All About Alterations!
We already know how much you love your wedding dress, but just imagine how much more you will love your gown when it is contoured and fitted to perfection! Working closely with your seamstress is the most vital part of making your wedding dress uniquely yours. At Charlotte’s we refer all of our customers to some of the most talented and skilled seamstresses in the area. We recommend starting your wedding dress alterations around 8-10 weeks out from your wedding date. To begin scheduling your initial consultation, call or email our preferred seamstresses listed below:
Seamstress Recommendations
Please note that the seamstresses listed below are independent of Charlotte’s Bridal. The following ladies are independent contractors who we trust with all our dresses. You are not obligated to use them if you purchase a dress from us…but you’ll probably want to!
Bonita Sanders
Sparta, WI | 608.633.1937
bonita1454@yahoo.com
Anita Bennett
Holmen, WI | 608.317.7111
whatknotsewing.anita@gmail.com
Lisa Gille
Tomah, WI | 608.343.5349
lmgille@yahoo.com
Tracey Grinde
Melrose, WI | 715.896.3499
tracey.grinde@gmail.com
Kathy Brandt
Osseo, WI | 715.271.6422
kathybsalterations@gmail.com
Renee Rykal
Boyd, WI | 715.289.3982
Seams to Mi – Michelle
Eau Claire, WI | https://bit.ly/3NAHYlC
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule my alterations?
Once you choose the seamstress you prefer to work, we recommend contacting them via phone and email to ensure a timely response. Each of our recommended seamstresses is talented and skilled in the art of alterations, and each will have their own pricing structure and work style. Setting up an initial consultation with a few different specialists will allow you to choose the seamstress that will work best for you. Keep in mind that evening/weekend appointments do book up very quickly.
When should I start my wedding dress alterations?
When possible, our seamstresses recommend starting your alterations process no less than 3 months before your wedding date. This ensures an easy, stress-free experience for you! Plan for your entire alterations process to take anywhere from 8-10 weeks. Keep in mind that your final fitting with your seamstress should happen 7-10 days before the wedding, this will ensure that your gown has the perfect fit for the day of your wedding.
How many fittings should I expect?
Your wedding dress alterations may take 2 fitting appointments or more. Your seamstress’ work flow, the amount of detailing on your wedding dress, and how much custom work is being done to your dress are factors that all play into how many fittings you will need. At your initial consultation ask your seamstress how many fittings you will need and work with them to finalize your remaining appointments leading up to your big day!
When should I start my bridesmaid dress alterations?
We recommend contacting your seamstress of choice 2-3 months before your event date for your initial appointment. Please plan for 4-6 weeks before the wedding for your entire alterations process.
Do I need to bring anything to my fitting appointments?
Undergarments: Be sure to bring any undergarments you plan to wear with your dress to your very first fitting. Undergarments like a long line bra or a bustier will add additional support and prevent the bodice of your dress from buckling or bending—in some cases the structure in your gown alone is also not enough to provide “lift”. We want you to look and feel your best on your wedding day and proper undergarments may be the key to achieving this!
Shoes: Your wedding shoes are required for all your appointments! Keep in mind that your shoes also change your body posture, which in turn can effect how your dress lays.