in the train.

Adding Cups, Boning, or Structure

Many brides have cups or additional boning sewn into the bodice for support. This eliminates the need for a separate strapless bra and often creates a cleaner silhouette. If your gown has a deep neckline, a skin-toned modesty panel can be added for comfort.

How Much Do Wedding Dress Alterations Cost in Minnesota?

In the Twin Cities, bridal alterations typically range from $400 to $1,200. Here's a realistic breakdown of individual alteration costs as of 2026:

• Hemming (single layer) — $150–$250
• Hemming (multiple layers, lace, or horsehair trim) — $250–$500
• Taking in the bodice — $150–$350
• Bustle construction — $75–$200 depending on complexity
• Adding cups or boning — $50–$100
• Strap adjustments — $50–$100
• Adding a modesty panel — $75–$150
• Major structural changes (redesigning the neckline, adding sleeves) — $300–$800+

A typical bride who needs hemming, bodice adjustment, and a bustle can expect to pay $450–$750 in total. More complex gowns — heavy beading, intricate lace, multiple layers — cost more because they require more time and specialized skill.

How Do You Find a Good Bridal Seamstress in the Twin Cities?

Bridal sewing is a specialized skill. The fabrics, construction methods, and finishing standards required are fundamentally different from everyday garment alteration. A tailor who does excellent work on suits and dresses may not have the specific experience needed for a beaded ballgown with a cathedral train.

• Ask your bridal boutique — this is the best starting point. At Annika Bridal, we maintain a vetted network of seamstresses across the Twin Cities who we trust with our gowns. We match brides with seamstresses based on the complexity of the gown and the bride's location.
• Check reviews specifically for bridal work — look for seamstresses with Google and Yelp reviews from brides, not just general tailoring clients.
• Ask about experience with your designer — if your gown is from Galia Lahav or Berta, the construction techniques are specific, and the seamstress should have experience with that level of couture.
• Book early — the best bridal seamstresses in the Twin Cities book up 2–3 months in advance during peak wedding season (April–October).

What If Your Body Changes Between Ordering and Alterations?

This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and the honest answer is: most gowns can accommodate moderate body changes. If you lose or gain 10–15 pounds, a skilled seamstress can adjust the gown accordingly. Beyond that range, more significant reconstruction may be needed — but it's almost always possible.

Our recommendation: don't try to dramatically change your body for the wedding. Order the dress for the body you have now, and trust your seamstress to fit it perfectly to the body you'll have on your wedding day. Trying to hit a specific weight by a specific date adds unnecessary stress to what should be a joyful process.

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The difference between a good dress and a perfect dress is almost always in the alterations. A $3,000 gown with great alterations looks better than a $10,000 gown with poor alterations. Every time.

When you purchase your gown at Annika Bridal, we provide alteration guidance, seamstress recommendations, and timeline planning as part of the process. Reserve your appointment at our Edina boutique.