Finding the right wedding dress is a big deal. An even bigger deal? Making sure it fits you in all right ways. The last thing you want is a something slipping or ripping. Andrea Marie Tailoring specializes in making every gown feel like it was made just for you, so you can walk down the aisle with confidence and comfort. And since she has over 30 years experience in tailoring, she has advice you should know before you even start looking for a dress that can save you time, money and stress. After all, you want to be sew in love with every part of your day.
Here are 10 tips to achieving the gown of your dreams from the shop’s owner Andrea Jones:
1. Know that fit doesn’t just happen. Consider prioritizing alterations. You can rock a designer gown, but if you don’t have the proper fit, it won’t look like the $12k you paid for it. Conversely, you can purchase a gown on a budget and if it fits you well, you can look like a million bucks.
2. Bead prepared. Andrea Marie Tailoring has worked with brides who needed as little as $68 of work done. They’ve also worked with brides who invested $1,400 into a long list of alterations. The average? Around $800. Special details like beading, sequins, glitter and appliqués and special additions, like sleeves, can sometimes add considerable time and cost.
3. Follow the two-size commandment. This might be the most important tip. Both designers and tailors highly recommend that you purchase a gown within two sizes relative to your current size. If your bridal boutique is clipping the gown in back, it should be less than 4 inches of excess fabric. More fabric can add to the cost of alterations almost exponentially and/or will result in a different silhouette than you thought you were getting.
4. Beware the great gown grab. Sample sales can be thrilling, especially when gowns are offered at deeply discounted prices. A caution: sample gowns are final sale, so take care in checking for any damages or flaws in construction. Even more importantly, make sure the gown is well within two sizes of your current size.
5. No shoes, no service: The exact shoes that you will wear with your gown are as essential as having your gown at the initial consultation/fitting. So much so, in fact, that Andrea Marie Tailoring will not proceed without them. They recommend that you bring the shoes and also any specific undergarments to every single fitting.
6. Don’t try to rush perfection: Professional alterations take time and often require more than one fitting. It is typical to have a two or three month lead time. Some bridal studios are able to offer rush / priority services, but these usually come with a steep fee, or can’t be offered at all because of high demand. The number one way to save money or avoid stress on alterations is to allow your studio plenty of time. Andrea Marie Tailoring asks for 12 weeks before the wedding date.
7. Make it ‘me time’: Allow a full hour for your first consultation/fitting. Sometimes even a seemingly simple alteration like a bustle can take a surprising amount of time. Unlike bridal gown shopping where an audience full of opinions may be helpful, plan on keeping guests to a minimum for the fittings. Andrea Marie tailors enjoy giving brides their full focus, so much so that they only do bridal fittings on days they aren’t open to the public.
8. Hustle for the bustle: Prepare to know if you’d like a bustle, which is a way to button/tie up the train to allow for better mobility throughout the wedding day. There are three main types: the traditional/American bustle which is on top, the French bustle which is up underneath, and the hem bustle which makes your gown look all one length. Have an open mind and have fun experimenting. Tailors love approaching each bustle as a design feature, unique to each gown’s silhouette.
9. Don’t sweat size changes: “We acknowledge how sensitive this topic is and we firmly believe that each bride is perfect exactly the way they are now. Period,” Andrea says. “We believe that there is no ideal size – and know that not all size changes (up or down) are welcome or planned.” It can be important to discuss any known changes only if you feel the fit of the gown can be affected, as gowns are altered according to measurements at the initial fitting.
10. Look for green flags: Reviews matter. Instead of focusing on the best (or the worst) reviews, ask yourself what the reviews in middle say about your tailor? Look for patterns and consistent themes and listen closely to those. Proceed with caution when considering a tailor without reviews at all. It’s also worth noting that a tailor experienced in creating bespoke wedding gowns can likely handle yours, too.
Not only can Andrea Marie Tailoring can ensure your dress passes the vibe, the rest of the wedding party can get their tailoring done too. Find the shop in The Belvedere Plaza at 134 W Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.
