Alterations 101

Every one of our 300+ locations has on-site alterations specialists who know our dresses inside and out, from the unique construction to the carefully crafted details. They can alter any wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, and social occasion dresses purchased at our stores or website.

We recommend making the appointment for your first fitting when you buy your dress. An alterations specialist will create a specific timeline based on your event date. Please allow 4 weeks between the first fitting and the pickup fitting.

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Along with adjusting the length and fit, we can make your gown one of a kind with:

Straps & sleeves

Our alterations experts can add thin or thick straps, cap sleeves, short sleeves, or long sleeves to any strapless wedding dress.

Corset backs

If your dress zips in back, we can transform it with a glamorous lace-up corset back (which gives you extra breathing room too) or a delicate button-up closure.

Bustles

A long, flowing train looks beautiful as you walk down the aisle. But what happens at the reception, when you want to dance? Bustle it! We'll create a custom bustle to complement your gown.

SEE OUR BUSTLES GUIDE >

First fittings take about an hour for wedding dresses and half an hour for bridesmaid or formal dresses. You'll try on your dress, and a specialist will pin it to show you the best alterations for an ideal fit. For wedding dresses with a train, you'll see bustle options.

To ensure the perfect fit, bring the bra, slip, shapewear, and shoes you plan to wear with your dress. The right lingerie can change everything.

Ask one or two trusted friends. If your gown has a long train, invite your maid of honor to the final fitting so she can learn how to bustle your gown for the big day.

Pricing varies based on the complexity of the alterations, so we'll need to see you in the garment first. Payment is due at the time of your first fitting. Additional charges apply to rush orders needed within 3 weeks or less. The David's Bridal Credit Card can be used to pay for alterations.

Our alterations services include a professional press and steam. If you're planning to have your dress altered elsewhere, we will steam your garment's outer layer before it leaves our store.

We love hearing happy stories and seeing how personalized alterations can help you fall even more in love with your dress.

THIS DRESS! Couldn't have imagined a better dress for the most special day of my life. The awesome folks at David's Bridal added the off-the-shoulder lace sleeves, which was exactly what I was looking for. After alterations and hemming, the dress fit like a glove, and I felt confident and beautiful the
entire day. - Kendra

I got my dress the day before my wedding! Yes, it was a spontaneous one and I had no time to shop around. It fit me perfectly. The alterations department helped and hemmed the dress for me the same day and I was able to wear it the next day. They were amazing. - imtaken

I had straps made from the bottom of the dress when it was altered to cover my shoulders for the mass and ceremony...The straps really made it for me and everyone commented on them and loved them! I love the classic look and am so happy I went with this dress! - cmfarley

I liked the dress when I got it, but when I made alterations to this dress, I fell in love with it. I'm happy to have made this dress my own by adding sleeves and cutting out the middle lace. - LaQuita